Officials at Choose New Jersey have always welcomed the chance to travel the country and the world in an effort to identify companies that should have a N.J. presence – and then work to bring them here.
Those efforts got easier in the second quarter.
In a show of the nonprofit business attraction organization’s commitment to the cause, Choose New Jersey opened offices in Taiwan and California during the second quarter. In May, Choose New Jersey officially opened the New Jersey Asia Pacific Center in Taipei, Taiwan following a productive multi-nation economic mission to East Asia led by Governor Phil Murphy in 2023. The Center creates new opportunities for collaboration between New Jersey and East Asian businesses and academic institutions while strengthening economic and cultural relations. It serves Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and China, and has representatives based in each region. In June, Choose New Jersey announced the opening of the New Jersey West Coast Center located in the Plug and Play Tech Center in Sunnyvale, California. The Center is the organization’s first domestic presence outside of New Jersey and will support companies in the artificial intelligence, technology, and film industries currently headquartered on the West Coast that are looking to relocate or expand to New Jersey.
Choose New Jersey’s Chief Strategy Officer Tim Crouch will lead the office as its executive director.
Gov. Phil Murphy was pleased with the progress.
“Alongside Choose New Jersey, my administration is thrilled to continue showing the world why New Jersey is the best place to start and grow a business,” he said. “Our historic investment and expansion in key industries, from life sciences and technology to film and television, will ensure we remain a hub for economic, cultural, and social prosperity for the companies and people who choose to call New Jersey home.” The second quarter also included the launch of Choose New Jersey’s website redesign which provides key resources for businesses looking to expand or relocate to New Jersey. The new site offers improved functionality and an updated modern appearance with vibrant colors. Proof points of why New Jersey is ideal for businesses are illustrated through photos and visual enhancements.
And, in partnership with JLL, BioNJ, and the N.J. Economic Development Authority, Choose New Jersey released the 2024 New Jersey Life Sciences Report, which highlights New Jersey’s thriving life sciences ecosystem and available and developing real estate.
“New Jersey continues to uphold its reputation as a premiere destination for forward-thinking business leaders seeking innovative ways to expand their reach and increase their impact,” Ralph LaRossa, chairman of Choose New Jersey and Chair, president and CEO of PSEG, said. “Choose New Jersey’s support for businesses across the state is strengthening as we rapidly expand our global and domestic presence and show the world the extensive economic resources New Jersey has to offer.”
Choose New Jersey participated in the BIO International Convention in San Diego, the SelectUSA Investment Summit in National Harbor, and the Plug and Play Silicon Valley Summit in Sunnyvale, making the case for New Jersey as the best location for the most innovative businesses in the world.
Choose CEO Wes Mathews said the group’s work already is having impact.
“Choose New Jersey is letting the world know that New Jersey is open for business,” he said. “The momentum built from our Q2 successes will carry us through the year as we continue to showcase New Jersey as a global player where innovation, education, and quality of life intersect, making it the best place to live, work, and play.”
