In 1997, G.S. Gelato became the first U.S. manufacturer to produce authentic gelato and sorbet. After partnering with Olive Garden, their facility grew from 1,000 to 26,000 square feet and they began producing both their own retail line and private-label retail. Using imported Italian manufacturing equipment, they make all products from scratch and do not use any artificial flavors, colors, hormones, or trans fats. The G.S. Gelato facility holds a Safe Quality Food (SQF) Level 3 certification with an Excellent rating and also produces products that are USDA Organic and Fair Trade Certified.

On July 1, we welcome Barbara (BJ) Mitchell (American Elite Molding) to the Board of Directors. As a member of the Council, BJ has devoted her time to building a talent pipeline and understands the importance of developing a future manufacturing workforce. We are excited to have her bring fresh ideas to an already strong Board of Directors.

Urgent Need: Pensacola High School needs an instructor for the Automation and Production Technology Academy. The ideal applicant has either six years of industry experience or a bachelor’s degree, is able to pass the engineering and technology education exam (grades 6-12), and is passionate for developing the next generation of the manufacturing workforce. There are several available paths to certification for this position. Please contact Steve Harrell, Workforce Specialist ECSD, for more information at 850-469-5309 or [email protected].

International Paper is seeking a Mill Communicators Coordinator for the Vicksburg Mill in Mississippi. Please refer to IP's website to learn more about this opportunity.

Governor Rick Scott signed HB 7007, guaranteeing the distribution of $300 million to eight counties hit hardest by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. This influx of funding will help support job growth and encourage new businesses to relocate to Northwest Florida. NWFMC will work to ensure that manufacturing remains in the top five industry sectors being supported by these funds. For more information, see Florida Politics and Northwest Florida Daily News.

As funding distribution remains ongoing, know that NWFMC is engaged in this process to ensure manufacturing remains in the forefront of the region's priorities.

Did you know that companies that export grow 15% faster and are 12% more profitable than companies that don’t? Nearly 70% of Florida exports are from small businesses. On June 29, Deborah Lanford, International Trade Specialist, will discuss how your company can expand internationally. Register for this free webinar by June 28.

On May 25, Governor Scott approved the final version of HB 7109 (Taxation). SB 1018 (Pollution) was presented to the Governor on May 31 and is currently awaiting his action.

Since the Council’s inception four years ago, Joe Tannehill (MERRICK Industries, Inc.) has been one of its most valuable volunteers. Serving as the inaugural Treasurer, Joe has taken the Council through three clean audits and has accounted for the $1.5 million Education Fund that was established with the University of West Florida and the Florida Legislature. Please thank Joe for his work with the Council as he steps down and allows Dan Velazquez (St. Joe) to take the role.

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