NJBIA hosts 4th annual ‘Made in New Jersey Day’ in Trenton
The New Jersey Business & Industry Association hosted its 4th annual ‘Made in New Jersey Day’ at the State House in Trenton last Thursday.
“Made in New Jersey Day is a great chance for our manufacturers to show what they do and how they contribute to our economy and our quality of life,” NJBIA Acting President Melanie Willoughby said in a recent press release. “Our manufacturers are amazing. They compete nationally and globally while making great products and providing quality jobs for workers all over the state.”
Over 27 companies marketed every product and service imaginable at Thursday’s event, such as cowboy hats, gourmet bread and electrical fittings.
A Newark native, Dean Serratelli of the Serratelli Hat Company keeps his home manufacturing base in Newark despite selling most of his authentic cowboy hats in the West and South.
Ecce Panis, a gourmet artesian bread company originally based in New York, specifically relocated to East Brunswick for tax reductions.
And Bill Simmel, Director of Marketing for American Fittings Corporation in Fair Lawn, passionately advocated for legislators to more closely monitor the use of products made in the U.S. for government-based projects.
“It’s not as economically appealing to send business overseas anymore,” said Rob Stramara, chief operating officer for the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program. “Slowly but surely, businesses are returning to New Jersey.”
“Our state’s livelihood is based on manufacturing. Our objective is to keep building upon New Jersey’s manufacturing capabilities by helping Mom and Pop stores expand their business and grow from local to regional and beyond,” added Robert Salamone, account manager for NJMEP.
The New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program, a not-for-profit consulting company, helps small to mid-sized New Jersey manufacturers become more efficient, profitable and competitive by providing development, networking and productivity solutions for companies. In addition, it has an online directory of manufacturers and products for consumer and supplier access. The program is free to join for any New Jersey based manufacturers.
The NJBIA has provided over a century of service to New Jersey as the nation’s largest state-level business association, currently assisting over 21,000 manufacturers, retailers, service providers and wholesale businesses. By offering networking and developing opportunities, money-saving benefits, advocacy at the government level, ideas on workplace safety, and breaking business news, the NJBIA works with its members towards a common goal of building a more profitable and prosperous New Jersey.