Advocacy
Engaged & Informed
Legislative and business issues are routinely monitored by the County Chamber for the benefit of the members. The Chamber is recognized as the leader in this area for the County.
Offshore Wind: In June 2023, the Cape May County Chamber Board of Directors voted to support the County Commissioners Resolution 314-23. The Chamber’s position is that offshore wind projects must be done responsibly and in collaboration with local communities, including fishing stakeholders. The Chamber supports additional studies to fully evaluate the impacts that are likely to occur. We support of finding renewable energy sources to provide a cleaner and sustainable alternative for meeting our energy needs, but not at the expense of our tourism- based economy, commercial and recreational fishing industry and local businesses.
Tourism: The County’s tourism industry continues to be the economic engine driving jobs, quality of life, and the Coastal Shift for many who have chosen to relocate to CMC during and post Covid as well as for non-tourism related businesses who see the value of the County’s geography and demographics. Rebounding back to $7.4 billion in 2022, the Chamber represents our tourism industry through advocacy, advertising, and action.
Teen Labor Bill: Members of the Chamber first identified the opportunity to update the ancient teen labor laws and need to modify working papers as one solution to the current workforce crisis. Working with our statewide partners, this bill was finally passed and signed by Governor Murphy July 5, 2022 expanding the hours teens are allowed to work and putting in place a process for working paper reform scheduled to go into effect 6/1/2023.
J-1 Visa Summer Work Travel Program: The Chamber is a local, state, and national advocate for this program working with elected officials, businesses, and the U.S. State Department to restore the program to pre-Covid numbers. The Cape May County Chamber is a national voice for the program, now branded BridgeUSA and often participates in training webinars.
Offshore Oil Drilling and Seismic Testing: The Chamber has a long and respected reputation for its leadership in the opposition of oil drilling in the Atlantic Ocean along with the seismic testing necessary for the search for oil. As recently as July 2022 when the Biden Administration expressed intention to open new offshore drilling leases, the CMC Chamber was call upon to issue a press release on the dangers of drilling anywhere in the Atlantic Ocean waters. The Chamber is on record with filing official opposition with BOEM to Seismic Testing for Offshore Oil & Gas in the Atlantic Ocean.
Beach Replenishment Funding: We support increasing the annual dedicated $25 million Shore Protection Fund to $50 million through S2449 which has not been increased in 20 years. The Fund finances beach replenishment and flood mitigation projects along New Jersey’s ocean and bay coastlines. For two decades, the Fund has served as a catalyst for the state to acquire federal matching dollars of 65% to New Jersey’s 35% share for important coastal projects, making New Jersey second only to Florida in federal dollars for beach protection. Without this Fund as an incentive, N.J. would not benefit from this level of federal support.
Housing & Transportation: Access to affordable housing and public transportation are the greatest contributing factors to employment issues. The Chamber has established a joint Task Force to work with County Government to address these critical issues with the goal of developing immediate, short term, and long term solutions.
Environment: Cape May County has a fragile and unique eco-system and the Chamber’s Environment and Legislative Committee is extremely active in voicing concerns on regulatory actions that challenge our ability to live and work in balance with our community. Recent NJDEP regulatory changes to NJPACT rules will greatly change real estate values in Cape May County. Since January 2021 the CMC Chamber has been a major stakeholder on this issue, sounding the alarm to County and Municipal governments along with the business Community. Additionally, FEMA Federal Flood Insurance rates have the propensity to just as damaging to the County’s real estate market and the Chamber is continuously providing educational sessions on this issue.
Coast Guard Community Foundation: The Chamber is a proud partner in the Cape May County Coast Guard Community Foundation and was an instrumental partner in the application of “Coast Guard Community” designation from the United States Coast Guard with confirmation by Congress. This prestigious designation was first awarded to Cape May County in 2015.