The momentum continues, as New Jersey is increasingly being seen as having a reinvigorated business climate, a renewed commitment from its leaders to foster the jobs of the future, and a vital infrastructure of established technology giants. New Jersey now ranks seventh in the nation in concentration of high-tech workers. Total high-tech employment in the State has increased by 16.3 percent since Governor Whitman took office. The state's nearly 200,000 technology sector employees contribute significantly to New Jersey's status as second in the nation in per capita income.

Key initiatives since Governor Whitman's inauguration day that have increased New Jersey's attractiveness as a powerhouse location for technology based enterprises include:

EDA Technology Initiatives: providing critical funding to early stage high-tech businesses through the NJ Seed Capital program and the NJ Technology Fund Program; a $50 million tax certificate transfer program to help small and mid-sized biotech and other technology companies; offering business employment incentives for companies locating in New Jersey; increasing the availability of venture capital through the Edison Venture Fund; development of a high-tech research park in North Brunswick; and the development of a major new research facility in Newark.

Commission on Science and Technology Initiatives: new programs funded at the Governor's direction after listening to the needs of the private sector include a $12 million R&D Excellence program and a $5 million Technology Transfer and Commercialization program; expansion of New Jersey's Technology Business Incubator program; specific assistance for small and mid-sized manufacturers through the NJ Manufacturing Extension Program.

Prosperity New Jersey and Edison Partnership Initiatives: creation of account manager system to target aid to specific categories of high technology companies, and focus on retention and attraction of key industries; creation of a state-of-the-art Business Resource Center to provide up-to-date information key to business decision-making; creation of the Edison Partnership to focus solely on the needs of the technology sector, especially in the areas of capital, workforce, marketing high-tech assets, and linkages between business and university.

With the firm belief that technology based enterprises will continue to drive our economy, and that New Jersey is poised to attract even more innovation and talent in the new millennium, Governor Whitman continues to plan for the future.

Soon to be announced Technology Initiatives: branding New Jersey with a high-tech identity and marketing out tremendous high-tech assets; changing census designations of New Jersey economic development regions to more strategically display our strengths; publishing a first-ever State of High Technology in New Jersey assessment; new programs to support the growth of entrepreneurial start-ups and research and developments in New Jersey; strengthening the university-business connection so vital to innovation.

As the result of these accomplishments, we are pleased to welcome Governor Christine Todd Whitman as a 1999 Inductee to the New Jersey High-Tech Hall of Fame.