Blogs

Breaking Ground: Florida's Manufacturing Sector Shines in Inaugural Report

By Amanda Starling posted 03-19-2024
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~ FloridaCommerce and FloridaMakes Release First-Ever Manufacturing Report, Showcasing Sector's Vital Role in State Economy ~ TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, FloridaCommerce and FloridaMakes highlight Florida’s inaugural manufacturing report, showcasing the sector's vital role in Florida’s economy. With nearly 25,000 manufacturing establishments in the state, Florida’s economic impact in manufacturing surpassed the contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of many other strong industries that Florida is usually known for, including– tourism, agriculture, and transportation. Presented in the Florida’s 2023 Manufacturing Report , manufacturing represents a ...
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GrowFL Appoints New President and Chief Executive Officer

By Doug Wise posted 01-04-2022
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Exciting news from one of our partners and State leaders, GrowFL, who is helping to grow manufacturing in Florida. Welcome to the FloridaMakes Network Jennifer Taylor! Contact: Hannah Metevia hannah@growfl.com DATE: January 4, 2022 News Release For Immediate Release (ORLANDO, FL) – GrowFL, Florida’s only organization dedicated exclusively to supporting second-stage businesses, today announced that its Board of Directors has named Jennifer Taylor as President and Chief Executive Officer. As a seasoned economic development professional, Taylor managed lead generation and business recruitment efforts for the Central Florida Development ...
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FloridaMakes Celebrates First IMT Apprenticeship Graduate

By Doug Wise posted 11-23-2021
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For her continued hard work and increased skills, Krystle was recently promoted to CNC Machinist II with a substantial raise to go with her new title. FloridaMakes is happy to announce that Krystle Wilson is the first person to graduate from the FloridaMakes Industrial Manufacturing Technician (IMT) Apprenticeship Program. As a result, she has received her IMT certification from the State of Florida. The goal of the IMT Apprenticeship Program, which began in April 2020, is to advance entry-level skills for new and existing employees who work in industrial manufacturing. Flexible Program In spite of the challenges of being a single parent with ...
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FloridaMakes Network Announces the First Recipient of the Bob Provitola Manufacturing Leadership Award

By Doug Wise posted 11-08-2021
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ORLANDO, FL – As part of the Outlook 2022 segment of the MakeMore Manufacturing Summit, FloridaMakes announced Abe Alangadan, Senior Project Portfolio Manager, Johnson & Johnson Vision, as the first recipient of the Bob Provitola Manufacturing Leadership Award. The award is named in memoriam of Bob Provitola, who was among the strongest of advocates for the advancement of Florida’s manufacturing sector. “Abe has been relentless in his efforts to promote manufacturing at the local and state levels through his numerous board memberships and volunteer efforts,” said Blake Brown, Vice President, Operations, Vac-Con. “I serve on the First Coast Manufacturers ...
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Now Accepting Nominations! The Bob Provitola Manufacturing Leadership Award

By FloridaMakes Network posted 08-01-2021
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Nominations now open! The is a memorial recognition established in 2021 to honor the spirit of volunteer leadership and dedication that characterized Bob Provitola’s service to the manufacturing community throughout his career. Deadline to submit nomination is August 27, 2021 . #LatestNews
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The FloridaMakes Network Announces the Bob Provitola Manufacturing Leadership Award

By FloridaMakes Network posted 07-28-2021
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Media Contacts: Zoraida Velasco zoraida.velasco@floridamakes.com (407) 430.7714 ORLANDO, FL – The FloridaMakes Network announced the creation of the Bob Provitola Manufacturing Leadership Award, today during the MakeMore Manufacturing Summit’s Talent Development Segment. This memorial recognition is being established to honor the spirit of volunteer leadership and dedication that characterized Bob Provitola’s service to the manufacturing community throughout his career. Bob was among the strongest advocates for the advancement of Florida’s manufacturing sector. As the Division Vice President for Mitsubishi Power Americas, Bob was key in locating ...
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FloridaMakes Appoints Greg Britton, CEO The Florida Small Business Development Center Network to Statewide Board of Directors

By FloridaMakes Network posted 07-28-2021
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Media Contacts: Zoraida Velasco, FloridaMakes zoraida.velasco@floridamakes.com (407) 430-7714 Orlando, FLA. ­­­­­­–– FloridaMakes, the official representative of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) National Network in the state of Florida, a program of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, has appointed Greg Britton, CEO of The Florida Small Business Development Center Network to its board of directors. FloridaMakes is a statewide, industry-led, public-private partnership operated by an alliance of Florida's regional manufacturers associations with the sole mission of strengthening ...
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New law, reskilling key to filling Florida’s manufacturing workforce gap

