Keeping our workforce skilled while growing the next generation is ongoing. This session will take a bold leap into 2022 with a “future focused” agenda that brings together industry experts and trailblazers ready to tackle the big issues.
Manufacturing and Supply Chain Meeting and Reception
5:30 p.m.: First meeting ever at the Old Capitol Building
6:30 p.m.: Network with legislators, colleagues and peers. FloridaMakes Network will host an opening reception to celebrate the creation of Florida’s fist Manufacturing and Supply Chain Caucus.
November 16 (All day)
Meet Florida’s Leaders: Your regional manufactures association will host meetings with legislators to discuss and advocate for your manufacturing priorities.
Visit the NWFMC membership page to see all manufacturers, affiliates and public partners.
Get with the program!
Sign up to participate in Manufacturing Academy
The new school year has begun! The Council is strengthening our Manufacturing Academies program. We aim to develop knowledge and interest in careers in manufacturing by working with students within our region’s ten school districts. The program now includes the new Adopt-a-School program and the Industrial Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship partnerships with FloridaMakes.
Contact Paul Miller to learn how your organization can participate in the NWFMC Manufacturing Academy program.
Connex Florida helps manufacturers through supply chain disruption
The effects of the extreme strain the world’s supply chain is under can be felt globally and locally. Manufacturers and consumers alike are likely to feel the stress of the situation as we approach the holiday season as computer chip shortages, congested ports and a severe deficiency of truck drivers have potential to slow down production.
Finding alternative resources, however, can be a lifesaver for a manufacturer. This is exactly what Connex Florida does. Connected to a nationwide initiative to support supply chain optimization, Connex Florida, the state’s supply chain database hosted by FloridaMakes, connects resources even during times of supply chain disruptions.
Michael Aller, director of supplier development for the FloridaMakes Network, says the Florida manufacturers are experiencing higher costs, greater lead times and delays in existing agreements.
“Shipment agreements of two to four weeks are now eight to nine weeks or more,” Aller said, adding that shipping costs are also substantially higher.
“It is costing six to ten times more to ship a container from East or Southeast Asia,” Aller said and cited that the lack of exporting containers is also a huge problem.
Connex Florida is helping companies find alternate supplies. By identifying resources that are closer and not relying on overseas shipments, the organization is finding solutions to help keep manufacturers in business.
Aller said Connex is consistently canvassing for more suppliers to find specific materials Florida manufacturers need to remain in production.
While the recent supply chain crisis has been in the headlines, severe weather incidents have also kept Connex Florida busy finding solutions for petrochemical and energy company supply disruptions.
“Folks are using it, and we are able to help,” Aller said. “Sometimes companies are willing to pay more for accessibility and ability to continue production.”
NWFMC members can get help to consider options and decipher the best course of action by contacting the Council’s business advisor, Daniel Krug at 850-612-5895.
Sign up to participate in Manufacturing Academy
The new school year has begun, and the Council is strengthening our Manufacturing Academies program which aims to develop knowledge and interest in careers in manufacturing by working with students within our region’s ten school districts. The program now includes the new Adopt-a-School program and the Industrial Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship partnerships with FloridaMakes. Contact Paul Miller to learn how your organization can participate in the NWFMC Manufacturing Academy program.
COVID-19 Vaccination Mandate
OSHA is developing an Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) that will require all employers with 100 or more employees to ensure their workforce is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or require any workers who remain unvaccinated to get tested on a weekly basis. The ETS will also require employers with more than 100 employees to provide paid time off for workers to get vaccinated or recover post-vaccination.
Landrum HR has developed this one page publication to help employers understand the mandate and answer some questions.
Pensacola State's truck school aims to ease driver shortage
The American Trucking Associations says the industry will need to hire about one million new drivers over the next decade, to keep pace with the economy’s increased freight demands.
Best Practices for Employee Engagement & Retention
Workforce stabilization can be difficult to attain since many factors play a part in creating stabilization. Thankfully, for business owners and leaders, there are several actions that promote transparency and optimism while perpetuating employee engagement.
This article from NWFMC Affiliate Memer, Landrum HR, explains how creating trust, effective communication and a positive work environment can make all the difference!
Lean Thinking Series Part 3: Automation in Business Spending
The Saltmarsh Manufacturing Team presents a timely webinar designed to walk you through the different types of business spend, the pros and cons of automating business spending, solutions in the market and how to identify which products are the best fit for your business. The last of a three-part series, the one hour online event is scheduled for Wed., Oct 27, 2021 at 1 p.m. Central Time.
