“Last month, NWFMC Program Manager Paul Miller, FloridaMakes BOD member Nicole Gislason, and I travelled to Tallahassee to advocate for manufacturers across the 10-county region,” reports Wayne Henson, NWFMC Board Chairman. “Representing NWFMC in the capital was a great opportunity to learn more about the regional Manufacturing Associations across the state. We have received feedback regarding the region’s needs from our local manufacturers via a recent survey from the Florida Manufacturing and Logistics Council. We took those needs to our legislators and presented them with what we believe will make the manufacturing ecosystem more fertile. Our representatives showed a lot of interest in the work NWFMC is doing to build a talent pipeline for manufacturing in Northwest Florida. The legislators were curious and knowledgeable, and we left understanding that they have our communities’ interests in mind. New, high-paying manufacturing jobs are the best way to raise the status of the entire community.”

NWFMC is acting as the world leader in manufacturing at the Worlds of Possibilities Career Expo, hosted by Pensacola State College at the Pensacola Bay Center on April 8-9. Please call Paul Miller at (315) 759-9254 to lend a hand in showing our students that manufacturing is not dirty, dark and dangerous, but rather a great path to high-wage careers right here in Northwest Florida. We are building a talent pipeline for manufacturers - join in our success. 

Contact the Florida Legislature by email - it only takes one minute. Simply fill in the short form and an email supporting manufacturing goes directly to the Representative from your District about the work

FloridaMakes does to improve the productivity and technological performance of Florida's manufacturing sector. It's that easy! This resource is provided with support from the American Small Manufacturers Coalition.

FloridaMakes is a great resource and can help your company address current challenges, create new opportunities for growth and achieve measurable results. To learn how FloridaMakes’ services can unlock growth opportunities and cost savings for your company, contact your FloridaMakes Business Advisors Daniel Krug at [email protected], (850) 612-5895 (cell), John Davis at [email protected], (850) 384-5275 (cell), or Mary Nutial at [email protected], (850) 426-9145 (cell).

FloridaMakes is an industry-led public-private partnership operated by participating Regional Manufacturer Associations throughout Florida. As part of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership network, FloridaMakes is the official representative of NIST MEP in the State of Florida. Learn more at www.floridamakes.com.

The University of West Florida's Haas Center has compiled a Hurricane Michael dashboard to highlight the storm's impact on the Eastern Panhandle region:

Additionally, according to FEMA, just over $2.1 million has been allocated to those impacted by Hurricane Michael. In comparison, local governments impacted by Hurricane Irma in 2017 received $365 million.

University of West Florida Supply Chain Logistics Management students Akilah Muhammad, Jillian Whitsell, Patrick Keele, Dylan Stephany, and Chantel Hylton won 2nd place in the 2019 Operation Stimulus Case Competition on February 1. Now in its 38th year, Operation Stimulus is a prestigious annual supply chain and logistics case competition hosted by the Denver Transportation Club. 

Out of 16 teams, UWF’s team was the only one to suggest and utilize 3D printing (courtesy of UWF’s Sea3D Lab) in their solar panel case. The judges were surprised to learn from the team that the technology is already being used in solar.

Through the University of West Florida’s Center for Supply Chain Management Excellence and its award-winning degree program, students connect early to the industry. We have created a powerful network of supply chain professionals and alumni, which provides unique learning opportunities and exclusive student internship and career opportunities. UWF is also pioneering research with corporate partners to deliver real-world supply chain solutions.

Do you want to create prototypes, fix out-of-circulation parts on old but active equipment, or introduce your kids to additive manufacturing? Join the UWF Sea3D Lab for Open Build Night each Tuesday (excluding holidays and university closures). In order for the lab technicians to better assist you, registration is encouraged.

Creating Winning Communities Through Collaboration

The Solution to Transforming the Supply Chain: Back to Basics

State of 3D Printing 2019: All Grown Up & Ready to Work

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