Blogs

Florida Photonics Cluster Announces New Executive Director, Nicole Joyce

By Amanda Starling posted 20 days ago
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In January 2025, the Florida Photonics Cluster welcomed Nicole Joyce as its new Executive Director. Nicole brings more than 25 years of experience in global strategic marketing, product management, and commercial leadership, strengthening the Cluster’s efforts to grow Florida’s leadership in the photonics industry. Throughout her career, Nicole has driven growth and innovation across aerospace, defense, safety, and optics sectors by developing and executing data-driven business and commercial strategies. Her expertise spans strategy development, market analysis, go-to-market planning, and commercial operations. Nicole’s leadership experience includes nearly ...
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Spring Webinar Dates Are Here!

By Frances Nevill posted 30 days ago
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FloridaMakes and Partner Manufacturing Organizations Launch Spring Webinar Series to Boost Industry Competitiveness ORLANDO, Fla. — Several leading Florida manufacturing organizations have partnered to present a series of webinars designed to help state manufacturers address critical challenges and opportunities in today's dynamic business environment. The spring webinar series began last week and continues through May, covering essential topics from cybersecurity and tariff management to employee retention and state certification programs. "These targeted educational sessions provide Florida manufacturers with practical strategies to navigate the complex ...
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FloridaMakes Launches Employer of Choice Program to Help Manufacturing Workforce

By Frances Nevill posted 04-16-2025
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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. ...
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FloridaMakes Welcomes Nautique Boat Company's Kris Hanigosky to Board of Directors

By Frances Nevill posted 03-25-2025
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FloridaMakes Welcomes Nautique Boat Company's Kris Hanigosky to Board of Directors Manufacturing Leader Brings Over Two Decades of Operational Excellence to Florida's MEP Center ORLANDO, Fla. — FloridaMakes, the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) for the state of Florida, today announced the appointment of Kris Hanigosky, Vice President of Operations at Nautique Boat Company, to its Board of Directors Hanigosky brings more than 20 years of manufacturing expertise to the FloridaMakes board, with significant experience in leading manufacturing operations, supply chain management, quality control, and engineering initiatives. His leadership has been instrumental ...
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Veteran's Program Powers Florida's Boat Manufacturing Sector

By Frances Nevill posted 03-18-2025
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 18, 2025 FloridaMakes, Chris-Craft, Orion Talent and Sarasota Manatee Manufacturers Association Collaborate on Veteran Apprenticeship Program Partnership addresses skilled labor shortage in Florida's boating industry ORLANDO, Fla.— FloridaMakes has joined forces with Chris-Craft, Orion Talent and the Sarasota Manatee Manufacturers Association (SAMA) to develop a comprehensive veteran-apprenticeship program addressing Florida's manufacturing workforce needs while supporting former military personnel. The multi-partner initiative leverages the Pathway to Career Opportunities Grant, enabling companies to recruit, ...
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Manufacturing Skills + Second Chances: How FloridaMakes + PRIDE's New Partnership Will Transform Two Critical State Needs

By Frances Nevill posted 02-26-2025
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 26, 2025 FloridaMakes and PRIDE Enterprises Form Strategic Partnership to Strengthen Florida's Manufacturing Workforce Five-year Initiative Will Create Manufacturing Career Pathways While Reducing Recidivism Through Skills Training and Job Placement ORLANDO, Fla.— FloridaMakes and PRIDE Enterprises announced today a five-year partnership aimed at expanding manufacturing workforce development opportunities and reducing recidivism in Florida through enhanced job training and placement programs. The partnership brings together FloridaMakes, Florida's official National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) ...
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FloridaMakes, MACF and JE Technology Solutions Launch Initiative to Connect Veterans to MFG Careers

By Frances Nevill posted 02-21-2025
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 20, 2025 FloridaMakes, Manufacturers Association of Central Florida and JE Technology Solutions Launch Initiative to Connect Veterans With High-Quality Manufacturing Careers Orlando, FL – February 12, 2025 – FloridaMakes, in partnership with the Manufacturing Association of Central Florida and Orlando-based defense manufacturer JE Technology Solutions announces a groundbreaking initiative to connect veterans with high-quality careers in Florida’s manufacturing industry. In partnership with FloridaMakes and the Manufacturing Association of Central Florida (MACF), the effort leverages Governor Ron DeSantis’ ...
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2025 Florida Manufacturing Days: Advocating for a Stronger Manufacturing Future

