52:27H-18. Office of economic research; powers and duties; economic development research activity in office of economic research in division of planning and research in department of labor and industry; transfer

The Office of Economic Research shall:

a. Study trends and developments in the industries of the State and analyze the reasons underlying such trends; study costs and other factors affecting successful operation of businesses within the State; and make recommendations regarding circumstances promoting or hampering business and industrial development;

b. Investigate and study conditions affecting New Jersey business, industry, and commerce, and collect and disseminate information, and engage in technical studies, statistical research, and educational activities necessary or useful in promoting and developing New Jersey business, industry, and commerce, both within and outside the State;

c. Develop an effective business information service both for the direct assistance of industry of the State and for the encouragement of industries outside the State to use business facilities within the State;

d. Serve as a clearinghouse for business and industrial problems of the State;

e. Collect and disseminate information related to population, housing trends and needs and serve as a clearinghouse for the exchange of information on the condition and needs of the housing industry of the State;

f. Provide information to existing and proposed small business ventures relative to organization, financing, regulation and compliance with government regulations;

g. Develop and make available, periodically, indices and other information relating to current business conditions;

h. Make recommendations to the Economic Development Council from time to time, for the remedy or improvement of any conditions, and for the elimination of any restrictions and burdens imposed by law, or otherwise existing, which adversely affect or retard the development and expansion of business and industry.

i. The functions, duties, records, property and personnel of the economic development research activity, now located in the Office of Economic Research in the Division of Planning and Research in the Department of Labor and Industry, are transferred to the Office of Economic Research in the Department of Commerce and Economic Development.

L.1981, c. 122, s. 19, eff. April 16, 1981.