NWFMC bids farewell to Daniel Krug and welcomes new regional business advisor, Jolee Martin

The Northwest Florida Manufacturers Council had to say goodbye to Daniel Krug in May as he ventures into a new role as defense industrial base business developer at Cyber Security Solutions.

“Daniel has been a great colleague and friend,” said Paul Miller, President of the Northwest Florida Manufacturers Council. “Fortunately, we will continue working with Daniel helping local companies with cybersecurity solutions.”

Members of the NWFMC will soon meet a new business advisor, Jolee Martin. With more than 20 years of operational and leadership experience, Martin’s background includes corporate leadership and strategy, quality management, change management, training, and product management.

"I am honored to be a member of the FloridaMakes team and can't wait to meet everyone. Great things are happening in our NW Florida community and we have such opportunity to build upon," Martin said. "Our I-10 corridor is growing and the manufacturing community has depth of product offerings and expertise. Opportunities, and challenges, have been identified and collectively we can work to better the whole. I can't wait to see how we grow!" READ MORE

FloridaMakes asks members to participate in Career Academy survey

On behalf of the FloridaMakes Board of Directors, Talent Pipeline Working Group, we want to identify schools that RMAs and manufacturers are actively working with to promote manufacturing careers. This information will be used as a baseline to evaluate our success in reaching out and promoting manufacturing careers to the education system. Your participation is very much appreciated.

TransfrVR demo in Pensacola June 1

Experience how TransfrVR helps job seekers become more informed to make career choices by providing hands-on, interactive virtual experiences with the tools and skills used in various careers.

First Place Partners invites you to experience for yourself how this virtual reality career exploration and training can enhance your organization's talent objectives and our community's needs. RSVP is not required but helpful. Lunch will be provided by First Place Partners. READ MORE

FloridaMakes launches annual award for Florida’s top manufacturing apprentices to be honored at MakeMore Manufacturing Summit in October

FloridaMakes, a statewide organization operated by an alliance of Florida's regional manufacturers associations and partner organizations, has announced a new statewide award, celebrating Florida’s top manufacturing apprentices. The Apprentice of the Year award will be given to manufacturing apprentices who demonstrate outstanding commitment to their professional development and show how they have made a positive difference to their company. Apprentices must be enrolled in a registered manufacturing apprenticeship program. Nominations close July 31. READ MORE or visit FloridaMakes to nominate someone today!

Does your company check the box?

FloridaMakes officially launched their Manufacturing Employer of Choice program. This program is conducted by a third-party consulting firm via a "no-cost” 40 question survey to determine how your company ranks among peer groups within the industry, in providing the elements necessary to be a great place to work.

The survey instrument is completed by your company's Human Resources Department or Management Team that handles, talent recruitment and selection, compensation and benefits and training and development functions. All participating manufacturers receive a valuable benchmarking analytics report based on survey results.

By completing the survey, companies can benefit from talent attraction and retention by building your brand as a 2022 Florida Manufacturing Employer of Choice. Manufacturers will receive an analytics report containing key metrics of how your company ranks among peer group companies. The report also contains best practices that can be implemented to support your in becoming a great place to work.

All winners will be recognized at the 2022 statewide MakeMore Manufacturing Summit on October 13. Survey closes June 30, 2022

Governor DeSantis Awards $3.2M to Expand Manufacturing in Okaloosa County

Governor Ron DeSantis awarded $3.2 million to Okaloosa County through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to expand roads, rail lines, and utility infrastructure at the Shoal River Ranch. Shoal River Ranch is an industrial mega site. With this investment, it is expected to bring more than 11,000 jobs to the Okaloosa County region. This will more than double the current number of manufacturing jobs in the area, bringing more than 4,000 new jobs in manufacturing. READ MORE