Choose New Jersey Strengthens International Economic Ties While Advancing New Jersey’s Film and AI Industries in Successful Third Quarter

Newark, NJ — Choose New Jersey, New Jersey’s leading nonprofit business attraction organization, today announced a successful third quarter of 2024, spotlighted by a Governor-led economic mission trip to Canada, the opening of the Choose New Jersey West Coast Center, and the promotion of New Jersey as a premier sports and entertainment destination.

In September, Governor Phil Murphy, First Lady Tammy Murphy, and the Choose New Jersey delegation embarked on an economic mission to Canada, strengthening economic, academic, and cultural ties between the regions. During the mission, several partnerships were announced, including:

• A sister state agreement between Ontario and New Jersey
• An academic affiliation agreement, creating professional development, research, and internship opportunities for staff and students in STEM fields between Rowan University, and Montréal-based information technology company CGI Technologies and Solutions, Inc., which has an office in New Brunswick.
• The announcement of new jobs from Toronto-based RxSource, a global leader in clinical trial services, at its new West Deptford facility, citing New Jersey’s unparalleled infrastructure and energy reliability as a key factor in choosing New Jersey for its continued U.S. expansion. 

The mission also included a stop at the Toronto International Film Festival, where New Jersey hosted a reception to celebrate its thriving film industry. In collaboration with the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Choose New Jersey developed three print ads featured in Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, and Screen International daily editions. Complementing these efforts, geofenced digital ads and LED trucks featuring New Jersey’s promotional messaging were deployed across Toronto and Montréal further amplifying the State’s visibility in Toronto.

“My administration, alongside Choose New Jersey, is committed to positioning New Jersey as a global leader for investment and innovation,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “By fostering strong international partnerships and driving economic growth, we are creating opportunities that benefit both our businesses and residents. Our ability to attract top-tier companies and talent underscores New Jersey’s reputation as a premier destination for success. Together, we will continue to shape a prosperous and inclusive future for our state.”

Choose New Jersey’s West Coast Center opened in July, bolstering expansion support for companies in the artificial intelligence (AI) and film industries. Choose New Jersey’s Chief Strategy Officer and the Executive Director of the West Coast Center, Tim Crouch, and New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission Executive Director Jon Crowley attended Association of Film Commissioners International Week in Los Angeles, joining over 140 international film commissions and other industry leaders from across the globe. Crouch led several meetings in Los Angeles with prominent film studios and producers, developing future partnerships to boost film production and investment in New Jersey.

“Choose New Jersey connects business leaders to the resources they need to succeed in one of the world’s leading economies,” said Ralph LaRossa, Chairman of Choose New Jersey and Chair, President, and Chief Executive Officer of PSEG. “Through sustained and developing relationships with global, forward-thinking companies, we are thrilled to continue supporting New Jersey businesses while opening the door for new investment.” 

Choose New Jersey President & CEO Wesley Mathews joined New Jersey major league sports teams during their international games in Q3. Mathews attended the New Jersey Devils’ victorious Global Series matches in Prague and the New York Jets’ International Series game in London. During the London game, in partnership with the Jets, Choose New Jersey showcased its advertising to over 61,000 football fans at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, capitalizing on the State’s global exposure.

Back home, Choose New Jersey advertising reached attendees of concerts and games at Metlife Stadium and the Prudential Center. And, in Camden, where the Philadelphia 76ers practice, Choose New Jersey ran a regional radio advertisement promoting its business expansion services.

As Choose New Jersey heads into Q4, preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup final games at MetLife Stadium are ramping up. MetLife Stadium has been announced as a host venue for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ including the final match. The Welcome World Foundation (501c3) has been established, led by Wesley Mathews, Zakiya Smith-Ellis, and Natalie Koepff from New York City Tourism and Conventions. Transportation and Security Working Groups are actively convening with state and city agencies, and the Commercial Program is narrowing in on key sponsor and donor prospects. 

“Our success this quarter is a testament to New Jersey’s growing reputation as a global destination for innovation, investment, and cultural exchange,” said Wesley Mathews, President and CEO of Choose New Jersey. “From expanding our presence on the West Coast to deepening relationships in Canada, and promoting New Jersey on the international stage, we are committed to creating opportunities that drive growth and foster partnerships across key industries. As we look ahead, New Jersey remains at the forefront of innovation, attracting world-class companies and investments that strengthen our economy and communities.”

About Choose New Jersey

Choose New Jersey is the State’s leading non-profit business attraction organization. We harness the collective power of New Jersey’s business, government, labor, and academic sectors to expand New Jersey’s economy. We work globally, using our marketing expertise, concierge business development services, deep knowledge of the State, and convening power, in collaboration with State government, to empower businesses, entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators to make New Jersey their home. To learn more, visit choosenj.com.