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NJMEP launches MarketShift initiative to assist defense contractors

The New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program Inc. (NJMEP), Cedar Knolls, N.J., has partnered with the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT)/New Jersey Innovation Institute (NJII), and the federal government to launch an initiative program.

The program, called MarketShift, was developed in response to the extension of the budget sequestration of 2013. Cuts are scheduled to continue through 2021, and there is great concern over how this will affect those New Jersey companies that rely on a steady stream of defense-related contracts. The program is designed to help Department of Defense (DOD) suppliers increase their revenues by diversifying their offerings and their customer bases.

The program is intended for presidents and CEOs, vice presidents, directors of international sales, directors of marketing and business development, and others in leadership roles for international sales. The entire cost of the program is being offset by MarketShift scholarships, combined with NJMEP’s defense-contractor discounts, which will be awarded to DOD suppliers.

The initiative launches May 20 with Destination Innovation™ Jumpstart, a two-day conference that focuses on developing a process for implementing a culture of innovative activity that can be used companywide.

The second event, ExporTech™ Intensive, is a concentrated version of the U.S. Commerce Department’s signature training program focusing on exporting. Scheduled for June 3-4, it is designed to help manufacturers diversify their customer base through global sales. This program combines expert speakers, planning tools, individual coaching, and small group discussions.

Both programs will be held at the Enterprise Center of Burlington Community College in Mount Laurel, N.J. For more information, visit www.njmep.org/marketshift or contact the NJMEP product information desk at 973- 998-9805 or info@njmep.org.