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FloridaMakes Launches "Employer of Choice" Program for Florida Manufacturers The assessment program helps manufacturers become talent magnets in a competitive labor market. ORLANDO, Fla. — FloridaMakes today launched its Florida Manufacturer Employer of Choice Assessment,an innovative program aimed at helping manufacturers enhance their workplace practices to better attract and retain skilled talent. This cutting-edge assessment, offered at no cost, allows manufacturers to benchmark their operations against six key areas of workforce excellence: recruitment, employee development, compensation and benefits, financial wellness, workplace culture, and employee engagement.  The assessment delivers powerful benchmarking data that propels manufacturers from ordinary workplaces to sought-after career destinations. "In today's hyper-competitive manufacturing landscape, the difference between industry leaders and those struggling to fill positions comes down to one thing: becoming the employer that top talent actively seeks out," said Marcelo Dossantos, Director of Workforce Development at FloridaMakes. "Our assessment doesn't just identify gaps—it provides manufacturers with the actionable intelligence they need to transform their workplace into a talent attraction powerhouse." The program includes an integrated employee engagement survey to provide manufacturers with insights into their workplace environment. "The days of competing on salary alone are long gone," said Rob Harris, Executive Director, for Sarasota Manatee Manufacturers Association and Southwest Regional Manufacturers Association. "The manufacturing companies that dominate their markets are those creating environments where skilled professionals can thrive personally and professionally. This assessment is the blueprint for building that magnetic workplace." To prepare manufacturers for the new program, FloridaMakes will host an educational webinar on April 25. This virtual event will provide detailed information about the assessment and how companies can maximize its benefits. Upcoming Webinar Details: FloridaMakes Webinars will present "Building a Future-Ready Workforce: How Florida Manufacturers Can Become Employers of Choice" on Friday, April 25, 2025, at 10:00 AM EDT. The event will feature manufacturing industry leaders sharing real-world insights and success stories. Attendees will learn how to leverage data from EOC assessments to address hiring and retention challenges, use employee feedback to build a motivated workforce, reduce turnover through engagement and career development, and improve productivity while reducing costs. Manufacturing executives can access the assessment through the FloridaMakes website, where they can also register for the upcoming webinar. Visit FloridaMakes.com/events for more.