On October 20, the Greater Atlantic City Chamber, in partnership with the Atlantic County Economic Alliance (ACEA), convened business leaders, elected officials, and regional stakeholders to discuss the findings of ACEA’s Greater Atlantic City Casino-Hotel Employment Exposure Assessment and the potential economic implications for Atlantic City and South Jersey.
Hosted by ACEA in Egg Harbor Township, the briefing highlighted the potential impact of expanded gaming and convention facilities in North Jersey on Atlantic City’s existing businesses, workforce, and regional economy.
The study identifies approximately 8,000 jobs potentially at risk, with nearly 70% of Atlantic City casino-hotel employees residing in surrounding communities. These findings underscore that the economic implications extend well beyond the casino industry, affecting small and midsized businesses, suppliers, contractors, restaurants, professional service providers, and employers throughout South Jersey.
The convening featured remarks from George Goldhoff, President of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City and the Casino Association of New Jersey; Senator Vincent Polistina; Assemblyman Don Guardian; Assemblywoman Maureen Rowan; Assemblyman William Moen, Jr.; and Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson.
The Greater Atlantic City Chamber supports economic development and investment throughout New Jersey while emphasizing the importance of understanding how proposed developments could affect existing businesses, jobs, and investments.
As a regional business organization, the Chamber has a responsibility to bring the business community together, collaborate with regional partners, and advocate for policies that ensure businesses have a fair opportunity to compete.
The Chamber appreciates ACEA’s leadership in commissioning the study and its partnership in bringing regional stakeholders together for this important discussion.
Through continued collaboration and engagement with policymakers and regional partners, the Chamber remains committed to ensuring South Jersey’s business community is informed and represented as these discussions move forward.
