History & Mission
Founded in 1927 as the Bergen County Chamber of Commerce, CIANJ has always been an advocate for business and free enterprise in New Jersey. The group was a leading advocate for the building of the George Washington Bridge, opened in 1931 providing a gateway to New York and enhancing the transportation network and success of businesses throughout the region. Over the years, the group remained a strong voice for the expansion and improvement of the business climate in the area.
With the first publication of Bergen, now COMMERCE magazine in 1965, the group’s reach started to extend to c-level executives all over New Jersey. In 1975, the Foundation for Free Enterprise was founded as an affiliate, dedicated to providing educational programs to students in elementary and secondary schools, which focused on the importance of the free market economic system. The political action committee, Commerce NJ (formerly known as PENPAC), was founded in 1979 to provide funding and support to business-minded candidates for the both the legislature and the Governor's office.
In 1983, the Chamber was renamed the Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey, expanding the focus of the organization into a statewide business advocacy group. The organization’s mission remains as true today as it was when it was established. CIANJ is the leader in free enterprise advocacy for the purpose of providing, through education, legislative vigilance, and membership interaction, an economic climate that enhances business potential and makes New Jersey a better state in which to live, work and conduct business.
Mission
The mission of CIANJ is to be the leader in free enterprise advocacy for the purpose of fostering, through education, legislative vigilance and membership interaction, an economic climate that enhances business potential and makes New Jersey a better state in which to live, work and conduct business. Over time, we have learned how the real value of a business association is found in the relationships built and the resources shared. CIANJ’s forums and business councils are arenas that bring together the brightest minds across professional disciplines in the key areas that affect every business in the state. From finance and healthcare to human resources and the environment, there is always something to learn – or something to share — in our association.
The council and forums of CIANJ deliver insight, best practices and important connections to assist you in your business. Forum discussions are an excellent way to shine a light on your expertise and gain exposure and new clients from focused, meaningful participation. We encourage all CIANJ members to be active members. CIANJ councils and forums help our members (or their teams) find topic-specific areas of interest to become involved.
Of course, member companies also have an opportunity to volunteer to actively participate in various steering committees that shape the agenda of the association. In addition, executives may be invited to join the board of directors, a select group of business leaders who guide the association and provide its vision.