On the economic development front, New Jersey has been making strides in attracting international corporations to our shores.

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Mike Kerwin, president and CEO of the Somerset County Business Partnership, says the state has much to offer, "primarily our educated workforce, which is top grade."

The presence of so many pharmaceutical and scientific companies makes New Jersey attractive, he says.

"We also tend to forget that Newark Airport is a great amenity to have. It's very easy to get to Central Jersey and Somerset County by flying into Newark — a lot easier than JFK or other options."

The website BusinessFacilities.com reported that New Jersey is an international gateway to 21 of the Fortune 500 companies and more than 270 foreign company headquarters. They also stated that what the called New Jersey's "advanced infrastructure" ensures that the state is connected to the world physically.

Kerwin said the global food giant Nestle "literally searched the entire world for the perfect space" and settled on moving its health science division to the Center of Excellence, an office complex on Routes 202/206 in Bridgewater. The campus once housed

"That is a very positive sign," he said. "It doesn't get any better than that."

Kerwin says Somerset County worked closely with Choose New Jersey, a nonprofit that markets the state in concert with the Partnership for Action, which is led by Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno. The county has also worked with the Business Action Center, a state agency that bills itself as serves as a "one-stop" shop for businesses, helping companies to stay and grow in New Jersey, as well as locate.

Joe Cutter is the afternoon news anchor on New Jersey 101.5

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