Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell and Dr. Nicol Nicola, the director of economic and demographic research for the N.J. Department of Labor and Workforce Development, will serve as keynote speakers for its 14th Annual ‘MADE in NJ’ Manufacturing Day, Oct. 2, at iPlay America in Freehold.
This year’s gathering, which is expected to draw more than 1,000 attendees, marks 30 years of NJMEP supporting New Jersey manufacturers.
Nicola will bring a data-driven look at New Jersey’s labor market, workforce trends and shifting demographics — research NJMEP says will help manufacturers plan for one of the industry’s most persistent problems: finding and developing workers for the future.
Caldwell, who also serves as secretary of state and oversees the New Jersey Business Action Center, has made a habit of engaging directly with NJMEP and the state’s manufacturers, including a visit to the organization earlier this year.
“We’re excited to welcome both Dr. Nicola and Lt. Governor Caldwell to Manufacturing Day because they bring two incredibly valuable perspectives to the conversation,” MEP CEO Peter Connolly said.
“Dr. Nicola brings a deep understanding of the workforce and demographic data that manufacturers need to understand as they plan for the future. The Lt. Governor has been a longtime supporter of NJMEP and has made it a priority to engage directly with New Jersey’s business and manufacturing communities. Having both perspectives represented will add tremendous value to the conversations taking place throughout the day.”
The two keynotes join a lineup that includes:
- Matt Walsh, partner and practice leader of industrial and consumer products at Withum;
- Amy Herbold, CEO of Choose New Jersey;
- Matt Coleman, Atlantic regional administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration;
- Evan Weiss, CEO of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority.
Last year’s Manufacturing Day drew more than 1,100 attendees, a record for the event. This year’s gathering will again mix keynote addresses, breakout sessions, interactive exhibits, networking and the annual ‘MADE in NJ’ Manufacturing Day Awards.
NJMEP, backed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, has worked with small and mid-sized manufacturers across the state for three decades, a run the organization says has generated nearly $8 billion in value for the businesses it’s supported.
Registration is open here.
