Governor McGreevey and Business Leaders
Launch New Security Partnership

New Jersey Governor James E. McGreevey and Business Executives For National Security (BENS) President and CEO General Charles Boyd, U.S. Air Force (Ret.), joined corporate executives and state officials to launch the BENS New Jersey Business Force on Tuesday, March 4, 2003 at the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, N.J. 

The New Jersey Business Force is a first-of-its-kind partnership between many of the state’s leading businesses and the New Jersey state government.  The coalition’s focus is on high priority areas where the assets and expertise of the private sector can make genuine contributions to state efforts to prepare for and respond to catastrophic events or terrorist attacks. 

“We understand in a post 9-11 world, not only the importance of responding with greater efficacy, but also the importance of working collaboratively with the private sector in our efforts to battle terrorism,” Governor McGreevey told the group.  “The Business Force has the full, unequivocal support of the entirety of this administration.”

The New Jersey Business Force is building close working relationships with state government agencies including the Attorney General’s Office, the Office of Emergency Management, State Police, The Health Commissioner and Department of Health and Senior Services. 

“The State of New Jersey explains its needs, New Jersey companies fill the void,” explained Boyd.  “Where we work, where we play, where we cohere as a nation is being targeted.  These are the targets we have to secure.” 

Recently, Brian Dunlap, a former Lucent Technologies marketing executive, started as the New Jersey Business Force Executive Director.  In addition, The Amelior Foundation, Atlantic Health System, Automatic Data Processing, Inc., The CIT Group, Inc., DRS Technologies, KPMG LLP, Pfizer Inc, Prudential Financial, Saint Barnabas Health Care System, Stevens Institute of Technology, United Retail Group, and Verizon Communications have joined the coalition as charter members.  Automatic Data Processing Honorary Chairman Josh Weston spoke at the event and encouraged other executives to join. 

The event was held in the New Jersey Science Center in Liberty State Park, scene of a temporary hospital after the 9/11 attacks, to highlight the importance of innovative solutions to America’s continuing vulnerabilities.  The Center has become a model for how a museum can be a haven for children, source of assistance to emergency authorities, and advocate for the peaceful use of science and technology.

Founded in 1982, BENS’ membership of senior business executives focuses on two key security issues:  developing business-government partnerships to deal with new threats and reshaping and rebuilding our military for 21^st Century challenges.  Further information about BENS is available at www.bens.org.