Economic outlook brightens in N.J.

A new survey finds business leaders in New Jersey are more positive about the state’s economy.

In the highest percentage since the New Jersey Economic Policy Summit survey began in 2007, 59 percent of Garden State CEOs say they believe the state’s economy will get better in the next 12 months.

Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno says the Christie administration is reducing regulations and taxes to make New Jersey business friendly

“In an overtaxed state, an overregulated state, people wouldn’t be hiring. They’re now beginning to hire for the first time in years,” said Guadagno. “We have more private sector jobs in New Jersey than we have since 2009. We’re being very successful.”

Joe Harbert, the chief operating officer with Cushman & Wakefield in the New York metro region, said his commercial real estate business is selectively adding workers as the economy picks up.

“We’re a little wary to get too far out because the real question for us, and for every business, is this really a sustained and sustainable recovery? You really want to be careful not to over-hire and you want to be careful not to overbuild if you’re in the real estate business,” Harbart said. “We want to be cautious but cautiously optimistic.”

Phil Kirschner, president of the New Jersey Business and Industry Association, said companies are beginning to hire more employees.

“There really seems to be the real beginning of a recovery here. I think people are starting to get more confident so hiring is picking up, and we think it will continue to pick up for the foreseeable future,” said Kirschner at an economic policy summit in New Brunswick Wednesday.”