New Jersey businesses are worried about an increase in the minimum wage, the prospects for legal recreational marijuana, and, of course, taxes, but they don't see a slowdown ahead for sales or profits, a survey released Thursday said.
The result? They are more likely to hire and hand out raises next year, the New Jersey Business and Industry Association survey found.
"Our companies continue to feel that they are in expansion mode," said Michele Siekerka, president and chief executive officer of the association.
The association is the state's biggest business lobby. Its business outlook survey, now in its 60th year, is an annual pulse of its members.
The results were released as the stock market was hitting the skids. But the outlook from New Jersey businesses seemed to be more in line with analysts who see the economic expansion continuing, setting a record for longevity next summer.