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Through their Manufacturing Counts partnership, NJBIA and NJMEP announced Tuesday that the annual State of the State of Manufacturing Summit will take place at the Statehouse on May 20, starting at 9:30 a.m.

The summit will include a Hill Day, exhibit areas, a Legislative Manufacturing Caucus meeting and more, followed by a networking event at nearby Cooper’s Riverview.

The event, which brings together industry leaders, stakeholders, STEM firm executives and lawmakers to discuss ways to improve the climate for New Jersey’s manufacturing industry. There is no cost to attend.

“We are looking forward to hosting the State of the State of Manufacturing Summit at the Statehouse, as part of our continuing efforts to address the needs and concerns of our manufacturers with policymakers,” said NJBIA President and CEO Michele Siekerka.

“Manufacturing is a crucial industry for New Jersey’s economy, with workforce, regulatory and cost challenges providing continuing headwinds. We thank the legislators, partners and attendees who will be on hand for this event to discuss how we can advance manufacturing in New Jersey.”

“We are excited about the potential this year’s State of the State of Manufacturing Summit holds under NJBIA’s leadership,” said NJMEP CEO Peter Connolly. “NJMEP remains committed to supporting our manufacturing sector and we look forward to seeing how NJBIA’s advocacy and lobbying strengths will further elevate the industry’s profile among New Jersey’s legislators.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to continue pushing forward the important conversations and initiatives that drive our industry. The Manufacturing Counts partnership between NJBIA and NJMEP will allow us to work together to ensure manufacturing can thrive here in New Jersey.”

Last month, the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program (NJMEP) announced the transition of the State of the State of Manufacturing Summit to NJBIA in a strategic effort to amplify the influence of New Jersey’s manufacturing sector and foster a more business-friendly environment.

This initiative builds on NJMEP’s achievements in elevating the industry’s voice to the pinnacle of state leadership and cultivating a dynamic community of manufacturing leaders, thereby bridging the engagement gap that existed prior to the summit between the state and its manufacturers.

Recognizing the need for enhanced advocacy, NJMEP handed the reins of the event to NJBIA, whose robust lobbying capabilities for decades in manufacturing and dedication to a pro-business climate are seen as key to propelling this conversation forward.

“NJBIA’s DNA, dating back 114 years, is in manufacturing,” said NJBIA Chief Government Affairs Officer Christopher Emigholz. “We are committed to integrating the manufacturing sector’s interests into our advocacy to provide meaningful change that will not only benefit our manufacturing community, but New Jersey’s economy at large.”

In 2022, NJBIA and NJMEP entered into a formal agreement to unite, broaden and strengthen the support of manufacturing businesses throughout the state.

Under that Manufacturing Counts partnership, NJBIA vowed to coordinate efforts and resources to bolster advocacy, collaboration and visibility for the industry.

To register for the 2024 State of the State of Manufacturing Summit, click here.