By Amanda Starling posted 02-10-2025
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 10, 2025 Tallahassee, FL – Last week, the Florida Manufacturing & Supply Chain Advocacy Council celebrated 2025 Florida Manufacturing Days in the state capitol, bringing together nearly 50 manufacturing stakeholders to advocate for policies that strengthen Florida’s manufacturing sector. The Florida Manufacturing & Supply Chain Advocacy Council is a coalition of industry champions working to advance a legislative climate that supports manufacturers. Representing well over 1,000 manufacturing stakeholders statewide, the Council consists of regional manufacturers’ associations and industry groups united ...
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Florida Manufacturers Gain Competitive Edge Through FloridaMakes' No-Cost Webinar Series

By Frances Nevill posted 02-10-2025
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 10, 2025 Florida Manufacturers Gain Competitive Edge Through FloridaMakes' No-Cost Webinar Series Industry leaders share proven strategies in targeted session covering critical manufacturing challenges ORLANDO, Fla. – FloridaMakes is excited to announce the continuation of its Webinar Series, a premier resource designed to equip Florida manufacturers with actionable insights and strategies for success. Hosted monthly and free of charge, these content-rich webinars reflect FloridaMakes' dedication to strengthening small-and medium-sized manufacturers statewide as part of the U.S. Department of Commerce's NIST ...
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FloridaMakes Taps Industry Expert Micah Daughtery to Drive Client Engagement

By Frances Nevill posted 01-28-2025
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ORLANDO, Fla. (Jan. 2025) – FloridaMakes, Florida’s industry-led, nonprofit partnership dedicated to advancing the state’s manufacturing sector, has named Micah Daugherty as Vice President of Client Engagement. Mr. Daugherty brings more than 35 years of experience in manufacturing, production processes, and business consulting to his new position. His extensive background includes leadership roles in business management, Lean and Six Sigma process improvement, sales and marketing, and strategic planning. As vice president, Micah will oversee FloridaMakes’ statewide delivery operations, ensuring impactful service to manufacturers ...
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Art Hoelke of Knight's Armament Receives Prestigious 2024 Bob Provitola Manufacturing Leadership Award

By Frances Nevill posted 01-14-2025
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 14, 2025 Art Hoelke of Knight's Armament Receives Prestigious 2024 Bob Provitola Manufacturing Leadership Award ORLANDO, FL - FloridaMakes announced today that Art Hoelke, Vice President of Operations and General Manager at Knight's Armament Company (KAC), has been named the recipient of the 2024 Bob Provitola Manufacturing Leadership Award. The award recognizes outstanding contributions to the state's manufacturing sector. Hoelke was selected for his exceptional commitment to advancing manufacturing excellence and workforce development in Florida and has worked for over 20 years in helping to advance education ...
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Regional Manufacturing Excellence: Insights from the Florida Council of 100

By Frances Nevill posted 12-16-2024
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Growing Manufacturing: A Regional Approach Guest Blogger: Steven Birnholz, President Florida Council of 100 Foundation Florida has grown over 50% since Enterprise Florida was conceived in 1996, and, out of necessity, the state has steadily blossomed into a conglomerate of unique regional economies. These regions are increasingly capitalizing on their distinct compositions to out-compete not only other states, but other countries, as well. With that in mind, in June, the Florida Council of 100 published, Beyond Sunshine: Advancing Florida’s World Class Economy for the Next Generation , an economic development strategy for the state focused on ...
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Have You Filed Your BOI Report? Deadline Approaching Fast!

By Frances Nevill posted 12-03-2024
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🚨 Important Alert: Corporate Transparency Act Compliance Deadlines As FinCEN begins accepting Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reports on January 1, 2024, here are the CRITICAL deadlines all business owners need to know: 📅 Initial Reports: Existing companies (pre-2024): Must file by January 1, 2025 New companies (from Jan 1, 2024): Must file within 30 calendar days of company registration 📝 Ongoing Compliance Requirements: Updated Reports: Due within 30 calendar days after any change to previously reported information Corrected Reports: Due within 30 calendar days after becoming aware of any inaccuracy ⚠️ FRAUD ALERT: Be aware ...
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Small Business Saturday x Florida Manufacturing

