November 2025

From the President

Happy Thanksgiving, BAMA Community!

On behalf of the entire BAMA leadership team, I wish you and your families a warm, safe, and joyful Thanksgiving.

We’re grateful to you, and we look forward to closing out the year strong together. Happy Thanksgiving!

Best,

Beth Galic | President

Bay Area Manufacturers Association

Welcome New Members

Member Spotlight

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J.B. Wright

Vice President

Manufacturing Engineering at McCORMICK STEVENSON copy here. Be sure to make the articles short and concise as people tend not to read much more than a couple of paragraphs. Place article copy here.

1. How long have you been a BAMA member?

McCormick Stevenson has been a member for approximately 8 months.

2. What do you like most about being a BAMA member?

I am grateful for the opportunities for engagement with other local companies.

3. Tell us about your company.

McCormick Stevenson is a small, non-traditional defense contractor, supporting the Department of Defense through focused technical expertise in the Development and Production of armament systems. Our engineers support areas in design, analysis, manufacturing, quality, and test with a focus in all areas of product lifecycle; concept and requirement development, through full rate production, and into sustainment.

4. What do you consider your greatest accomplishment to date?

Early in my career as a manufacturing engineer, I helped a design team with transition to production of a cryptographic data transfer device used with COMSEC equipment. After multiple failures in testing and design validation, I implemented a new manufacturing method after completing full root cause analysis. This led to successful qualification and ultimate fielding of the device for the National Security Agency.

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

You do not have to seek perfection right away. Focus on getting halfway to the wall every time. Continuous improvement is indeed continuous.

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

I believe my growth and development in problem solving has been beneficial in the different hats I have worn in my roles as a manufacturing engineer, manager, program manager, proposal developer, and business development.

7. What are your hobbies or interests?

Outside of spending time with my 3 daughters and bride, I enjoy attending USF Athletics events and chasing a little white ball around a golf course.

Feature in USF Article: https://giving.usf.edu/impact/planning-ahead-way-ahead

Nominations Now Open!

The Bay Area Manufacturers Association is now accepting nominations for the 2025–2026 Manufacturer of the Year Awards. This program honors and celebrates the exceptional achievements and innovations of manufacturing companies across our region.

Submit your nomination using the link below.

Nominate

BAMA's BEST

Expert Advice

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Protecting Your People: The Real Value of Business Income Insurance

When disaster strikes—fire, hurricane, tornado—your building isn’t the only thing at risk. Your people are, too. Imagine this: Your business earns $10M annually with $1M in profit. You buy 12 months of business income coverage, but a major loss shuts you down for 18 months. That’s a $500K shortfall—and it could mean losing your best employees.

Why It Matters:

Keeping key employees during downtime is critical:

Replacing an employee costs 30%–400% of their salary

31% quit within 6 months if they feel unsupported

71% who feel insecure plan to job hunt within 3 months

The Right Coverage Helps You:

Pay key employees so they don’t leave

Maintain morale and loyalty during a rebuild

Avoid costly rehiring and retraining later

Be sure to calculate the right limits before underwriting—so your policy fits your real risks, not averages.

This isn’t just insurance. It’s protecting your people, your culture, and your future.

Trace Andrews

Property & Casualty Consultant

USI Insurance Services

CA License Nos. 4398640 |0G11911

2502 N. Rock Point Dr. Ste. 400

Tampa, FL 33607

352-348-5076

trace.andrews@usi.com| www.usi.com

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Upcoming Events

ASCM 2025 Annual Holiday Networking Event

December 01, 2025 6:00 PM

Tampa- Whiskey Cake

Manufacturers Night with the Tampa Bay Lightning

December 04, 2025 5:30 PM

Tampa

BAMA General Meeting & Open House at RJ Manufacturing

December 12, 2025 1:00 PM

Port Richey

Brews with BAMA at Pee-Pa’s Garage Craft Brewery

December 17, 2025 5:00 PM

Pinellas Park

BAMA General Meeting and Tour of Lithionics

January 07, 2026

Clearwater

Theory of Constraints 2-Day Certificate Workshop (session 1 of 2)

January 14 & February 11, 2026

Clearwater- Pinellas Technical College

TOC 2 Day Certificate Program

Celebrate BAMA’s 65th Anniversary with Us!

Next year, the Bay Area Manufacturers Association (BAMA) will celebrate an incredible 65 years of serving manufacturers in Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Pasco Counties. We’ve come a long way since our founding, and we want to make this milestone truly special with a full year of celebrations honoring our members, partners, and the thriving manufacturing community we support.

To kick off our anniversary, we’re creating a special 65th Anniversary logo, and we want YOU to be a part of it! We’re inviting all members and creative supporters to submit logo designs for a chance to have your design featured throughout our year-long celebration. Please submit your logos in high-resolution PNG and JPEG formats by January 5th to beth@bama-fl.org. For guidelines and contest rules: https://bit.ly/BAMA65Years.

In addition, we’re offering a special “$65 for 65 Years” sponsorship opportunity. This is your chance to be prominently featured as one of our anniversary sponsors and show your support for the local manufacturing community.

If you would like to participate as a sponsor, register here: https://bit.ly/BAMA65Years and join us in celebrating 65 years of innovation, collaboration, and manufacturing excellence.

Let’s make this anniversary one to remember! We can’t wait to see your logo ideas and celebrate with you all year long!

