No. 10: Michele Siekerka

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As CEO of the New Jersey Business and Industry Association, Siekerka is well aware of what business owners say they need to succeed in New Jersey.

The challenges have been particularly tough for pro-business groups, worried that higher taxes, more regulations and a fierce political debate about New Jersey’s corporate incentive programs stoking fears that businesses will view the state in a negative light.

NJBIA provides a variety of resources specifically for manufacturers, including the Manufacturers’ Marketplace and its wealth supply chain information. “With over 300,000 leading U.S. manufacturers listed in this database, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector, subscribers receive comprehensive search capability to help you identify and engage with the best partner for your unique supply chain needs,” the organization’s web site reads.

“Think back 110 years in manufacturing,” Siekerka said at the 2019 Manufacturing Day event with the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program. “We represent all types of industries. Our passion starts with New Jersey manufacturers. … New Jersey manufacturing supports the economy of the world.” And the NJBIA supports New Jersey manufacturing.

More from the 2019 NJBIZ Manufacturing Power 50:

• No. 1: John Kennedy
• No. 2: Suuchi Ramesh
• No. 3: Bob Unanue and Peter Unanue
• No. 4: Mark Clouse
• No. 5: Alex Gorsky
• No. 6: Tim Sullivan
• No. 7: Robert Asaro-Angelo
• No. 8: Stephen Sweeney
• No. 9: Donna Schaffner
• Manufacturing Power 50 A-M
• Manufacturing Power 50 N-Z
• The 2019 NJBIZ Manufacturing Power 50 slideshow