11-19-2024 7:30pm

CIRCULATE NJ COALITION LAUNCHES TO CELEBRATE NEW JERSEY’S LOGISTICS INDUSTRY

Donnella Tilery Editor

East Brunswick, N.J. – Circulate NJ today announced the launch of its coalition and accompanying education campaign to promote public understanding of the numerous benefits that logistics brings to New Jersey’s economy, environment, and workforce. The coalition’s 35+ members include representation from all sectors of the logistics industry, which encompasses the Transportation, Logistics and Distribution (TLD) industry, including port workers, warehouses, retail developers, trucking companies, and more.

“Circulate NJ represents the logistics industry’s essential role as the life force behind New Jersey’s economy,” said David Greek, Chair of Circulate NJ and Managing Partner of Greek Real Estate Partners. “This coalition will lead productive conversations with residents and stakeholders to inform them about the industry and address misconceptions. From tackling environmental issues, to strengthening the communities in which we operate, logistics industry members are working to uplift New Jersey’s economy and workforce.”

Circulate NJ’s wide-ranging coalition members are driving economic growth and success in towns across the state. Data provided by the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development shows the numerous benefits the TLD industry provides New Jersey, including:

Supporting more than 400,000 jobs
Employing 12% of the state’s private work force and providing 12.7% of New Jersey private sector wages
Providing an average $75,000 annual industry salary
Contributing $62.5 billion, or 10%, to New Jersey’s overall GDP

“The logistics industry contributes so much to the state and its residents, from economic growth to personal development to environmental rehabilitation,” said Dan Kennedy, CEO of NAIOP New Jersey. “Circulate NJ is here to demonstrate how New Jersey’s logistics industry is more than moving goods. We’re driving brownfield remediation, providing job training opportunities, and powering the state’s growing digital economy to make a real difference in our communities.”

Circulate NJ’s members have also taken the lead in environmental cleanup of brownfield sites. These hazardous locations often cost millions to rehabilitate and make usable for the public. Circulate NJ’s members have taken the initiative to clean up and reuse these sites across New Jersey, from Jersey City to Lower Alloways Creek and points in between.

"A sustainable robust supply chain is the fuel that feeds the economic engine of the region and is necessary to meet the current and future demands of the consumer,” said John J. Nardi, President of the Shipping Association of New York and New Jersey.

“The stability of our supply chain hinges on the successful coordination and collaboration of the business operations that comprise each link of that chain,” said Lisa Yakomin, President of the Association of Bi-State Motor Carriers. “Our port supports the needs of millions of consumers throughout the region, and the logistics involved in moving those goods are complex and dynamic. We look forward to increasing awareness on the role that each of Circulate NJ’s coalition partners serves in that vital process.”

“New Jersey’s logistics industry keeps America moving — and Circulate NJ keeps New Jersey moving,” said Michael Egenton, Executive Vice President for Government Relations at the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce. “Circulate NJ’s members truly are the life force of our state’s economy, supporting thousands of critical workers, and improving the lives of millions of New Jerseyans. Although logistics work often occurs behind the scenes, this coalition will bring to light the countless ways in which our state relies on the industry to thrive and help grow a strong economy in New Jersey.”

"New Jersey has been a national leader in production and distribution since Alexander Hamilton established the first industrial park in Paterson. New Jersey's historic strength in the logistics industry continues today, serving the region, nation and the world, while producing a full range of job opportunities and revenue benefits for the State's residents,” said Anne Strauss-Wieder, New Jersey supply chain expert.

The ongoing campaign will amplify independent studies and reliable data, providing a holistic overview of the industry’s impact across New Jersey — including efforts to address climate change by incorporating sustainable and clean energy and utilizing modern infrastructure, engagement with local communities, and partnerships with organized labor to ensure long-lasting infrastructure for sustained job opportunities.

Some of Circulate NJ’s more than 35+ member organizations include: NAIOP New Jersey; Amazon; Crow Holdings; Federal Business Centers; Forsgate Industrial Partners; Greek Real Estate Partners; The Hampshire Companies; JG Petrucci; NAI Hanson; Prologis; Russo Development; Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer, P.A.; Shipping Association of New York and New Jersey; Association of Bi-State Motor Carriers; New Jersey Chamber of Commerce; and NJBIA.

For more information about Circulate NJ, including a full list of members and where to follow us on social media, visit www.circulatenj.com.

About Circulate NJ

Circulate NJ is a wide-ranging coalition that seeks to inform and educate the public on the numerous benefits of the logistics industry through hard data and specific examples. Circulate NJ looks to have productive conversations with residents and stakeholders so that, together, we can continue to be the life force of the state’s economy. For more information on Circulate NJ, please visit www.circulatenj.com.