The Manufacturing Counts partnership, a collaboration between the New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA) and the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program (NJMEP), has initiated a contest to highlight outstanding products made in New Jersey. The competition, named "Makers Madness – The Coolest Thing Made in New Jersey," is open for nominations of any product manufactured within the state.
Winners of the contest will receive an award and be featured in future editions of New Jersey Business Magazine and Manufacturing Matters Magazine. NJBIA President and CEO Michele Siekerka expressed pride in the state's manufacturers, stating, “We’re extremely prideful of the many manufacturers in New Jersey who create products that benefit our way of life in many ways here and all around the world.”
Siekerka emphasized that the contest aims to bring attention to these companies and their innovations. She added, “Our Makers Madness contest will bring more well-deserved attention to these companies, their creations and New Jersey as a manufacturing state. We can’t wait to see all the nominations and we are thrilled to partner with NJMEP on this mission!”
NJMEP CEO Peter Connolly also highlighted the significance of this initiative: “The Makers Madness initiative is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the incredible innovation and craftsmanship found within New Jersey’s manufacturing sector.” He further noted that it reinforces why New Jersey is considered a leader in manufacturing.
Nominations are open until March 14, with public voting scheduled from March 18-24. This voting will determine which products advance to the Top 16 bracket. Subsequent rounds will narrow down contestants as follows: Top 16 Round from March 26-31, Top 8 Round from April 2-7, and Top 4 Round from April 9-14.
The winner will be announced at Trenton's State of the State of Manufacturing event on May 21. For additional details about participating or nominating a product for "Makers Madness – The Coolest Thing Made in New Jersey," interested parties can find more information online.
This initiative follows NJBIA and NJMEP's formal agreement established in 2022 under Manufacturing Counts to enhance support for manufacturing businesses across New Jersey.
