It’s a tough economy. But New Jerseyans are a tough bunch. So Tuesday and Wednesday the state’s business leaders will show why they believe the Garden State is still a good place for business, even with gas prices up and home prices down.

More than 150 exhibitors from nearly every industry in the state will be at the NJ Biz Expo ‘08, a two-day business-to-business gathering at the New Jersey Convention and Expo Center in Edison, sponsored by NJ Biz magazine.

“Attendees get to spend time meeting exhibitors, and exhibitors get the opportunity to meet potential business partners,” says Tom Curtin, who a month ago was named publisher of NJ Biz after coming here from the trade publication American Banker. “It’s definitely a challenging time, a lot of companies are leaving New Jersey. But there is still a vibrant business community and what we aim to do is bring it together at the meeting…small and mid-sized businesses can learn how others are doing it.”

In addition to the exhibitors, NJ Biz Expo will feature speakers and workshops. CNN anchor Lou Dobbs will talk about “The Political Economy” at the Monday breakfast. At lunch the same day, Steve Adubato, author, motivational speaker and Emmy-winning host of Caucus and One-on-One, broadcast on public television and cable networks, will speak on “Making the Connection.”

Tuesday there will be “Get Motivated” seminars presented by Giants quarterback Eli Manning and Giants head coach Tom Coughlin. They might know a little about motivation after winning the Super Bowl last winter.

Admission is free to the exhibition hall with a business card. But you have to pay to hear the speakers and seminars. There’s a full schedule on the Expo website.

It’s prime networking opportunity. In a slow economy who you know may make all the difference!