All News

FloridaMakes Appoints Joe Mayer, Lockheed Martin Space to Statewide Board of Directors

August 25th 2020

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 Joe Mayer, Director of Government Relations - FL, Lockheed Martin Space 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 and advancing Florida’s economy by improving the competitiveness, productivity and technological performance of its manufacturing sector, with an emphasis on small- and medium-sized firms. Through Florida’s regional manufacturers associations and participating partners, the network provides technology adoption, business growth and talent development services that are customized to meet the needs and opportunities of individual companies.

The United States Department of the Air Force – Boeing X-37B Team to Receive the 2019 Robert J. Collier Trophy

August 16th 2020

The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) is pleased to announce that the United States Department of the Air Force – Boeing X-37B team has been named as the recipient of the 2019 Robert J. Collier Trophy for “… developing and employing the world’s only reusable, autonomous spaceplane, which logged more than 2,865 days in orbit across five missions, changing access to space and serving as the nation’s workhorse in space experimentation and technology.” "The X-37B team win of the 2019 National Aeronautic Association, Robert J. Collier Trophy exemplifies the kind of lean, agile and innovative technological development our nation needs to secure its interests," said U.S. Space Force Chief of Space Operations, Gen. John "Jay" Raymond. "The ability to test new systems in space and return them to Earth is unique to the X-37B and enables the U.S. to more efficiently and effectively develop spacepower to maintain superiority in the space domain." The Collier Trophy is awarded annually for the greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in America, with respect to improving the performance, efficiency, and safety of air or space vehicles, the value of which has been thoroughly demonstrated by actual use during the preceding year.” The list of Collier recipients represents a timeline of air and space achievements, marking major events in the history of flight dating back to 1911. 

FloridaMakes Receives Grant from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity to Assist Florida Defense Contractors Comply with New Department of Defense Regulations

August 5th 2020

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) has awarded funding to FloridaMakes from a grant it received from the Department of Defense (DOD) Office of Economic Adjustment (OEA), for the creation of the Florida Defense Cybersecurity Training Program. Funding will be used to administer programs and trainings that assist small and medium-sized defense contractors in becoming aware and compliant with the DoD’s Regulations for Cybersecurity, including the DoD’s new Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) standards for cybersecurity.

FloridaMakes will work with DEO to conduct a series of educational and engagement events and training modules for companies within Florida’s defense industrial base and provide Cyber Physical Security (CPS) assessments for small and medium manufacturers in the defense supply chain. Making use of curriculum and best practices developed through its partnership with the Manufacturing Extension Partnership network, FloridaMakes will support greater awareness of and ability to comply with the DoD’s cybersecurity requirements of the DFARS 252.204-7012, NIST SP800-171 R1, and the CMMC. The Florida Defense Cybersecurity Training Program will assist in strengthening, protecting and growing Florida’s aerospace and defense supply chains.

FloridaMakes to Co-Host Second Annual Cybersecurity Forum Virtual Event to be Keynoted by U.S. Senator Marco Rubio

August 3rd 2020

The Foundation of Associated Industries of Florida (FAIF), Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), FloridaMakes and Workers’ Compensation Institute (WCI) will co-host the Cybersecurity Forum 2020 on September 16-17. The second annual forum, which is being held as a virtual event this year, will include relevant educational offerings on best practices in cybersecurity for businesses across all industries and professionals at all levels. The event will also provide a thorough overview of the new federally mandated Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Standards and guidance for the tens of thousands of Florida companies that must ensure compliance to maintain their business operations.

Recognizing the State's High-Performing Manufacturers

July 27th 2020

The award process has been developed through the cooperative efforts of strategic partners, FloridaMakes and The Florida Sterling Council. The award examiners’ team is comprised of individuals who contribute time, expertise and diverse perspectives in company evaluations.

The purposes of this award process are:

• To recognize high-performing Florida manufacturing companies.
• To offer an avenue for networking and sharing of best practices.
• To provide feedback and opportunities for improvement to encourage and develop higher performance in participant companies.
• To elevate the community perception of the Florida manufacturing sector and its positive contribution to the Florida economy.