[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 130 (Thursday, July 27, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3747-S3748]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO JOHN W. KENNEDY

 Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 
tireless efforts of one man to protect and defend the beating heart of 
the American economy: our manufacturing industry. Over a long career of 
service, Mr. John W. Kennedy of Madison, NJ, has advocated for greater 
prosperity and economic security in the Garden State. In particular, I 
want to thank Mr. Kennedy's outstanding work at the New Jersey 
Manufacturing Extension Program, or NJMEP.
  Since 2012, Mr. Kennedy has led NJMEP, first as chief operating 
officer and then as chief executive officer, working to advance their 
mission of providing U.S. manufacturers with the resources they need to 
succeed. Supported by the National Institute of Standards and 
Technology, NJMEP has spread innovative technologies and best practices 
across New Jersey, boosting operational excellence, innovation and 
growth, and workforce development.
  Studies have shown that for every dollar invested into NJMEP, they 
have in turn generated over $13 of added value. This remarkable return 
on investment goes hand in hand with the mission-oriented focus of the 
program which seeks to serve those who serve others. Today, Garden 
State residents can thank NJMEP for creating hundreds of thousands of 
highly skilled manufacturing jobs and contributing more than $7 billion 
in economic value.
  Make no mistake, NJMEP has been able to succeed thanks to Mr. 
Kennedy's shining leadership. When his colleagues speak of him, the 
first thing they mention is his signature emails fired off every 
morning at 5:30 AM. This unflagging work ethic and unbridled passion 
for improving the lives of those around him is an inspiration to us 
all. He is the reason that NJMEP was able to grow from a 12-person 
operation to a well-oiled machine of more than 50 employees, 
catapulting it as the top-rated manufacturing extension program in the 
country.
  Three years ago, when the first COVID wave reached our shores, John

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and NJMEP were swift in identifying critical actions that governments 
could take to shield manufacturers from bearing the brunt of the 
impact. Whether it was prioritizing the health and equipment needs of 
frontline workers or advocating for manufacturers to be properly deemed 
as essential businesses, John's expertise and decisive leadership was 
invaluable.
  In a similar way, Mr. Kennedy was immensely involved when Congress 
was drafting the CHIPS and Science Act last year. He provided strategic 
clarity about how to best protect and secure our domestic and 
international supply chains, the lifeblood of our Nation's economy. 
Thanks to him and his insightful recommendations, we included 
provisions in the bill that established a National Supply Chain 
Database, a landmark program that accurately tracks American 
manufacturing capabilities and inventories in real time. Because of 
John, our economy is now more secure against not only global pandemics, 
but also natural disasters, cyberattacks, foreign adversaries, and a 
myriad of other threats.
  Beyond his professional career, Mr. Kennedy takes time to give back 
to the community. Prior to serving at NJMEP, he founded and sold two 
manufacturing businesses which provided him firsthand knowledge of the 
sector. He has also served on the local and national executive board 
for the Boy Scouts, the New Jersey Special Olympics, and the board of 
directors of the Park Avenue Club Foundation.
  Today, I join his loving wife Cecelia, their son Sean, and all New 
Jerseyans in congratulating Mr. John W. Kennedy on his storied career 
and selfless service. Thanks to his dedicated leadership, not only has 
our economy created untold prosperity, we have also secured that 
prosperity for future generations. He is a shining example of why 
``Made in the USA'' and ``Made in New Jersey'' are the best labels in 
the world.

                          ____________________