By FloridaMakes Network posted 07-01-2021
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Media Contacts: Juliet Hauser juliet@sachsmedia.com (850) 222-1996 ORLANDO, FL – Recognizing that new workers will need training for the post-pandemic world, FloridaMakes – a statewide industry-led partnership to strengthen Florida’s manufacturing economy – has developed in-depth training programs to focus on advancing entry-level skills for new and existing employees. The Florida Legislature, addressing needs regarding the state’s workforce development and education, this year approved legislation that fosters increased collaboration and a no-wrong-door approach to assisting people looking for jobs, education, training, and support services. ...
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FloridaMakes and the Florida Sterling Council Announce Winners for the 2021 Florida Sterling Manufacturing Business Excellence Awards

By FloridaMakes Network posted 06-23-2021
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ORLANDO – The Florida Sterling Council and FloridaMakes announced the 18 manufacturing companies in a field of over 140 nominees who have been named as winners of the Florida Sterling Manufacturing Business Excellence (SMBE) Awards. The winners were announced during the MakeMore Manufacturing Summit – Business Growth Segment June 22-23. Winners earned their place in three categories, Bronze, Silver, and Gold, depending on evaluated level of performance. The Florida Sterling Council and?FloridaMakes collaborate on these?statewide?annual awards to recognize?the state’s high-performing manufacturers and to elevate performance of the entire manufacturing sector.?Companies ...
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FloridaMakes and the Florida Sterling Council Announce Finalists for the 2021 Florida Sterling Manufacturing Business Excellence Awards

By FloridaMakes Network posted 06-04-2021
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ORLANDO – The Florida Sterling Council and FloridaMakes announced today the 20 manufacturing companies in a field of over 140 nominees who have been named as finalists for the Florida Sterling Manufacturing Business Excellence (SMBE) Awards. The winners, chosen from among the finalists, will be announced during the Business Growth Segment of the MakeMore Manufacturing Summit on June 22 and 23. The Florida Sterling Council and FloridaMakes collaborate on these statewide annual awards to recognize the state’s high-performing manufacturers. Companies were judged in seven categories of criteria, including: leadership; strategy; customers; measurement, analysis ...
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Florida Manufacturer Innovates to Protect the Environment

By FloridaMakes Network posted 06-04-2021
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World Environment Day Spotlight: Florida manufacturer aims to make a difference with our wastewater Did you know there’s a Florida manufacturer who is coming up with innovative ways to help cities, counties, colleges, and other entities confronting wastewater treatment issues on a daily basis? Brevard-based Kationx’s CEO Bill Cox shares what his company does in the following Q&A: Kationx is an interesting name! Our name “Kationx” is a play on the type of chemistry we build into our product design: our materials are mostly positively charged. Positive-charged materials are termed “cationic” because positively-charged ions are called “cations.” We spell ...
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Earn and Learn: In house training is the key to solving Florida’s manufacturing shortage

By FloridaMakes Network posted 05-28-2021
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And why companies should invest in employees Manufacturing has been a major industry for Florida since its inception, and now is home to more than 20,000 manufacturing companies. Companies here create all kinds of vital materials, from electric lines and life-saving medical equipment to the fuel that powers machines, among countless other integral elements that keep our society moving forward. Considering how important manufacturing is to the strength of Florida’s economy, it’s no surprise that Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature have made it their priority as well. However, we are now facing a massive shortage of skilled employees to keep ...
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Now Hiring: Manufacturing Advocacy Coordinator

By FloridaMakes Network posted 05-12-2021
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As a statewide, industry-led not-for-profit partnership, FloridaMakes works to strengthen and advance Florida’s manufacturing sector through talent development, technology assistance, and business growth. We operate through a network of the state’s Regional Manufacturers Associations, and partner with public and private service providers—including research and education institutions, consultants, and training providers—to improve the overall performance of individual firms, creating and retaining an advanced manufacturing workforce and improving Florida’s manufacturing economy. FloridaMakes provides improvement solutions to manufacturers to increase growth ...
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Cheers! Florida Manufacturer, Monin, Makes All the Flavors in Your Favorite Drink!

