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In this special edition of Greetings From the Garden State, host Mike Ham broadcasts live from NJIT for a groundbreaking gubernatorial candidate forum presented by the New Jersey Diverse Business Advisory Council. Seven of the nine candidates vying to be New Jersey’s next governor sit down to address some of the most pressing issues facing small businesses and diverse communities across the state.

This candid and, at times, fiery conversation covers a wide range of topics including:

• The future of Governor Murphy’s economic council
• Access to capital for small and minority-owned businesses
• The rollout and regulation of New Jersey’s cannabis industry
• Diversity in procurement, hiring, and state-funded programs
• Workforce development and trade education in underserved communities
• Language access, DEI, and inclusion in state policy
• Family leave and tax burdens on small business owners
• Equity for niche, seasonal, and youth-oriented businesses
• The “364-Day Disconnect” experienced by veteran-owned businesses

Throughout the forum, candidates challenge each other, offer unique perspectives on what government should (or shouldn’t) do, and make their case for why they’re best suited to lead New Jersey into the future.

🎤 Notable Voices:

• Mayor Ras Baraka (Newark)
• Senator Jon Bramnick
• Jack Ciattarelli
• Steven Fulop
• Bill Spadea
• Sean Spiller
• Steve Sweeney
• With commentary and moderation by Elisa Charters and other members of the Diverse Business Advisory Council

🌐 Resources & Links:
Learn more about the New Jersey Diverse Business Advisory Council and their mission to empower minority-, women-, veteran-, and LGBTQ+-owned businesses across the Garden State: diversechambers.com

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