Platform Campaign Makes Much Progress after Year

By Joan Verplanck, President, NJ Chamber of Commerce

It has been a year since we joined forces to achieve the goals of the Platform for Progress (P4P) and what a year it has been! We've found nearly 150 kindred spirits throughout our state who share your vision, who believe that the Garden State can and will achieve greatness through the work of dedicated New Jerseyans.

The May Summit helped to more finely focus the original plan, and teamwork throughout the summer resulted in quantifiable deliverables. Perhaps the most evident sign of progress can be found in Governor Corzine's Economic Growth Strategy plan. Most of the goals in the plan mirror those of the P4P, demonstrating that your voice has been heard and we have found yet another partner in Trenton.

We have only begun the process, however. When you joined the P4P coalition it meant more than signing a petition; you agreed to help forward the agenda that will carry us through the hard times ahead and on to prosperity. This is a long-term commitment with more than enough work for all of us.

I ask that you remind yourself why you signed on, and recommit to the work of the P4P. We need to reach every business owner and every employee of every enterprise in the state to be sure that the path to prosperity is understood and supported.

The Chamber can't do it alone. You can't do it alone. Even our 150 current coalition members will be stretched by the overwhelming need for action. In addition to recommitting yourself to the P4P agenda, consider encouraging others to become involved. Invite them to visit P4P.com to become part of the solution.

Finally, if you would like a speaker for one of your Board meetings or company management meetings, let me know. I'll be happy to provide someone to speak to the basic goals of the program and answer any questions. In the end, victory will be achieved when employers provide key information to their employees, and those informed citizens call for changes that will benefit everyone.

October 2006