Gov. Gives Direction for Prosperity NJ

Governor James E. McGreevey today announced a new leadership team for Prosperity New Jersey to strengthen the manner in which the State's education and business communities work together. The organization also will elevate the role of education in its efforts to strengthen the economy.

"Prosperity New Jersey will place an increased emphasis on linking the business community with all levels of education to ensure that the State is teaching and training young people for the types of jobs New Jersey companies need to fill," McGreevey said.

Leaders in education, business and government will serve as chairs of the Prosperity New Jersey -- Shirley M. Tilghman, President of Princeton University; Rev. William Watley, Secretary of the N.J. Commerce and Economic Growth Commission; and Dr. James Carnes, President and CEO of Sarnoff Corporation.

"A quality education system is essential to successful economic development," McGreevey said. "New Jersey's economic prosperity depends on a new, aggressive approach that will strengthen business and education partnerships."

The Governor has charged Prosperity New Jersey with creating a coordinated approach to improving public schools, community colleges and universities, workforce development and the State's business climate.

Adam Pechter, Chief Operating Officer of the N.J. Commerce and Economic Growth Commission, will serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Prosperity New Jersey. Pechter also is a member of the Governor's Education Cabinet.

"I am pleased to have been asked to co-chair Prosperity New Jersey and to work with institutions of higher education throughout the state to develop more effective relationships with business, with state government and with our local communities to help meet the demands of a changing economy," said Tilghman.

"I appreciate Governor McGreevey's strong support for these efforts, and his recognition that colleges and universities play a critical role in partnership with others, in creating a climate for innovation in New Jersey and in preparing a workforce that has the skills needed not only in today's economy, but also in the economy of the future," she said.

Under Prosperity New Jersey's new leadership, the business and education sectors will identify and address New Jersey's workforce needs by developing and supporting innovative approaches that will better educate and train the state's workers for the jobs of the future.

For example, McGreevey has proposed that Prosperity New Jersey help establish "career academies," by bringing schools and business together to provide students with highly specialized training on specific career tracks, such as bio-technology, engineering and research and development.

In addition, a new Board of Trustees will include education and business leaders from throughout New Jersey.

"With the support and assistance of our new leadership team, New Jersey schools and universities will better understand what business needs as well as how best to develop a qualified workforce and a seamless transition from school to the workplace," McGreevey said.

The Governor has made improving education and economic development through partnerships a top priority of his administration. He has established an Education Cabinet of the state's top education leaders, including public school and higher education bodies and business leaders to advise him on additional steps the state should take to improve education at all levels.

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Author: Paul Aronsohn