Morris/Somerset County, N.J. – WithumSmith+Brown PC (Withum), the Morris County Chamber of Commerce (MCCC), Somerset County Business Partnership (SCBP) and New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program (NJMEP) have announced the formation of the Manufacturing Cabinet, a new industry group to serve manufacturers and other supply chain companies. Established to address best practices and strategies throughout these sectors, the Cabinet will play a critical role in the manufacturing industry’s renaissance spurred by job growth and favorable tax reform incentives.
The cabinet is being spearheaded by Jim Hannan, practice leader of Withum’s Manufacturing, Distribution & Logistics Service Group; Paul Boudreau, president of Morris County Chamber of Commerce; Michael Kerwin, president and chief executive officer of Somerset County Business Partnership; and John Kennedy, chief executive officer of NJMEP.
“Given the renewed national and regional focus on manufacturing as a stimulus for economic growth and expansion, Withum and its Manufacturing Cabinet co-founders established this group to advance the full spectrum of manufacturing in New Jersey and beyond, from logistics and distribution to the entire supply chain,” said Hannan. “As the sector continues its comeback, the Manufacturing Cabinet is bringing together some of business and industry’s greatest minds.”
In New Jersey, there are more than 10,500 manufacturing businesses and over 360,000 jobs – both of which are growing. Driving this manufacturing rebirth is New Jersey’s highly educated workforce as well as serving as home to the East Coast’s largest port facility and an extensive highway and rail network. In addition, the state’s high population density provides a means to attract quality talent to fuel manufacturers’ growth.
“We are excited to create the Manufacturing Cabinet alongside Withum, Morris County Chamber of Commerce and the Somerset County Business Partnership,” said Kennedy. “This cabinet further enhances our mission of advocating for and improving the productivity and global competitiveness of small and medium-sized manufacturers and companies within the supply chain throughout New Jersey. We look forward to working with these organizations where we can all provide solutions that will grow both their businesses and the New Jersey economy.”
New Jersey’s strategic location along major Interstates 78, 80, 95 and 287 feeds the state’s manufacturing hotbeds, including those in Morris and Somerset counties where the manufacturing base encompasses pharmaceuticals, metals, plastics, production technology and scientific instrumentation. This sector is also a leading contributor to the strength of office, industrial and residential real estate performance in both these counties.
The Manufacturing Cabinet’s inaugural event will be held on Wednesday, June 6 when the group hosts “Driving Business through Sustainability” featuring noted guest speaker and Columbia University professor William “Bill” Russell, who is also a principal of a sustainability management consulting company called Transitioning to Green, Inc. In this role, he leads business consulting services and develops strategic sustainability plans and programs.
The event is being held from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at The Madison Hotel, 1 Convent Rd., Morristown, NJ. Businesses within the Manufacturing, Distribution and Logistics sectors are welcome. Advance registration is required and seating is limited. For more information, contact Withum’s Matt Basilo at mbasilo@withum.com.
About WithumSmith+Brown PC
Established in 1974, Withum is a national top-ranking public accounting firm that assists businesses and individuals on a local-to-global scale. Withum is also a member of HLB International, a worldwide network of independent professional accounting firms and business advisers committed to assisting clients to build and expand globally.
About Morris County Chamber of Commerce
The Morris County Chamber of Commerce serves the people of Morris County as a dynamic, member-involved business organization that provides its members opportunities to develop, promote and pursue their business interests, foster a healthy economic and political business environment and promote the benefits of business to the public.
Somerset County Business Partnership
The Somerset County Business Partnership is a Chamber of Commerce serving the businesses and residents of Somerset County. The history as a Chamber goes back to 1919. In 2002, the Chamber merged with two other countywide business organizations to create the Somerset County Business Partnership, giving the Somerset County a single voice to represent their interests.
About NJMEP
NJEMP is a private, not–for-profit organization that improves the profitability and competitiveness of New Jersey’s manufacturers. Backed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), NJMEP enables organizations to enhance their productivity and efficiencies, reduce costs, and improve employee performance. For more than 20 years, NJMEP has used its extensive network of connections and proven track record of success to help manufacturers adapt to the latest innovative technologies and best practices to realize more than $3.4 billion in value. Our services are categorized into the following three areas: Operational Excellence, Innovation and Growth and Workforce Development.