Connolly takes helm of NJMEP at critical time for manufacturing
Peter Connolly, speaking at NJMEP’s State-of-the-State of Manufacturing Summit in Trenton, took over as CEO of the organization June 1. – NJMEP Peter Connolly took over as the CEO of the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program June 1, and in a recent interview he made it clear that there was one thing he could not do in that role. “As I said at the State-of-the-State, there’s no replacing John Kennedy,” the new leader told NJBIZ last week. Connolly, who has more than 40 years of experience in aerospace and defense industry manufacturing, joined the NJMEP board of directors in 2009 after being a client of the organization. In 2014, he became board chairman. Last September, he was named COO and began learning the day-to-day aspects of the job as the leadership transition process took place over the last several months. “He [Kennedy] left a playbook of what we need to do,” Connolly explained. “Working with our three pillars: workforce development, supply chain, and advanced technologies.” Kennedy first announced that he would step down from the role he had held since 2012 in October 2021. “Ever since I stepped in as CEO, the workforce has been the number one concern among manufacturers in New Jersey and throughout the nation,” Kennedy said during NJMEP’s May summit held in Trenton. “The fact that during my 12 years with NJMEP we helped create and retain nearly 50,000 jobs in the industry is an accomplishment that will stick with me for my entire life. Manufacturers had a need, and we played a direct role in helping them overcome this imposing challenge.” The annual State-of-the-State, held at the Trenton War Memorial, brought together hundreds of New Jersey manufacturers, industry leaders, state policymakers, media, and other stakeholders with one purpose: bringing more manufacturing to the Garden State. It featured two panel discussions, networking opportunities, and a “MADE in New Jersey” product showcase. A major discussion point among attendees was cutting red tape to help manufacturers be able to stay here in New Jersey. “This State-of-the-State is bittersweet,” said Kennedy, who described his time serving the manufacturing sector as a unique privilege. “From the first State-of-the-State NJMEP hosted in 2017 until the most recent, and while strides toward fostering a pro-manufacturing New Jersey, there’s still more work to be done. I’ll still be around, advocating for the industry and supporting NJMEP’s National Supply Chain database implementation. As long as the industry continues coming together and speaking up, it will only continue moving forward.” During his tenure, Kennedy helped NJMEP become the top-rated Manufacturing Extension Program in the country, bringing the organization from a 12-person operation to supporting nearly 50 full-time employees and over 200 independent industry resources, while navigating some daunting challenges. “I want to thank everyone that has worked alongside me and NJMEP, for their energy and push that helped us get through Superstorm Sandy, COVID, and – now – how we’re handling the supply chain and reshoring issues that includes the offshore wind build-up,” said Kennedy when he officially announced his retirement in April. “None of these things can be handled by a single individual.” Connolly now picks up the leadership mantle at the organization. He stressed that apprenticeship programs represent a crucial workforce development initiative, and that supply chain is a big issue—a reality the pandemic laid bare. “I want to thank everyone that has worked alongside me and NJMEP, for their energy and push that helped us get through Superstorm Sandy, COVID, and – now – how we’re handling the supply chain and reshoring issues that includes the offshore wind build-up,” outgoing CEO John Kennedy said in April when he officially announced his retirement. “None of these things can be handled by a single individual.” – NJMEP Funding and partnerships During last month’s summit, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority announced it had already approved more than $8 million in vouchers to 69 Garden State manufacturers under the New Jersey Manufacturing Voucher Program. The initiative awards vouchers to purchase equipment and help New Jersey manufacturers upgrade their businesses. NJMVP was unveiled last fall as a $20 million pilot. Due to the robust demand in this first year of the program, the NJEDA’s board voted in March to increase available funding to $33.75 million. And the state’s proposed Fiscal Year 2024 budget calls for another $20 million for the program. “New Jersey’s manufacturing sector continues to be a strategic component of our state’s economy, by creating essential products for people and businesses and creating […]
