By Stephanie Vaccaro, Staff Writer
MONTGOMERY “I believe we don’t have a reality problem; I believe we have a perception problem, and that can be changed,” said Tracye McDaniel, president and CEO of Choose New Jersey, at the Montgomery Township Economic Development Commission’s spring business forum on April 19.
”And if you have an aggressive marketing campaign that sells the assets, and we frame the story that we want to tell, I think that will make a difference, and it will push the needle. That’s what Choose New Jersey’s charge is.”
”Everybody asks me this why did you choose New Jersey,” said Texas-native Ms. McDaniel. “The reason for coming to New Jersey was a simple one for me. Let me just say that it was an opportunity, an opportunity to be a part of a reform and a movement that’s happening in this state unlike some I’ve seen in a long time.”
Ms. McDaniel worked for the last three governors in Texas, including George W. Bush, developing business platforms for Texas for job growth and retention. She was hired in December 2010 after a nationwide search.
”According to the National Governors Association, they have a center for best practices, New Jersey is moving in the right direction,” said Ms. McDaniel. “NGA states that the elements that are needed to successfully build an economic development strategy are: collaboration; having an audacious vision; private sector involvement; metrics, how do you measure yourself; leadership; a governor’s role in the role of deal-closing; and also having a strong core mission.”
”Today tough choices are being made to develop policy to promote positive and pro-growth business climates in the state of New Jersey,” said Ms. McDaniel. “Governor Christie is making it easier for businesses to choose New Jersey, creating jobs and retaining jobs. Christie has signaled a new direction for New Jersey, lowering taxes, reducing government spending and less regulation, creating a better location for businesses today and in our future.”
Now, that was one bold move to go to someone else’s turf and make that call,” said Ms. McDaniel.
The New Jersey Partnership for Action consists of three interconnected organizations Choose New Jersey, the Business Action Center and New Jersey Economic Development Authority.
”The Business Action Center serves as a one-stop shop for businesses,” said Ms. McDaniel. “It is the business advocate for New Jersey.”
She then turned her focus to the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA).
”When I looked at how EDA stacked up to other states’ competitive incentive programs, New Jersey is standing there barring none,” said Ms. McDaniel. “We’re used as a model.”
”The third leg of this partnership is Choose New Jersey,” said Ms. McDaniel.

