Recap: 2022 State of the State of NJ Manufacturing

NJMEP and NJBIA completely filled the George Washington Room of Patriots Theatre at their annual State of the State event. But even a room that full only represented 2% of the manufacturing companies in NJ. (- NJMEP) Manufacturing is alive and well in NJ and its members are passionate about living and working in NJ and making NJ a better place to do business. 

The State of the State was not just a photo-op meet and greet, manufacturers took the stage and voiced real frustrations and stories of challenges they have faced. Hard questions were asked of both lawmakers in attendance and the media who report on these issues emphasizing the real offers coming in from other states and the urgency manufacturers faced to make decisions for their companies.

Where will NJFPA be this May?

Processors, Don't Miss These Exhibits!

The response from exhibitors and sponsors to this year's conference has been tremendous! Don't miss your chance to nail down what you need for your business all in one room.

• Don't just search the web for services - talk to multiple providers at once and find who fits your needs and your budget.
  • Packaging, flavoring, cold storage, construction, insurance, software, automation, and more... 
• Find new community resources - Chambers of Commerce, County Business Hubs, state incentives and grants.
  
  
• See the latest trends - entrepreneurs from the Rutgers Food Innovation Center, vegetarian and plant-based trends.
  
  
• Give back with your community - Learn more about the charitable work of the Mid Atlantic Food Trade Association (MAFTO).
  
  Register Today!

2022 Conference Sponsorship 

Sponsorship of the NJFPA Annual Conference represents an opportunity for creative engagement with both food processors and the partners that support the industry. Throughout the event, attendees discuss best practices, learn about the latest trends, explore solutions to our shared challenges, and network with new friends and familiar faces. Through sponsorship, your organization can be associated with leaders in our community. 

Thank you to our 2022 Conference sponsors!

Reducing and Recovering Food Waste with the Center for EcoTechnology (CET)

Education Chair Brian Tannenhause of BD Construction attended the NJ DEP Food Waste Virtual Stakeholder Meeting on behalf of the NJFPA to discuss the Food Waste Recycling and Food Waste-to-Energy Production Law (P.L. 2020, c. 24).  Brian invited fellow attendee non-profit Center for EcoTechnology (CET) to share their expertise with our members:

NJFPA + CCSNJ Networking Event

Monday, January 31st, 2:00 - 3:00 PM join NJFPA and the Chamber of Commerce of Southern New Jersey for a virtual networking event. Whether South Jersey is local to you or you are considering expanding, make valuable connections across the region. Space is limited Register today!

NJFPA's Annual Industry Benchmarking Effort

After the insightful results of 2021's benchmarking survey, your NJFPA community wants to know where you and your company are now.

If you work in food processing, we invite you to take part in an 8-minute survey that the New Jersey Food Processors Association is conducting with Grassi's Manufacturing & Distribution practice and Crain's New York Business. The results from this survey will generate comprehensive industry benchmarks that your business can leverage.

Potential Grant Opportunity

The Farm and Food Worker Relief Grant Program provides approximately $665 million in Consolidated Appropriations Act funds to provide grants to State agencies, Tribal entities, and nonprofit organizations with experience in providing support or relief services to farmworkers or meatpacking workers. 

For more information go to the UDSA page on this grant program or watch the introductory webinar (38 minutes)

NJFPA 2022 Annual Conference
Friday, March 18, 2022 - 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM 

Program | Registration | Exhibitors | Sponsorship | Accommodations

The New Jersey Food Processors Association is thrilled to announce that we will be returning to Atlantic City for our 2022 Annual Conference! At Harrah's Resort, Atlantic City the NJFPA community will come together on the theme of  "Rescue Your Risk" - get the latest information and first-hand perspectives on reducing your business risk from workforce issues, supply chain disruption, food safety, regulations, and more. Bookmark the conference page and make sure you are subscribed to our newsletter for updates.

TONIGHT - NJFPA on the Road at River Horse Brewing

Fill out the health screening and get ready to raise a glass! https://www.njfoodprocessors.org/healthscreeningnovotr 

Chamber of Commerce of Southern NJ Presents: Innovate South Jersey

Tuesday, October 26th | 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Special NJFPA Pricing: $25  - Register Today
The Grove at Centerton
1022 Almond Road Pittsgrove, NJ 08318

NJFPA Board member Nolan Lewin of the Rutgers Food Innovation Center will be contributing to this important regional event. 

Supply Chain Disruptions - Meet Our Round Table Moderators

NJFPA Fall Think Tank
Friday, October 15th - 9 AM - 1:30 PM - POSTPONED - STAY TUNED
Rutgers EcoComplex, Bordentown, NJ
Non-Members: $40 | Members: $30

Join us to discuss the challenge that we are all facing - Supply Chain Disruptions.  Discuss People, Forecasting, and Transportation during three 30 minute rotating round tables. Our moderators will drive a discussion with solid outcomes and actionable follow-ups.  

Congratulations to the Hosts and Guests of Season 1!

With 10 episodes recorded, Season 1 of the NJFPA Stradley Ronon Food Forum Podcast is already creating a buzz standing out with true stories and honest advice on the NJ Food Processing world.

