I’ve been lucky to call many places around the world my home. As a career diplomat, I gained an understanding of life in other countries by experiencing it firsthand. My experiences with different cultures around the globe have afforded me the perspective that guides my professional career and allows me to truly appreciate just how special New Jersey is.
Diversity is the cornerstone of life and business in New Jersey. Immigrants from around the world have made New Jersey their home, bringing with them rich cultural traditions and unique perspectives. Attracted by the value of being here, dozens of international companies have selected New Jersey for their global headquarters. A range of landscapes – from beaches to mountains to bustling cities – gives residents a place to live that best suits their preferences. And laws supporting women’s rights to healthcare, protections for transgender people and the LGBTQ+ community, further solidify the state as a safe and welcoming place.
If you’re looking to expand, relocate, or start a business, look no further than New Jersey. We have everything you need to ensure your company thrives and your employees feel valued. In my opinion, there is no better place to live, work, and play.
New Jersey has so much to offer. Here, diversity and vibrant communities shine. With our inviting nature, welcoming policies, varied cultural communities, and ideal location, it’s no wonder we are home to the most diverse city and ranked among the most diverse states in the country. We are indeed at the geographical, intellectual, and cultural crossroads where businesses can thrive.
Through good governance and an appreciation for the importance of quality-of-life issues, New Jersey is one of the best places in the world to establish, grow, and relocate a business.
In my role at Choose New Jersey, I’ve seen how being open to all possibilities means nothing is impossible. I am now proud to be a New Jerseyan (I wasn’t born here but got here as quickly as I could!) and look forward to raising my family here and calling this state my home for life.
Wesley Mathews is the President & Chief Executive Officer of Choose New Jersey, the state’s leading nonprofit economic development organization. Previously, Mathews served as Deputy Economic Counselor at the United States Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he was responsible for the management of U.S.-Saudi economic and energy policy. He spent thirteen years as a U.S. diplomat serving in Germany, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Washington, D.C. In 2018, he served as a loaned executive to the New Jersey state government, establishing the state’s Office of International Trade and Investment at the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA). He is the recipient of several U.S. Department of State awards, including multiple Superior Honor Awards for advancing U.S. economic diplomacy.