By Frances Nevill posted 11-30-2024
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Small Business Saturday x Florida Manufacturing 🤝 Those big-name candles you love at your favorite stores? Many were crafted right here in Venice, Florida by SCENTSATIONAL SOAPS & CANDLES INC . ✨ From national retail brands to local boutique labels, this thriving Southwest Florida manufacturer is behind some of your favorite scents, supplying major retailers ( TJ Maxx & HomeGoods and Bealls, Inc. ) and over 120 boutiques stores across the state. 🕯️ Every candle you buy isn't just lighting up one small business – it's fueling our state's manufacturing sector and keeping Florida's entire business community glowing bright. 🌟 ...
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CareerSource Florida CEO: Manufacturing Apprenticeships Key to State's Economic Growth

By Mariely Velez posted 11-20-2024
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At FloridaMakes, we are proud to join CareerSource Florida in celebrating the 10th Anniversary of National Apprenticeship Week . Apprenticeships are a vital tool in addressing workforce challenges, and Florida’s manufacturing sector continues to be a shining example of how these programs drive economic growth, innovation, and opportunity across the state. Here’s what Adrienne Johnston, President & CEO of CareerSource Florida, shared to highlight this important milestone: As we celebrate the 10th Anniversary National Apprenticeship Week, I’m thankful for the key industries that drive our state’s booming economy and support our innovative workforce training ...
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FloridaMakes Secures Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant

By Frances Nevill posted 10-30-2024
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 30, 2024 FloridaMakes Secures Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant Program connects veterans with in-demand manufacturing jobs ORLANDO, Fla. - FloridaMakes, Inc., a statewide manufacturing extension partnership, has been selected to receive a Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant (PCOG) from the Florida Department of Education in the amount of $425,914. The grant will support initiatives to expand career development programs and strengthen the talent pipeline within Florida’s manufacturing industry.This award enables FloridaMakes to enhance its workforce training programs, providing increased ...
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Forging Quality and Growth: Mullet's Aluminum's Leap to ISO Excellence

By Frances Nevill posted 10-14-2024
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Forging Quality and Growth: Mullets Aluminum's Leap to ISO Excellence With the help of: FloridaMakes About Mullets Aluminum of Sarasota, Florida, is a leading provider of aluminum products for commercial, residential, and condominium applications. With a reputation for quality and innovation, the company specializes in an array of products including railings, gates, and more, all showcased in their expansive product image galleries. THE CHALLENGE Mullets Aluminum was at a critical juncture. While the company had a strong market presence and a commitment to quality, there was a growing recognition ...
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FloridaMakes + LIFT Team Up to Elevate Manufacturing

By Frances Nevill posted 09-09-2024
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FloridaMakes and LIFT Team Up To Accelerate Advanced Manufacturing in Florida The two nonprofit public-private partnerships will work together to accelerate the development of advanced manufacturing technology & talent across the Sunshine State ORLANDO, Fla. – LIFT, the Department of Defense-supported national advanced materials manufacturing innovation institute, today announced FloridaMakes has joined as a member of the institute; this in support of the advanced manufacturing industrial base in the State of Florida to accelerate the development of technology and talent for the future of manufacturing. FloridaMakes is the official representative ...
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FloridaMakes + SBDC Affirm Partnership

By Frances Nevill posted 09-09-2024
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News Release July 30, 2024 For Immediate Release Florida SBDC Network, FloridaMakes Affirm Partnership Florida SBDC Network State Office (Pensacola, Fla.) – The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network , the state’s principal provider of small business assistance, and FloridaMakes have renewed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to support Florida’s small manufacturers. The Florida SBDC Network and FloridaMakes have nourished a longstanding partnership. Through this MOU, the two will continue their partnership to provide greater access to and awareness of Florida SBDC Network and FloridaMakes training and resources for ...
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FloridaMakes + Cyber Florida Forge Partnership

By Frances Nevill posted 09-06-2024
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Cyber Florida at USF and FloridaMakes Forge Partnership to Bolster Cybersecurity and Economic Resilience in Florida August 30, 2024—Tampa, Fla —In a strategic move to fortify local economies across the Sunshine State, Cyber Florida at USF and FloridaMakes proudly announce a collaborative partnership aimed at amplifying economic growth and resilience while bolstering cybersecurity measures and awareness. The pervasive and costly cybersecurity threats facing businesses in Florida pose a significant challenge, particularly for small businesses with limited resources to recover from cyber incidents such as data breaches, ransomware attacks and business ...
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