TRENTON — Gov. Chris Christie says he has "one very solid lead" as a result of his trip to Chicago last week to try to lure businesses back to New Jersey. Christie, who paid for the two-day trip himself, said he met with about 18 business leaders. After his presentation, Christie said one leader told him they were "sold"...
N.J. Gov. Chris Christie at a press conference at the Statehouse in Trenton.TRENTON — Gov. Chris Christie says he has "one very solid lead" as a result of his trip to Chicago last week to try to lure businesses back to New Jersey.
Christie, who paid for the two-day trip himself, said he met with about 18 business leaders. After his presentation, Christie said one leader told him they were "sold" and wanted more information about moving to New Jersey.
Christie said he wasn't releasing the name of the company until a deal is reached or it falls through.
"We got at least one very solid prospect out of it," Christie said.
When asked, Christie said he had no guilt about trying to steal jobs away from another state.
Christie launched his interstate trade mission after Illinois raised their personal and corporate income taxes in January. Despite the increase, Illinois still outranks New Jersey in the Tax Foundation's business climate index, but Christie set out to capitalize on the difference, pointing out that he plans to lower taxes.
Christie also launched a radio and newspaper advertising campaign to try to attract Illinois businesses.
Several of the largest Chicago-based companies, including Kraft, McDonalds, Boeing and Deere &Co., reported that there were no meetings scheduled last week with Christie.
Previous coverage:
• Gov. Christie travels to Chicago in effort to lure businesses to N.J.
• Intent on luring firms to N.J., Gov. Christie heads to Chicago
• Business tax cut to be included in Gov. Christie's budget this year
• N.J. Assembly passes bill that could give companies major tax break
• Gov. Chris Christie may propose business, income tax cuts by next month
• Gov. Christie to launch campaign encouraging Illinois businesses to relocate to N.J.