Another successful Manufacturing Day was organized by the New Jersey Manufacturers Extension Program (NJMEP), a not-for-profit organization that improves the profitability and competitiveness of New Jersey’s manufacturers.  It was great getting together with other manufacturers, legislators, industry partners, and other interested parties to continue making NJ a strong state for business and manufacturing.  This year’s highlights included breakout sessions, robotics demonstrations, keynote speakers, and manufacturing awards.

Pictured L-R:  Jim (Zero Surge), Donna (Zero Surge), Michelle (Old Hickory Bar B-Q Machines)

Members of the Zero Surge team attended Tech Hunterdon’s event at the 3D Lab in Flemington.  We learned about 3D printing and had the opportunity to try out the Toybox printers.

Members of the Zero Surge team joined the Healthy Hunterdon Workforce Initiative and Hunterdon Health for their Annual Community Walk along the tow path of the Delaware River. Starting in our quaint Frenchtown Sunbeam Lenape Park, we walked over 2 miles up and down the river on what was a perfect day for walking. Sitting at a workstation all day means we have to get up and move our bodies in order to reduce stress and have a healthier body. Thank you to Dr. Laurie Turenne-Koplan for leading the walk!

Zero Surge is an active participant in local high school career fairs.  The day is set aside each year to give students a chance to learn about various careers directly from companies in the community.  Jim Minadeo, Zero Surge’s president, takes time to talk with students about the many lucrative opportunities in the manufacturing industry.

Zero Surge was a sponsor of this year’s 10th Annual “Made in New Jersey” Manufacturing Day.    The event, run by the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program, brought together over 1,000 manufacturers, legislators, educational leaders, and interested parties.  The theme, “Year of Women in Manufacturing,” highlighted the integral role women have in the manufacturing industry. Pictured are Donna De Vico (L) and Jim Minadeo (R).

Zero Surge was presented with the Partner of the Year Award at Hunterdon County’s Economic Development Summit on October 11, 2019. “We need help from our business partners, not just with buy-in, but with participation, with support, and with lending the prestige of their good name from the business that they’re doing here in this county,” Freeholder Lanza said. “Without (Zero Surge), I don’t think we are where we are today.” (Click on the photo for a link to the full article.)

Zero Surge was, once again, a sponsor of the Hackathon held on June 8-9 in Flemington, NJ.  We provided surge protection at the event and donated units for raffle prizes.  A total of 17 teams competed for over $6,000 in prizes.

On August 14, 2018 NJMEP once again worked closely with the New Jersey Legislative Bi-Partisan Manufacturing Caucus to bring manufacturers’ concerns to the forefront.  Several manufacturers sat on a panel to testify before the Caucus, including James Minadeo, President of Zero Surge Inc. It was a great turnout as manufacturers came from all over New Jersey to show their support. Manufacturing leaders provided testimonies regarding real concerns and issues with policies that are impacting their businesses. The main topics and concerns discussed included tariffs, apprenticeships, and minimum wage.

For Zero Surge, a major concern is the steel tariffs.   According to James, “We aren’t in the steel industry, but we use high quality steel enclosures.  I thought it would take a lot longer for those tariffs to affect us, but then I started getting emails from suppliers saying, ‘Tariffs are coming, we’ll do our best … but costs are going to go up.’  Unfortunately, recent RFQs have supported that warning.”

Important challenges and important solutions were discussed at great length during the New Jersey Legislative Manufacturing Caucus, and all concerns were heard to their fullest extent.

Jim Minadeo, Zero Surge’s president (2nd from left) testifying before the New Jersey Manufacturing Caucus in an effort to help retain manufacturers and entice new businesses to the state. (2/18)

Zero Surge’s holiday luncheon. Pictured in the center is Zero Surge’s founder and technology inventor, J. Rudy Harford.