Blogs

How Strategic Business Assessment and Workforce Innovation Helped a Florida Manufacturer Scale with Confidence

By Mariely Velez posted 20 days ago
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Successful manufacturing growth doesn’t happen by chance. It’s driven by clear strategy, strong operations, and the right partners. Since launching operations in Pensacola, Florida , BlueWind has quickly established itself as a trusted supplier in the renewable energy supply chain, producing composite nacelle covers for wind turbines used by a global energy leader. These critical components protect key systems such as generators, gearboxes, and controllers—making quality, precision, and durability essential. BlueWind’s manufacturing process relies on advanced composite infusion techniques, a highly skilled workforce, and a commitment to continuous improvement. ...
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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 launched its Florida Manufacturer Employer of Choice Assesasment, 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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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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Florida Manufacturing Report Highlight: Transforming Florida's Economy through Robust Workforce Education in Manufacturing

By Frances Nevill posted 06-06-2024
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Florida is in a transformative era in manufacturing, as the state prioritizes the intersection of education and economic development. By emphasizing workforce education, increasing exports, and reducing import dependence, Florida paves the way for a flourishing manufacturing sector that will grow the economy and create opportunities for its residents. Florida’s initiatives aim to: · elevate manufacturing, · bolster national security, and · advance Florida's workforce education goals by 2030. These efforts play a vital role in fostering a skilled workforce, innovation, and investments that will grow Florida’s economy. Florida’s ...
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FLORIDA EDUCATORS & INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS TO RECEIVE THE 2024 FLATE MANUFACTURING AWARDS

By Teresa Potter posted 05-07-2024
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 7, 2024 MEDIA CONTACT: Ernie Friend, Executive Director Florida Advanced Technological Education Center (FLATE) 904.314.0458 Ernie.Friend@FLATE.org FLORIDA EDUCATORS & INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS TO RECEIVE THE 2024 FLATE MANUFACTURING AWARDS Awards program celebrates its 17th year as Florida's manufacturing GDP soars Orlando, Fla –– FLATE (Florida Advanced Technological Education Center), FloridaMakes and FAITE (Florida Association for Industrial and Technical Educators) are pleased to announce winners of the 2024 FLATE Manufacturing Awards. This year’s Awardees include: David Yocum, Advanced ...
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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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