Events Recap

Annual Kelly Murphy Memorial Golf Fundraiser

The Bay Area Manufacturers Association held the 34th annual Kelly Murphy Memorial Golf Fundraiser at Plantation Palms Golf Course. This event continued its tradition of honoring Kelly Murphy's Legacy while strengthening workforce development in the region. The top teams recognized were One Source Advisory, STELLAR Industrial Supply, and Tampa Steel & Supply. The Bay Area Manufacturers Association extends its appreciation to all participants, volunteers, and sponsors for their contributions to this successful event.

BAMA Leadership Program: Leader Confidence Accelerator

The Bay Area Manufacturers Association launched its four-session leadership training program, the Leader Confidence Accelerator. This program was developed in partnership with MVP-Results and is being instructed by their Senior Director of Talent Optimization, Carissa Gudenkauf. This program works to support leadership development in the manufacturing sector.

Participants completed the first two sessions in November, which focused on communication, motivation, and practical techniques for effective team leadership. This program will continue for two more sessions as participants build on these skills and learn to apply them in their respective organizations.

CareerSource Tampa Bay and BAMA Manufacturing Workforce Roundtable

The Bay Area Manufacturers Association and CareerSource Tampa Bay hosted a Manufacturing Workforce Roundtable that brought together business owners, local educators, and community partners to discuss current workforce problems and their potential solutions.

The conversation covered key topics including workforce data and industry trends, funding opportunities and training resources, and action planning to strengthen the local talent pipeline.

4th Annual Manufacturing Summit

The Bay Area Manufacturers Association participated in the 4th annual Pinellas Manufacturing Summit, held at the Pinellas Park Performing Arts Center. The event featured keynote speakers, panel discussions, networking, and the showcasing of new products and technologies.

BAMA also hosted a booth and awarded a complimentary one-year membership to the winner of our raffle, Ken Yeager of Spacewerks Inc. The summit provided valuable opportunities for networking and insight into issues shaping the future of manufacturing in Pinellas County.

Women and Veterans in Manufacturing Panel

More than 50 attendees gathered at Veterans Metal for a discussion on supporting women and veterans in the manufacturing industry. This event was hosted by Saltmarsh and featured a panel with BAMA President Beth Galic, Lynette Barry of Infinity Industrial Controls, and Sydney Kossowski of Veterans Metal.

Panelists explored how to attract, develop, and support women and veterans to build a more inclusive workplace. The morning concluded with a guided tour of Veterans Metal by owner Andrew Kossowski, offering a behind-the-scenes look at their operations.

5k Run for Manufacturing Education

The 10th annual 5k for Manufacturing Education, organized by Mastercut Tool Corp. and The Shaluly Foundation, brought together community members and industry partners to support manufacturing and STEM education initiatives under the theme "Ghouls for Tools".

The event raises funds for programs that encourage and prepare future talent in the industry. During this year’s Ghouls for Tools 5K, BAMA provided a Tampa Bay Lightning hockey stick signed by the full team as a giveaway prize. BAMA appreciates the continued partnership and the organizers’ commitment to advancing manufacturing education in the region.

Manufacturing Facility Tours

Student Tour at Align Precision

Over 20 students from Hollins High School toured Align Precision to explore the real-world energy, precision, and passion of modern manufacturing.

Student Tour at Bausch + Lomb

Students from Leto High School toured Bausch + Lomb, one of Tampa's leading manufacturers. The tour highlighted the company’s operations and offered students a glimpse into career opportunities in the manufacturing sector.

Three Student Tours at Norwalt Automation Group Tampa

Over 100 students from Madison Middle School, Stewart Middle School, and Gaither High School toured Norwalt Automation Group Tampa. These students got an up-close look at cutting-edge automation, precision design, and manufacturing solutions.

Industry Events & News

Call for Hosts: Showcase Your Workplace to Hillsborough County’s Graduating Seniors

Hillsborough County Manufacturers, here’s a meaningful way to support our future workforce while spotlighting the opportunities within your organization. We are inviting member companies to participate as Business Tour Hosts for graduating seniors across Hillsborough County.

These Business Tours are the second major student engagement event of the school year and are designed to give seniors an up-close look at local career pathways. By opening your doors, you’ll help students experience real workplaces, meet industry professionals, observe company culture, and continue thinking intentionally about their plans after graduation.

It’s important to note that these tours are not hiring activation days. Students will come prepared with résumés for the Future Fair Hiring Events in April, where they can formally apply and interview. The tours simply lay the groundwork, sparking interest, answering questions, and helping students envision themselves in our local manufacturing community.

Business Tour Dates

We have eight Business Tour days scheduled across Hillsborough County throughout January and February. Based on your company’s location, we will help match you with the best fit.

Tour Format

Each field trip follows a consistent and simple structure:

· Each bus visits three businesses: two in the morning, one in the afternoon

· Up to 50 students per bus

· One hour allotted per business stop

· Companies may host multiple groups throughout the day

This format gives students a well-rounded experience while allowing businesses flexibility to host as many sessions as they choose—until slots are filled.

Why Participate?

Manufacturers have a unique opportunity to inspire the next generation of skilled talent. By hosting a tour, you can:

· Introduce students to modern manufacturing careers

· Highlight your company culture and workforce needs

· Strengthen the pipeline of local talent

· Make a positive impact on students preparing for life after graduation

If your company is interested in hosting or if you have questions, please reach out to:

· Chrissy Lewis

· Chrissy@workforcedevelopmentpartners.com

· 813-765-1860

Let’s work together to help students discover the exciting opportunities waiting for them in Hillsborough County’s manufacturing community.