New Jersey is a truly unique business environment within the United States, and 2024 marked a period of significant economic activity for the state. South Jersey’s vacation destinations experienced record revenue last year, signaling a strong tourism sector. Simultaneously, New Jersey restaurant owners are receiving positive developments from Trenton regarding regulations, contributing to a more favorable operating environment. Furthermore, a notable salary increase has been observed for hourly wage workers across New Jersey in 2025, reflecting broader economic gains. These positive trends indicate a robust and promising future for businesses operating within the state. Despite the challenges presented by the slow economic recovery following the COVID-19 lockdowns of 2020 and the ongoing effects of unpredictable inflation, numerous New Jersey businesses have demonstrated resilience and achieved success.

Identifying the most responsible companies in New Jersey is a key focus, and each year, Newsweek collaborates with Statista to determine which United States-based businesses are leading the way. This collaborative research process utilizes Reputation surveys, gathering insights from 26,000 US customers, alongside 30 key performance indicators. These indicators are meticulously assessed across three critical categories: Corporate Governance and Consumer Surveys, Environmental Concerns and Energy Usage, and Social Awareness and Charitable Donations. This comprehensive approach allows for a nuanced understanding of a company’s overall responsibility. Newsweek’s research focuses on the 2,000 largest publicly traded companies headquartered in the United States, selecting 600 US-based businesses based on their positive impact. All of these selected businesses achieve an overall score of at least 67, with the top 100 companies consistently demonstrating an overall score exceeding 90. This signifies a commitment to ethical and sustainable practices.

In 2025, 15 New Jersey-based businesses secured a place within the Top 500 of Newsweek’s rankings, a testament to the state’s thriving business landscape. Notably, five of these Jersey-based companies achieved recognition within the Top 100 Most Responsible Companies in America. This impressive achievement highlights the dedication and commitment of New Jersey businesses to responsible operations. The Newsweek 2025 rankings provide a valuable benchmark for assessing corporate responsibility and identifying leaders within the US business community. These rankings demonstrate a shift toward companies prioritizing not only financial success but also their impact on the environment and their communities. Understanding the criteria behind these rankings—including consumer reputation, environmental stewardship, and charitable contributions—offers crucial insights for consumers and investors alike. The continued success of New Jersey businesses in this respected ranking underscores the state’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility.

For the sixth year, Newsweek has partnered with Statista to review the 2,000 largest publicly traded companies headquartered in the United States. This ongoing collaboration ensures a consistently reliable and insightful assessment of corporate responsibility. The Top 500 of Newsweek’s Most Responsible Companies in America represents a significant achievement, and the inclusion of 15 New Jersey-based businesses within this list is particularly noteworthy. The selection process emphasizes a holistic approach, considering a wide range of factors that contribute to a company’s overall responsibility profile. This ranking serves as a powerful tool for identifying companies that are not only successful but also dedicated to operating in a manner that benefits both their stakeholders and the wider community. Further research into these companies can offer valuable lessons for businesses seeking to emulate their success while upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct and social responsibility. The continued partnership between Newsweek and Statista guarantees that these rankings will remain a vital resource for understanding and promoting corporate responsibility across the United States.