As your business and your circumstances change, relisten for advice on every stage of your business:

Starting up : 

Supply Chain Disruptions - People, Transportation, & Forecasting

NJFPA Fall Think Tank
Friday, October 15th - 9 AM - 1:30 PM
Non-Members: $60 | Members: $50 - Registration starting next week!

• People - Cielo Talent
  Labor challenges related to staffing, no shows, recruiting, and more.
   
• Transportation - Mark McEntire, SVP of Ops at Transplace.com
  Ocean container shortages, trucking carrier/driver availability, longer lead times and unexpected delays on critical materials.
   
• Forecasting - Pearl Mattison, Director, Demand and Network Planning, Lassonde
  Consumer stockpiling, increased demand, back to school uncertainty, communication challenges, climate change impact to crops, extreme weather events, direct/indirect impacts.

Grow Your Professional Network Online with the NJFPA

Network and keep up with industry news with NJFPA on LinkedIn.

• Like what you heard on the latest NJFPA Food Forum Podcast? Speakers are always tagged on LinkedIn so members can connect.
  
  
• Hiring or marketing a Job Fair on LinkedIn or other social media? Tag the NJFPA to help broaden your reach.
  
  
• Share and comment on industry news to grow your knowledge and profile as a thought leader.
  
  
• Host members only conversations in the NJFPA discussion group.

• Search the Member Directory to connect with members in a particular town, field or company. 
  
  
• Have an opportunity to share? Members post jobs for FREE on the exclusive NJFPA Job Board and Resume Bank as a part of NJFPA's commitment to supporting the community.
  
  
• NEW! See even more great opportunities in one place with additional postings from ZipRecruiter. (Well below our member opportunities!)

NJMEP Expands Footprint With Opening of Second Office and Training Facility in Bellmawr

This new Bellmawr, NJ facility is fully staffed and ready to host professional development training courses and workshops. In addition to the NJ Manufacturing Extension Program (NJMEP) suite of effective training options, the NJMEP Pro-Action Education Team^TM invested in innovative Augmented Reality welding equipment and CNC equipment to provide hands-on training to help alleviate the skills gap in these in-demand areas. On August 19th, NJMEP’s board and prominent state legislators were in attendance for a ribbon-cutting ceremony where they toured the facility and saw demonstrations of this ground-breaking new training equipment.

The Bellmawr facility has been given the name the ‘Chris DePace’ training center to commemorate one of NJMEP’s longest-running Account Managers who lost his life to COVID-19 complications. As South Jersey-based manufacturers recover from the disruptions caused by the pandemic, they can take advantage of the training being offered or consulting services available at the ‘Chris DePace’ training center in Bellmawr, New Jersey.

2021 NJ Food Manufacturers Benchmarking Survey

The results from the Grassi Manufacturing & Distribution practice and New Jersey Food Processors Association (NJFPA) comprehensive industry benchmarking survey are in.

The findings point to the resiliency and agility of the industry over the past 12 months and indicate a positive overall outlook for the sector.  

What can NJFPA do for you?

Help NJFPA help you! The NJFPA is a member driven organization. The services and programming we provide our community depend on the feedback we receive from you.

Please tell us what YOU need from a professional association. As a token of our appreciation, the NJFPA will select three winners to receive a $75 Amazon gift card.

Take the NJFPA Survey

NJ Needs YOUR Help to Get Everyone Vaccinated!

Stopping a pandemic requires using all the tools we have available, and now we have a powerful new tool—vaccines. As of April 19th all New Jersey residents are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

Research has shown that some people will trust employers, even more than their governments and religious leaders, to deliver safe and accurate information regarding vaccines.

NJ Department of Health has created posters, tips and opportunities for employers to get more NJ workers vaccinated. NJFPA will be sharing vaccine information on our website and members are encouraged to share these resources with their workforce and the community:

• Start with the COVID-19 Vaccine information hub:
  • Single search across vaccine megasites, pharmacies and offices with the Vaccine Appointment Finder.
  • Get updates in your inbox with the DOH's Vax Matters Newsletter 
  • Share Videos on vaccine information, experiences, and the COVID-10 Podcast on the NJ DOH YouTube Channel
• Resources:
  • Infographics, fact sheets and flyers in multiple languages.
  • Exclusive NJ Employer Toolkit on how to use the three strategies of conviction, convenience and costlessness to encourage vaccination. 
• Company vaccine clinics:
  • Food Processors, especially meat packers & seafood processors are invited to complete an NJ DOH survey on opportunities to host a clinic at YOUR facility or reserve a block time at a local vaccine center.
  • Get your employees protected and back to work fast!

Thank You To Our 2021 Golf Sponsors

Below is just the list of organization that have already committed to sponsoring the NJFPA's 2021 Peter Pappas Memorial Golf Outing as of May 7th! We are always proud and humbled to see so many familiar names stepping up to support this great event. It is even more meaningful this year as we return to in person events.

There are still sponsorship opportunities available, get your name in front of a wide cross-section of our food processing community while at the same time supporting BOTH NJFPA's day-to-day operations and the Association's scholarship fund. All sponsorship opportunities at $750 or above include recognition in promotions, print materials, website, and electronic communications.