Jennifer Costa, President & CEO/Executive Director, Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce/GoElizabethNJ
In an interview with Invest:, Jennifer Costa, president and CEO of the Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce and executive director for GoElizabethNJ, outlined their focus on supporting small businesses, shared how they actively collaborate with regional chambers and government entities, and advocate for underrepresented industries and infrastructure projects.
Taking a broader look at the economy, how have ongoing changes in the market impacted the Chamber, if at all?
Ongoing changes have certainly impacted our chamber. The state of the economy, particularly when discussions of a recession arise, has affected some of our smaller businesses. Many people are not spending as much, which is a concern. However, I think the state has been proactive in providing information and support services for small businesses. These measures help offset some of the challenges they face.
How is the New Jersey government budget helping to stimulate the economy in Elizabeth?
On the tourism side, the New Jersey state tourism office received additional funding, which has been instrumental. It supports smaller destinations throughout the state through grant programs and enhanced staffing. This additional staffing helps communicate marketing strategies to drive tourism. For example, the Urban Enterprise Zone and related funding have seen significant improvements. I would defer to our director from the Elizabeth Development Company and our mayor for specifics on revenues and state enhancements.
Additionally, tourism in northern New Jersey is closely tied to the New York market, and this connection has been immensely beneficial. By tapping into areas outside of New York as well, we are driving people to local businesses. For example, we actively promote Elizabeth within Newark Liberty International Airport. Travelers experiencing delays or layovers often explore our hotels and local businesses, including restaurants. These efforts are supported by the state’s marketing initiatives and our Special Improvement District (SID) programs.
What steps is the Chamber taking to promote partnerships with other chambers and regional government entities to scale impact and opportunity?
Over the past three months, we have focused on building infrastructure, policies, and procedures for staff. While we are not actively recruiting new members at this time, we are concentrating on sustaining and renewing memberships. Our chamber takes pride in its history as we are in our 27th year and retain 50% of our original founding members. Our goal is to create a sustainable chamber that provides continuous value to its members.
We work with the New Jersey State Chamber on initiatives like our train trip, a multi-chamber event. Jim Masterson from the Union Township Chamber regularly participates with us. For instance, on January 28th, we are hosting a multi-chamber event. Previously, we held a joint chamber breakfast with IKEA to inform businesses about their new business network, which offers extensive discounts and incentives. Additionally, we organize a legislative breakfast in June, partnering with the Union Township Chamber to bring together multiple chambers, networking opportunities, and elected officials.
We now power the Linden Chamber operations from Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. We host monthly breakfast meetings and collaborate closely with Mayor Armstead. There is significant development happening in Linden, and we encourage businesses from Elizabeth and Linden to engage with each other. This fosters relationships across municipal borders, giving members access to two chambers for the price of one. This is particularly beneficial for international businesses unfamiliar with New Jersey.
How does the chamber support Elizabeth in attracting international companies and residents to New Jersey?
Elizabeth is strategically located just 30 minutes outside New York, with access to a major international airport and a robust seaport. These features make it a gateway to New Jersey. Our chamber does more than just sign up members, as we nurture their growth and success. We offer monthly networking events, educational series, and partnerships with entities like the Elizabeth Development Company and Union College. For example, we are preparing businesses for tax season with workshops led by tax professionals. These initiatives aim to address everyday challenges while supporting sustainable growth.
How is the corporate transit fee in New Jersey affecting the business landscape in Elizabeth?
The transit fee, coupled with congestion pricing in New York, is a significant concern, especially for the trucking industry. These added costs present challenges in terms of sustainability and optimization. While there are no immediate solutions, this trend is something we are monitoring closely. Infrastructure improvements will also be necessary to address these challenges effectively.
What is currently on the advocacy agenda for the Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce?
Advocacy is a key focus for us. We are exploring the development of associations for industries such as barber shops, salons, and restaurants. These sectors currently lack representation in town. We act as a voice for local businesses, bringing their concerns to elected officials and city departments. This advocacy ensures that businesses’ needs are addressed effectively.
We strive to connect businesses and provide valuable resources. I assumed leadership in January 2020, just before the pandemic. While the foundation was strong, COVID-19 necessitated a rethinking of how we serve businesses. We now meet quarterly with the health department and City Hall to address industry-specific challenges. For example, during the FIFA World Cup and the 250th anniversary of American independence, we plan to promote local restaurants with themed menus and events.
What is your outlook for the chamber and Elizabeth’s economy for the next two to three years?
One major project is a proposed ferry service connecting Newark Liberty International Airport to Lower Manhattan. While there are challenges, we believe this service could transform transportation infrastructure in our region. Additionally, we are focused on maintaining momentum from the World Cup and the 250th anniversary to establish Elizabeth as a prominent destination. The excitement surrounding these initiatives is palpable, and we are committed to their success.
We believe these events hold tremendous opportunities for Elizabeth. We are introducing a tourism certification program to train ambassadors, including senior citizens, students, and restaurant staff. This ensures everyone is prepared to welcome visitors. Marketing campaigns tied to these events will continue to promote Elizabeth as an alternative destination outside New York. Our tourism office, now 10 years old, is poised to capitalize on these milestones and drive long-term growth.
