Lt. Governor Dr. Dale Caldwell and Dr. Nicol Nicola to Address New Jersey’s Manufacturing Community as NJMEP Celebrates 30 Years of Industry Impact

CEDAR KNOLLS, N.J., Sept. 03, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With just one month until New Jersey’s premier manufacturing event, the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program, Inc. (NJMEP) is proud to announce Lt. Governor Dr. Dale Caldwell and Dr. Nicol Nicola, Director of Economic & Demographic Research for the New Jersey Department of Labor, as keynote speakers for the 14th Annual ‘MADE in NJ’ Manufacturing Day, taking place Friday, October 2, 2026, at iPlay America in Freehold, New Jersey.

Their addresses will be among the signature moments of a milestone Manufacturing Day as NJMEP celebrates 30 years of supporting New Jersey manufacturers while also recognizing America’s 250th Anniversary and the generations of innovation that have helped shape the nation’s manufacturing legacy.

Dr. Nicola will bring a data-driven perspective to the day’s discussion through her extensive work in economic and demographic research. Her expertise in New Jersey’s labor market, workforce trends, and changing demographics will provide manufacturers with important context as they navigate one of the industry’s most persistent challenges: developing the workforce needed for the future.

Lt. Governor Caldwell will bring the perspective of state leadership to the manufacturing community. A longtime supporter of NJMEP, Caldwell has continued to engage directly with the organization and New Jersey manufacturers, including a visit to NJMEP earlier this year. As Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State, Caldwell also oversees the New Jersey Business Action Center, which provides resources and support to businesses throughout the state.

“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,” said Peter Connolly, CEO of NJMEP. “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 day will also feature perspectives from leaders representing business and federal resources, including:

New Jersey Manufacturing Comes Together

Following a record-setting 2025 event that welcomed more than 1,100 attendees, this year’s Manufacturing Day will once again bring together manufacturers, business leaders, educators, legislators, and industry partners from across New Jersey. Attendees will experience keynote addresses, timely breakout sessions, interactive exhibits, networking opportunities, and the annual ‘MADE in NJ’ Manufacturing Day Awards.

This year’s event will carry additional significance as NJMEP commemorates three decades of working alongside New Jersey manufacturers while celebrating 250 years of American innovation and looking ahead to the next generation of manufacturing excellence.

With Manufacturing Day now just one month away, attendees are encouraged to secure their place for this milestone celebration on October 2 at iPlay America.

Register today at: https://www.njmep.org/events/manufacturing-day/

About NJMEP: NJMEP helps to improve the profitability and competitiveness of small to medium-sized manufacturers in New Jersey. 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 30 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 nearly $8 billion in value.

Media Contact:

Joseph Perez | Content Marketing & Communications Specialist

jperez@njmep.org

NJMEP.org