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Following up on his Feb. 18 letter to the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, Assemblyman Vince Polistina, R- Atlantic, introduced a resolution in the General Assembly that urges the chamber to change the destination of its annual train trip from Washington D.C. to Atlantic City.
The resolution is also sponsored by Assemblymen John Amodeo, also R-Atlantic, and Nelson Albano, D-Cumberland, Atlantic and Cape May. In addition, there are 21 bipartisan co-sponsors of the resolution. “Moving the chamber’s venue to Atlantic City makes perfect sense and is extremely practical,” said Polistina. “The city possesses an abundance of amenities from hotels to restaurants and places to meet. I believe such a move would not only help support New Jersey’s economy, but participants would be able to achieve their business objectives while enjoying the city’s attractions. The chamber’s appropriate goal is to further business and commercial development in New Jersey, and this would be an important step in achieving that aim.” A copy of the letter follows. February 18, 2010 Joan Verplanck President, New Jersey Chamber of Commerce 216 West State St. Trenton, N.J. 08608 CC: New Jersey Chamber Board of Directors Dear Ms. Verplanck:
Unfortunately, despite the hard work and planning by the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, this year’s train trip to Washington D.C. was poorly attended by members of the business and government communities. As you begin to plan next year’s event, please consider a change to the agenda that would not affect the spirit of the trip – connecting New Jersey’s government, political and business leader – but would keep business in New Jersey and increase the number of people who ride the rails with the chamber. Instead of sending the chamber train to Washington, keep it local in Atlantic City. Keeping the trip in-state would send a strong message that New Jersey is once again open for business and a desirable place for both commerce and tourism, while showcasing Atlantic City as a prime convention center and important part of the state’s economy. Atlantic City has all the amenities a gathering such as yours would require: hotels, convention centers and restaurants that are on par, if not better, than those available in Washington. I’d also wager that the city’s gaming and entertainment attractions would be a welcomed addition for attendees. As we strive to fix New Jersey’s economy, we should make every effort to send patrons to New Jersey businesses, not 150 miles south of them. A local train trip would also cost attendees less time and money increasing the number of people able to attend. This would benefit your organization as well as the fine Atlantic City businesses that we both represent. Governor Christie’s decision to stay home during this year’s trip received much attention and speculation. I take the governor at his word that he did not attend because he had too much work finding ways to make the state affordable again. But perhaps if the Congressional Dinner were held in-state, he and his hard-working staff would be able to take a few hours to attend – especially if would help to promote an important aspect of New Jersey’s economic recovery. Taking the train to Atlantic City would benefit local New Jersey businesses while rejuvenating interest in an event with more than 70 years of tradition behind it. Please call me at my district office (609) 677-8266 to discuss this matter further or if I can be of any assistance in bringing the train trip to Atlantic City. We must try to keep our business and governmental leaders in New Jersey. Sincerely, Assemblyman Vince Polistina 2nd Legislative District, Atlantic County #### |
