New Jersey Chamber of Commerce

216 West State Street, Trenton, NJ 08608 | 609-989-7888
2020-01-07

Last week, The Star-Ledger published an article about the environment of sexual harassment in Trenton and the Walk to Washington was mentioned.

We have taken a series of proactive and significant steps to address the harassment situation and these steps are detailed in a press release the Chamber issued this morning.


The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce today announced additional steps that it will take to ensure that all guests on its upcoming Walk to Washington will feel safe, comfortable and respected. 

“The State Chamber believes that harassment of any kind is unacceptable behavior,” said Tom Bracken, president and CEO of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce. “We are committed to making the environment at all of our events safe and welcoming for everyone, but the recent Star-Ledger article has prompted us to take additional measures beginning with the upcoming Walk to Washington.”

The New Jersey Chamber announced it will: 

  • increase easily identifiable security personnel on its charter train to and from Washington, and at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel where the Walk to Washington events take place.
  • prohibit hard alcohol on the train.
  • establish a direct phone number that will allow any guest on the Walk to Washington to immediately and discreetly report an incident of harassment directly to security personnel and/or New Jersey Chamber of Commerce leadership. The phone number will be printed on the name badges given to all registered guests and be available on the smartphone event guide which all attendees can access.
  • enhance additional sexual harassment training for all employees of the New Jersey Chamber, including modules on effectively responding to on-site harassment reports that occur during events.
  • publish and disburse a Code of Conduct (see the code here) to all attendees of the Walk to Washington that specifies guidelines for professional conduct at Chamber events, details the kind of harassing behavior the Chamber will not tolerate, and describes the actions Chamber representatives are likely to take in response to harassment complaints.

“It is critical that the issue of harassment be resolved,” Bracken said. “The State Chamber stands ready to work with state leaders to help resolve this problem and we look forward to working with Sen. Loretta Weinberg and her committee as it looks into these issues.”

The New Jersey Chamber will host the 83rd annual Walk to Washington on February 27-28.


About the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce

The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce is a business advocacy organization that represents its members on a wide range of business and education issues. Based in Trenton, the organization also links the state's local and regional chambers on issues of importance through its grassroots legislative network. 

NJCC 2022 Biz Summit WEB
March 14-15, 2023 | Harrah's Atlantic City

Media Contacts

Scott Goldstein
New Jersey Chamber of Commerce
scott@njchamber.com
609-989-7888 x113
Cell: 609-220-0836


 Kevin Friedlander
New Jersey Chamber of Commerce
kevin.friedlander@njchamber.com
Cell: 732-266-3885

2023 NJ Chamber Events

Mar 2

NJCC Small Business Series
Recruiting and Keeping Talent During Challenging Times

Where: Virtual Event
When: 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Free to participate


Mar 14-15

ReNew Jersey Business Summit & Expo 2023
Where: Harrah's Atlantic City


Apr 26

Evening Networking Mixer

Where: ShoreTown Ballpark, Lakewood 
When: 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.


Upcoming Events

Apr 12

NJCC Business Roundtable Series
Breakfast with Assemblywomen Muñoz & Swain

Where: TBD
When: noon – 2:30 p.m.


May 10

NJCC Business Roundtable Series
Lunch with State Senators Sarlo & Oroho

Where: Hilton Garden Inn Hamilton
When: noon – 2:30 p.m.


May 15

NJ Chamber Challenge Cup Golf Tournament

Where: Bedens Brook Club, Skillman
When: Registration opens at 10 a.m.


June 8

26th Annual NJ Chamber Open House and Reception

Where: The New Jersey State Museum, Trenton
When: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.


Dec 7

Annual Member Holiday Party

Where: Calandra's Italian Village, Caldwell
When: 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.


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