Northwest Florida Manufacturing News Monthly
Manufacturing Success Stories
As a result of FloridaMakes business advisor mentorship, several NWFMC manufacturing members have reported business-related successes:

Technical Services Laboratory took advantage of the FloridaMakes CoreValue Assessment to analyze their business market and develop a growth plan. As a result, TSL gained $1.3 million in new sales.

On-Point Defense Technologies sought to expand operations in Okaloosa County. Under business advisor guidance, they applied for a Recruitment Retention Expansion Grant from the University of West Florida and received $85,950 to support their expansion.

Panhandle Fabrication & Machine met with business advisors to develop a marketing and growth plan. Within three days of creating a free Google advertisement, they gained $150,000 in new sales.

Artistic Stone Works connected with University of West Florida engineers to develop a three-step slurry biodegradation process, conforming to EPA standards. This system saved $150,000 in costs.

Look at UWF's Career and Professional Education resources to read more about these successes and to find additional stories.
Job Opening: NWFMC Program Manager
The Northwest Florida Manufacturers Council is seeking applicants for the position of Program Manager. Main responsibilities of this position include meeting facilitation and coordination, annual calendar development, and maintenance of publicly-accessible meeting minutes. For additional questions regarding this position, please contact Daniel Krug at [email protected] or 850-612-5895.
Advanced Manufacturing at Milton High School
Students in Milton High School's Advanced Manufacturing class have been learning about the production process through Hexapod robots. They have 3D printed and built the robots, added electronics, and coded the robots. Take a look at the accompanying video to see what these students have accomplished!
2017 Florida Manufacturing Day Impact
The Florida Advanced Technological Education Center has released data from Florida Manufacturing Day in October 2017, highlighting the great impact this event has on the state. Over 5,000 students from 32 counties participated in 165 tours, including five virtual tours. An impressive 100 percent of surveyed manufacturers found the tours to be beneficial and a positive use of time and resources. Learn more about the impacts of this event from FLATE Focus.
Northwest Florida Forward Talent Council
Northwest Florida Forward's Talent Council will hold their quarterly meeting on Tuesday, June 12 at 9:30 a.m. at Northwest Florida State College. This meeting will cover the following topics:

  • Review the data from the technical study about targeted industries, beginning with manufacturing
  • Review programs on education inventory, specifically in the industry mentioned above
  • Identify strengths and gaps for this key industry
  • Project leaders share short overviews of Triumph and Job Growth Grant fund proposals that support this industry
  • Identify remaining gaps/needs
  • Work on development of Talent Forward proposal

The Talent Council appreciates your support of a regional strategy for workforce and economic development.
Calendar
FloridaMakes Webinar: NIST MEP Cybersecurity Update
Thursday, March 22
11:00 a.m. - Noon
Have an event you would like to add? 
Email information to [email protected]
BOD Conference Call
Friday, March 23
1 - 2:30 a.m.

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