Kristi Howell, President & CEO, Burlington County Regional Chamber of Commerce

In an interview with Invest:, Kristi Howell, CEO of the Burlington County Regional Chamber of Commerce, discussed business growth, workforce development and the region’s evolving economy. She highlighted the chamber’s efforts to expand capital access and strengthen connections.

What initiatives has the chamber focused on recently?

We’ve strengthened our programming for members, particularly around capital access, which has become a major issue. With banking changes, we’re helping members connect with alternative funding sources like the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), grants, and loan programs. One of our biggest achievements last year was launching the first-ever State of the Joint Base event. We brought nearly 200 people onto Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, Burlington County’s largest employer and the state’s second largest, second only to the government. This helped our members and the community better understand the base’s economic impact.

Considering the economic landscape, how have market changes impacted the chamber?
Rather than market shifts, election cycles have the biggest impact. I’ve been with the chamber for 23 years, and during presidential election years, businesses tend to hold back on spending, including marketing and chamber memberships, as they wait to see where the economy is headed. New Jersey gets a double hit — after the presidential election, we have a gubernatorial race this fall, meaning another period of financial caution. Toward the end of last year, we saw a dip in memberships and sponsorships, but things are picking back up. Post-COVID, businesses are also saving more for a rainy day. Many weren’t prepared for the shutdowns, so they’re spending more cautiously. That said, we’re seeing an upswing now, with new engagement among our members.

How does South Jersey’s business environment compare to North Jersey’s and what makes Burlington County attractive for businesses?
South Jersey’s biggest strength is its lower congestion. Employees enjoy a better quality of life — they can live on a farm and still be just 20 minutes from an urban business district with Fortune 500 headquarters. Many people relocate here from North Jersey or New York, commuting by train or bus while enjoying a quieter lifestyle. The cost of doing business is also lower than in the New York metro area. Beyond that, South Jersey’s business community is close-knit and supportive. People build genuine relationships; it’s not just transactional. While I can’t speak firsthand to North Jersey’s business culture, South Jersey’s strength lies in its strong community connections.

Which business sectors have seen the most growth in recent years?
Warehousing has been the biggest driver of growth. Unfortunately, malls are being replaced with warehouses, raising concerns about truck traffic. However, as long as people continue buying online, we will need distribution centers and logistics infrastructure. Beyond warehousing, Burlington County is revitalizing downtown areas and supporting the restaurant industry. We’ve partnered with county commissioners on Restaurant Week, which now has more participating restaurants than Philadelphia. It’s free for restaurants to join and doesn’t require prix fixe menus, making it a great promotional tool. We’re also seeing creative business development in towns like Moorestown, which is introducing its first brewery and tasting room after changing licensing laws. Rowan College at Burlington County has even launched a brewery science program in a historic Main Street building. Specialty coffee shops and other small businesses are also emerging, bringing back that nostalgic, walkable “hometown” feel.

How do farmland preservation and transportation impact economic development?
Farmland preservation has been a priority in Burlington County. Most farmland is protected through state and county programs, and commissioners actively promote agriculture through farmers’ markets and other initiatives. Transportation, however, remains a challenge. Unlike North Jersey, we lack a robust public transit system. A light rail line connects some Burlington County communities to Philadelphia’s PATCO system, but overall, transit options are limited.

This makes commuting difficult, especially for joint base families with only one vehicle. Some employers have adjusted by coordinating shifts for workers from the base, but limited transit access still restricts job opportunities. While some companies are building near the light rail, space is limited, making transportation expansion crucial for economic growth.

How has population growth and diversity impacted the business community?
The rise of remote work has made Burlington County even more attractive. Its proximity to New York and Philadelphia was always a draw, but now that professionals can work from home several days a week, more are choosing to live here. Housing trends reflect this shift. Many younger professionals prefer high-end apartment living with amenities over traditional single-family homes. Several upscale complexes have been built, offering pools, community spaces, and easy access to dining and entertainment. Some developments are even located on the Moorestown Mall property, integrating residential and commercial spaces. This shift helps retain young talent who might have otherwise moved to big cities. Forward-thinking development has played a key role in shaping the county’s future. Burlington County’s low tax rate is a major advantage for businesses and residents alike. The county commissioners do a great job of maintaining high-quality services and economic opportunities without raising taxes, which helps attract both companies and new residents.

How has networking evolved within the chamber?
I prefer to call it “relationship building” rather than networking. Traditional networking often involves exchanging business cards, but we’ve noticed a shift toward informal gatherings and casual meetups where people connect over coffee or drinks. While these are great for introductions, they don’t always lead to long-term relationships. That’s where the chamber plays a role. Last year, we launched a referral network, similar to a mini Business Network International (BNI), with two groups focused on deeper connections and business referrals. We also prioritize small-batch networking events capped at 15-20 people. Instead of large, impersonal gatherings, we want to create opportunities for members to develop real professional relationships.

What’s next on the chamber’s advocacy agenda, and what is your outlook for Burlington County?
The governor’s proposed budget includes several business-impacting measures, such as a tax on trucks making multiple warehouse stops, along with new industry-specific taxes. Over the next three months, we’ll focus on advocating for a business-friendly state budget.

Beyond that, our priority leading up to the gubernatorial election is vetting candidates who support attracting and retaining businesses. A major challenge is the out-migration of seniors due to the high cost of living. When grandparents move away, younger families lose access to built-in childcare and multigenerational support, making workforce participation, especially for working mothers, more difficult. Childcare affordability and accessibility are major concerns.

Long term, we remain focused on expanding missions at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. The base is a key economic driver, with most military personnel living, shopping, and sending their children to school in the county. More job opportunities at the base mean more economic growth for the region. We’re also committed to leadership development to ensure the next generation continues Burlington County’s economic success. As the chamber celebrates its 50th anniversary in June, we recognize how much the landscape has changed. We’re focused on ensuring it thrives for the next 50 years.