The Council on State Public Affairs hosted its first annual “New Jersey: State of the State” event on Thursday in Somerset.

The event, themed Revitalizing Our Economy, aimed to encourage a policy agenda that would move the state forward economically and create a positive change.

Among the day’s several panelists was Tracey McDaniel, President and CEO of Choose New Jersey, an operation whose mission is to encourage and nurture economic growth throughout the state.

According to McDaniel, the event’s overall outlook was “cautiously optimistic”.

“There are so many strategic things that are being done by our policy makers, and also business leaders in the state, that are aligning us for a clear focus on economic growth and prosperity,” explained McDaniel.

She said the key to economic revitalization in New Jersey is strong research of business practices – not only in other states, but globally.

She explained, “We need to know some of the best-case scenarios that are happening throughout this world, and bring those practices to our state.”

The state added several thousand private sector jobs since the start of the year. To many business leaders on hand Thursday, that has been a sign of New Jersey moving in the right direction.

McDaniel said New Jersey must continue moving in that direction, while attracting companies that align with the state’s core and mature industry sectors.

“Life sciences, pharmaceuticals, bio technology,” McDaniel continued.

A complete report from “New Jersey: State of the State” is expected in the next few weeks.

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