CEO's Message, March 2026

Shine

Our Executive Committee approved the launch of a strategic plan, called Shine. Inspired by the Statue of Liberty’s torch and our logo, the goal is big. 

We are choosing to be a missionary chamber rather than a mercenary chamber, reflecting a shift from a transactional, profit-first mindset to one driven by purpose and community impact.

While there is always a return on engagement, and while we will always remain mercenaries for our members, the Chamber’s value goes far beyond attending an event or seeing your name on a list. It is expressed in the health of our business community and long-term member success. 

We are missionaries for our local economy. Everyone knows that every tax on a business is actually a tax on consumers, reflected in higher prices and in higher rents. 

Deficits are filled by economic growth, not by impediments to that growth. We will be missionaries for our businesses to start, stay, grow and hire our neighbors right here in Hudson County. 

As missionaries, we commit towards having a marathon mentality, obsessed with an enduring outcome of economic success. By working together, we must all win together. That is our purpose-driven mission and meaning, and we look forward to being your partners along the way. Stay tuned.

Yours sincerely,

Emory Edwards

President and CEO