July 2020

July, 2020

For the safety of our guests, we have decided to move our Annual Awards Banquet to a Virtual Awards Ceremony. You will still have the opportunity to meet (virtually) our member awards winners, robotics teams, scholarship and STEM Fair award winners. Keep on the lookout for sponsorship opportunities and registration information.

Another change from previous years will be during October for Manufacturing Month. Last year, close to 1300 local students toured area manufacturing companies to learn about the industry and find out about job opportunities available in the manufacturing field. This year, instead of in person tours, video tours of manufacturing facilities will be shared with the school districts. This will expand our reach to even more middle and high school kids! More information on how to get involved will be sent out soon!

Beth Galic

Executive Director

beth@bama-fl.org

727-536-5809

Paula DeLuca

Business Advisor

paula.deluca@floridamakes.com

727-498-0990

Get to Know Robert Bruno from

Advanced Roofing/Advanced Green Technologies

How long have you been a BAMA member?

I have been a member of BAMA for four great years.

What do you like most about being a BAMA member?

I enjoy being a member of BAMA because we all work well together to succeed and find new business opportunities.

How has your involvement with BAMA influenced your career?

BAMA members have guided me on how to do business in the manufacturing industry in Florida, and Gulf Coast area.

What exciting things has your company been involved with in the last few months?

To stay ahead of growing demand for roofing and solar installations, we acquired a 32,000-square-foot industrial building close to Tampa International Airport that allows us to grow our roofing and solar manufacturing capabilities. We established a Tampa presence in 2015, buying roofing contractor Roth Bros. of Florida. Since then, we have added more than 40 jobs, bringing Tampa staff to over 70 roofing and solar employees. Read more about our new facility.

What is the biggest challenge working in the manufacturing industry?

One the biggest challenges I found working in the manufacturing industry is proving to customers that “made in the USA” products are worth more than less expensive products made in other countries.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment to date?

Working at Advanced Green Technologies / Advanced Roofing has taught me the skills it takes to build a great team that works together to accomplish successful projects.

Why/when did you decide to pursue a career in manufacturing?

Five years ago, I spoke with the owners about wanting to work for them because of their strong reputation and they hired me because of mine. It has been a excellent learning and working experience growing the solar carport product line.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

The best advice I've received is "Don’t try, Do!" That motto has contributed to my success and got me where I am today.

What advice would you give someone looking to pursue a career in manufacturing?

Take your time and research the company to make sure they stand behind their product and achieve customer satisfaction.

What is the most important skill you have developed in your career?

One of the most important skills to master is learning how to listen to your customer’s needs before selling your product.

What are your hobbies or interests?

I enjoy fishing and hunting, spending time with family and having a good conversation about almost anything.

View the video below of Advanced Green Technologies, Commercial Solar Contractor, 2.25 MW Solar Carport installation for Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Control Center in Oldsmar, Florida. It is the largest privately funded solar array in the state of Florida 2015.

Looking for a Job in Manufacturing?

The manufacturing industry continues to grow and many local companies are looking for employees. Visit the BAMA Job Board to see current openings.

If you are a BAMA member, you can post your openings on the job board at no charge. Contact us to get started at admin@bama-fl.org.

Read the recent ABC Action News Report here.

INDUSTRY EVENTS

July 15th - Demystifying the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification

July 16th - Virtual Roundtable: Reshoring or Nearshoring?

August 19-20th - Florida Cybersecurity Forum

September 2-3rd - AmCon Advanced Design & Manufacturing Expo

October 1st - Upper Tampa Bay Chamber's Manufacturers Dinner and Made in Tampa Bay Expo

October 2nd – Manufacturing Day

October 25th - 6th Annual Manufacturing 5K, Waterfront Park

November 13th - 29th Annual Kelly Murphy Memorial Golf Fundraiser, TPC

Help with your Grant Application

CareerSource Florida began accepting applications for training grants starting July 1st. BAMA Manufacturing Members can receive free assistance with their applications. Contact BAMA Business Advisor, Paula DeLuca to schedule an appointment. paula.deluca@floridamakes.com

727- 498-0990

R3 Economic Recovery Financial Assistance

Hillsborough County has an Economic Recovery financial assistance program to assist local small businesses economically damaged by the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. Business owners can apply for one of three programs:

Kickstart Small Business - up to $10,000 in working capital; for businesses with up to $3 million in annual revenue
Back to Work - up to $2,000 per employee in payroll incentives to hire or rehire workers; for businesses with up to $20 million in annual revenue
Safe at Work Matching – up to $10,000 matching reimbursement for the cost of qualifying workplace improvements directly related to mitigating the spread of COVID-19; for businesses with up to $20 million in annual revenue

Businesses may only receive one Economic Recovery financial assistance program, even if they may otherwise qualify for more than one program.

Financial Assistance Programs Details, FAQs, and Support

ECONOMIC RECOVERY PROGRAMS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PORTAL

Hillsborough County Economic Recovery Financial Assistance Support Line at (888) 393-7509 (weekdays, 8 AM to 6 PM)

Application periods are phased in order to give a head start to the smallest, most economically vulnerable businesses in our community. Applications are currently open for businesses meeting the Early Access criteria, including being located in an identified economically distressed area. Future application phases will open approximately every two weeks, or earlier if all planned funds for a phase are awarded. See application period schedules in the tables below.

Connex Florida

This tool contains in-depth information on a broad range of Florida manufacturers, along with detailed search functions to highlight specific production capabilities, certifications, equipment, material types and more. The purpose of this tool is to help Florida manufacturers better connect with each other, be discovered, and increase business opportunities. To learn more about Connex Florida, visit here or attend one of the webinars listed below.

Return To Work &

Recovery Guide

Are you a manufacturer planning on opening your business again but do not know where to start? FloridaMakes has released a free guide to give you resources and guidance on how to navigate your business post-COVID-19.

For this and other resources contact BAMA Business Advisor, Paula DeLuca today!

Are you Prepared for Hurricane Season?

Hurricane season started June 1 – are you ready? Does your organization have a plan in place to help you navigate through disasters? Our Disaster Relief Resources page provides you with the resources you need to stay ahead and to stay prepared.

FloridaMakes has developed custom tools to help manufacturers navigate and mitigate the impacts of future crises. We provide immediate feedback on your business risk and continuity preparedness –– and it only takes a few minutes.

Click the buttons below to start your assessments now.

Assessments are also available in Spanish

This educational event will convene industry executives, issue experts and senior government officials for a current examination of cybersecurity and its impacts, the most significant threats and effective solutions for the public and private sectors, and how we can work together to better fortify Florida’s communities and critical assets. It will provide a comprehensive look at the increased emphasis on cybersecurity in response to numerous reported cyber breaches that are occurring in our nation; a simulated breach will be demonstrated; and the new federally mandated Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Program (CMMC) set to become effective this year for companies who do business with the US. Department of Defense will be discussed.

*Contact admin@bama-fl.org for a member discount code.

Thank You Corporate Sponsors!

Take a moment to learn more about our annual sponsors

by visiting their websites.

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