By FloridaMakes Network posted 05-04-2021
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National Beverage Day is all about enjoying your favorite drink. Whether it’s hot or cold, served in a cup with ice, poured from a blender and topped with an umbrella, or sipped from a hot mug from your favorite coffee shop, the chances are likely that one of Monin’s many flavors make your drink special. “We produce an abundance of gourmet flavoring products from premium flavored syrups to purées, sauces, and more. We take pride in the fact that we use the highest quality ingredients, which result in the exceptional flavor that you can add to any beverage or culinary application,” says Bill Lombardo, Monin CEO. “We offer more than 230 varieties of flavors, ...
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Hiring Two FloridaMakes Business Advisors for the Central and Southeast Florida Regions

By FloridaMakes Network posted 04-06-2021
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FloridaMakes has two openings for a Business Advisor (BA), one located in Central Florida and one in Southeast Florida. The successful BA will have operational and financial expertise in manufacturing. General Description The Business Advisor works to increase FloridaMakes and the affiliated Manufacturer’s Association’s market positions and financial growth. This person builds key customer relationships, identifies business opportunities, negotiates and closes business deals and maintains extensive knowledge of current market conditions. The Business Advisor will have manufacturing and operational expertise that can guide client firms through a comprehensive ...
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Angie Ruff: Success is My Noise

By FloridaMakes Network posted 04-01-2021
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When I was younger, I knew that manufacturing was an option for me. I really wanted to become an engineer –– and I did! I've always been interested in how things work and how things are put together, which is what led me on the path I’m on today. I come from a family of farmers and manufacturing workers, and this gave me inspiration about manufacturing and solidified what I wanted for my career. As I started to progress in my field, barriers would pop up, such as being called “little lady” (a lot!). Something that helped me move beyond these sorts of obstacles was to ignore stereotypes and ill-informed people. Never let anyone undermine your capabilities. The ...
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Patti Gander: Speaking Up and Shaking It Up

By FloridaMakes Network posted 04-01-2021
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Growing up, I wanted to be Angie Dickinson, who helped re-define women’s roles on television with her pioneering role on the 1970s show, Police Woman. As I got older, I realized that becoming Angie wasn’t an option for me; however, because of my father, manufacturing became interesting. From a young age, I would join him on the weekends as he went to work in maintenance at a manufacturing company. So, I guess you could say I have been in manufacturing since I was four! Many years later when I was a manufacturing manager for a company that was part of a very large corporation, a guy from corporate invited all the guys to play golf. The outing didn’t include ...
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Sherry Reeves: Avionics Job Took Career to New Heights

By FloridaMakes Network posted 03-31-2021
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As a young woman, I never considered a career in manufacturing. However, my first job right out of high school was at Collins Avionics in Melbourne, Florida. I didn’t know it at the time, but this job would be the beginning of a lifelong career in this industry. Today, young women have the opportunity to build exciting and successful careers in manufacturing. One attractive benefit to a career in manufacturing is the ability to receive high wages at all different levels. This includes the ability to reach their maximum potential and possibly develop and manufacture something for our future. I have found that my passion for the field and continuing to be bold ...
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FloridaMakes’ Industrial Manufacturing Technician (IMT) Apprenticeship Awarded Florida Department of Education (DOE) Grant Strengthening Florida’s Manufacturing Workforce

By FloridaMakes Network posted 03-30-2021
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Media Contacts: Zoraida Velasco, FloridaMakes zoraida.velasco@floridamakes.com (407) 430-7714 ORLANDO, FL – FloridaMakes’ IMT program was awarded funding from the Florida Department of Education’s (DOE) Florida Pathways to Career Opportunities program. The grant will provide the resources to expand and increase awareness of the IMT Apprenticeship program throughout the state. “FloridaMakes is honored to receive this grant from DOE that strengthens Florida’s manufacturing workforce,” said Tina Berger, FloridaMakes’ Director of Manufacturing Talent Development. “FloridaMakes is working to ensure Florida’s preparedness to fill the estimated 4.6 million ...
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Paula DeLuca: Learn From Others and Grow Daily

By FloridaMakes Network posted 03-29-2021
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When I was growing up, I didn’t know what I wanted to do careerwise. My dad worked in manufacturing, and that’s how I started to become curious about the sector, even though I didn’t jump right into the field. I started off as a waitress, and eventually, I moved to another state and started working in insurance claims. When I moved back to my hometown, I took a job at a medical device manufacturing company in inventory control. This job was the beginning of my career in customer service, logistics and materials management. Now, I am very happy to be working with manufacturing companies to help them grow, make improvements, and learn about new technology and opportunities. ...
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