Northwest Florida Manufacturing News Monthly
October is Manufacturing Month
At the beginning of every NWFMC newsletter, we usually highlight one Northwest Florida manufacturer.  To align with our planning efforts for National Manufacturing Month, we would like to highlight those manufacturers that have been so gracious to open their doors to students over the past few years: 

Ascend ∙ American Elite Molding ∙ Cape Horn ∙ Cerex ∙ Certified Machining ∙ DRS ∙ Eastman ∙ ExxonMobil ∙ Fort Walton Machining ∙ GE ∙ GS Gelato ∙ Gulf Power ∙ Manown ∙ Maritech ∙ Merrick ∙ Precision Metal ∙ Rex Lumber ∙ Strandcore ∙ West Point Home

During these tours, manufacturers explain what they produce, how they produce it, and the types of workers they require. This is an eye-opening experience for students because it broadens their understanding of manufacturing, guiding them into potential manufacturing careers. As previous generations retire from the workforce, it is becoming increasingly more important to get students engaged in manufacturing. Manufacturing is becoming one of the highest return-on-investment industries in our region, highlighting the importance of building and strengthening our local manufacturing talent pipeline.

If you are a manufacturer and have not yet participated in a Manufacturing Month tour, please email Cindy@nwfmc.org for more information. Student demand for tours is high and more manufacturing facilities are needed to accommodate them. Get involved today!
We Need Your Input!
One of the most valuable benefits the Council provides its membership is training opportunities. Hosted by the University of West Florida, these training opportunities are provided free-of-charge to our members. As a reminder, we ask our members to vote to ensure we offer the training classes you need. If you have not had an opportunity to complete the Training Needs Assessment distributed by UWF, please take a few minutes to do so now. This needs assessment describes potential training opportunities and asks you to rank all classes in priority order.
MAF Environmental Teleconference
The Manufacturing Association of Florida is an advocacy association which seeks to improve the state’s manufacturing business climate. As such, they provide information and avenues for listening to our manufacturers. Please join MAF for the members-only Environmental Teleconference on Thursday, August 17 at 2:00 PM. MAF’s legal team will discuss regulatory and environmental issues impacting the manufacturing industry. 
Go Global Like a Pro
Enterprise Florida, alongside local partners at the U.S. Export Assistance Centers and Florida Small Business Development Center, has resources to help companies expand internationally. These resources include customized international marketing plans, business matchmaking meetings, and grants for international trade show booth expenses. Save the date for the Pensacola roadshow on Thursday, September 28. Specific event details will be provided at a later date. If you have questions, please contact your Enterprise Florida trade representative.
TeCMEN Industry Day
TeCMEN Industry Day will be held on Tuesday, August 29, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Don't miss this opportunity to showcase your company's capabilities, network with industry peers, and receive meaningful content from high-profile speakers. Learn more about TeCMEN Industry Day and how to register. 
Florida Continues to Gain Manufacturing Jobs
FloridaMakes has good news to share from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity:
 
  • In June 2017, manufacturing had 365,900 jobs in Florida, an increase of 10,900 jobs over the year.
  • Manufacturing has gained jobs for 78 consecutive months.
  • The average annual wage in manufacturing is $57,824 for the 2016 calendar year, making manufacturing the third highest-paying sector in the state, behind Information and Financial Activities. 
  • Within the manufacturing sector, occupations with the most employment were: team assemblers, first-line supervisors of production and operation workers, packaging and filling machine operators and tenders, and electrical and electronic equipment assemblers. Together, these four occupations accounted for 19.9 percent of manufacturing employment.
Thanks to International Paper
Many thanks to International Paper for allowing the Council not only to enjoy a great membership meeting with great refreshments, but also to tour the Cantonment facility.
Calendar
MAF Environmental Teleconference
Thursday, August 17
2:00 - 3:00 PM
TeCMEN Industry Day
Tuesday, August 29
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Emerald Coast Convention Center
Board of Directors Conference Call
Thursday, August 17
3:00 - 4:30 PM
Talent and Marketing Committee Meetings
Wednesday, September 6
9:30 - 11:30 AM; 1:00 - 3:00 PM
UWF Fort Walton Beach
Project Management Professional
Tuesday, August 22 - Thursday, August 24
9:00 AM -  5:00 PM (each day)
Downtown Pensacola
Have an event you would like to add? 
Email information to Cindy@nwfmc.org

News
This newsletter was developed in collaboration with the University of West Florida.