New Jersey International Trade Awards

General Business

On Jul 11, 2024

Occupying an important place along the eastern seaboard, New Jersey is a relatively small state that nonetheless enjoys a big impact with its strong focus on companies, exporting approximately $43 billion dollars around the world. 

In 2023 NJDEC launched the New Jersey International Trade Awards (NJITA) program to recognize some of the state’s most well- regarded exporters.  The goal of the NJITA is to recognize and honor New Jersey companies that have worked diligently to expand their exporting efforts. They may have accomplished this by penetrating new markets or by increasing their presence in existing markets – or by embracing both growth strategies! By doing so they have contributed to the creation of new jobs while subsequently improving and enhancing the New Jersey economic landscape.  

This year, the following four exporters were selected by a panel of distinguished judges from among all the companies nominated for awards spanning four categories:

• Exporter of the Year: Repechage
• New Exporter of the Year: Route 66 International 
• Minority/Diverse Exporter of the Year: Zago Manufacturing Co
• Service Exporter of the Year: Kallman Worldwide

What distinguishes our 2024 honorees?

Repechage, a Secaucus manufacturer, uses seaweed filtrate as the basis of a distinctive, proprietary method used to create skin care products that are comprised of natural and organic ingredients. In doing so, they consistently deliver the best possible experience for their customers, at home or at a spa. Repechage’s international success has resulted from the execution of a strategic growth plan along with a commitment to identify partners who enable them to expand their footprint into new countries.     

Route 66 International has achieved extraordinary results by boldly anticipating new trends in the food sector.  Looking ahead to the evolution of the sushi industry and its reliance on seaweed, there is grave concern that as the oceans continue to warm up, the cultivation of the world’s seaweed will suffer drastically. In response to this changing landscape, Route 66 is preparing for a paradigm shift with an aggressive attitude taking the company beyond traditional boundaries. 

Zago Manufacturing is a woman-owned business celebrating over three decades in New Jersey. Harvey Rottenstrich, an engineer, and his wife, Gail Friedberg Rottenstrich, an attorney, have steered Zago into becoming a successful exporter of sealing screws. Their product leverages O-ring technology, protecting equipment from leakage of contaminants by forming an impenetrable, unbreakable seal that ensures peace of mind while keeping the environment safe and secure. Used in everything from electric vehicles to medical and electronic devices, these screws have caught the attention of companies everywhere. 

Kallman Worldwide has maintained an international reputation as a global service provider for over 60 years, appearing at leading trade shows for a wide range of industries through its USA Partnership Pavilions. Most recently, their launch of SourceHere has brought a new platform to the international business community, enabling the world’s first dedicated commercial online media platform. 

As these honorees have demonstrated, great businesses require leaders who exhibit a balanced mix of sincere concern for employees, customers and vendors and a willingness to explore new ideas and to think strategically while acknowledging a responsibility that goes beyond increasing shareholders’ profits!  

Trade isn’t simply about the flow of products across borders—trade promotes international cooperation, drives innovation, and builds more resilient businesses and communities.

Learn more about the NJITA event at www.njdec.org/njita

By Sally Glick, Retired NJDEC Board Chair

To access more business news, visit NJB News Now.

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