Previous summits pointed out the need for greater regionalism, i.e., South Jerseyism.
Technology change creates competitive challenges and opportunities.
Many of these industries are gone or are in decline as the result of technology change. New Jersey is 14th nationally in federal research funding, yet South Jersey lags far behind North Jersey because of the small number of public and private research organizations. South Jersey's national perception is of smokestacks, decaying urban areas and Turnpike exits. In regard to attracting high tech, South Jersey holds a strategic position in both the Northeast corridor and the Greater Philadelphia beltway, has a high quality of life, low cost of living and is a bargain. Of course I knew this, having grown up in Haddon Heights, picked asparagus on my mom's old farm in Thorofare, canoed the Pine Barrons and loved the Jersey Shore.