outdated systems, and improve customer-facing operations. The appointment of Kellie Doucette as New Jersey’s first Chief Operating Officer reinforces this goal. Doucette will lead modernization initiatives, coordinate across agencies, and ensure operational efficiency efforts, reducing administrative delays for businesses. Recognizing the growing need for skilled labor, the Governor has prioritized workforce programs and easing hiring challenges. This is particularly relevant as dealerships transition to EVs, which require specialized technician training. Her track record includes securing a $2 million federal grant for the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program (NJMEP) to strengthen defense and green energy supply chains, demonstrating her ability to fund programs that build local talent pipelines — a model that could extend to automotive training and workforce development. Sherrill has consistently demonstrated a practical, results-oriented approach, balancing ambitious policy goals with real-world implementation. While supporting broader clean energy initiatives, her “Save You Time & Money” agenda highlights this approach: eliminating new business registration fees, reducing MVC appointment wait times, and streamlining licensing approvals. Moreover, her commitment to fair competition ensures that licensing, franchise, and consumer-protection laws are applied consistently, protecting small dealerships from unfair practices by larger manufacturers or unlicensed operators. Across these priorities, Gov. Sherrill demonstrates a results-oriented style that blends efficiency, accountability, and practical problem-solving qualities, particularly relevant to the evolving automotive sector. As it relates to the State’s clean energy and transportation goals, the Governor has emphasized expanding community solar projects, using underutilized spaces for energy generation, and increasing incentives for electric vehicle adoption. While these policies may directly impact dealers and consumers, Sherrill frames any associated costs as long-term investments in public health, the environment, and the State’s economy. Her goal of balancing ambitious aims with practical implementation is evident: She supports electrification AND renewable energy, while simultaneously focusing on affordability AND regulatory clarity. Gov. Sherrill’s approach suggests she will provide a more pragmatic environment for industry stakeholders. We can expect a governor who balances environmental ambitions with market realities, emphasizes operational efficiency, supports workforce development, and is willing to challenge entrenched interests to protect fairness. For NJ CAR dealer members, this signals a period of policy continuity with an eye toward practical implementation alongside new opportunities. As the State’s marketplace continues its transition to electrification and advanced vehicle transition, Sherrill’s guiding principles will shape how dealerships navigate both the challenges and opportunities ahead. Natural Gas | Electricity Dedicated Support & Account Management Local Market Expertise & Insight Budget Certainty & Pricing Flexibility Tired of Unpredictable Utility Costs? Jay Thomson | 908.239.9644 jthomson@spragueenergy.com Rate Surprises Shouldn’t Cut Into Your Bottom Line Take Control of Your Energy Costs Today. 19 NEW JERSEY auto retailer
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