Get Ready for Manufacturing Month 2025 | | |
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Register now to host a student in-person facility tour in October or into the fall. Opening your doors is a powerful way to connect with local students and teachers and show what modern manufacturing is all about.
Let’s work together to highlight the vital role manufacturing plays in our region and get the next generation excited about joining the industry!
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Join us in welcoming our
NEW BAMA MEMBERS!
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We’re excited to welcome our newest BAMA members! Click on each company’s logo to learn more about who they are and what they bring to our growing community.
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BAMA's BEST
Ask an Expert!
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Key Wage & Hour Issues Employers Should Know
Expert Guidance from Erin Jackson, Johnson Jackson
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Get Involved
Join a Committee!
Are you looking for a meaningful way to get more involved with our organization, connect with fellow members, and help shape the future of our industry? We’re excited to invite YOU to join one of our active committees!
Our committees are the heart of our association. Whether you're passionate about advocacy, enjoy planning events, or want to help grow our membership, there’s a place for you. This is a great opportunity to share your expertise, gain leadership experience, and make lasting connections.
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Membership Committee – Help us grow and engage our membership community.
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Advocacy Committee – Be a voice for our industry and support our legislative efforts.
Workforce Development Committee – Support initiatives to attract and retain talent in our field.
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Golf Committee – Assist in organizing one of our most popular networking events.
Clay Shoot Committee – Help plan and execute this exciting annual fundraiser.
65th Anniversary Committee – Play a role in planning a memorable celebration for this milestone year.
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1. How long have you been a BAMA member? Over 10 years
2. What do you like most about being a BAMA member? Going to other manufacturing companies in the area and see how they manufacture their products. Also speaking the Manufacturing language with fellow BAMA members.
3. Tell us about your company. DITEK is a proud, family-owned American company based in Largo, and has been leading the Surge Protection industry for over 30 years. In today’s digital age, where we rely on electronics and electricity more than ever, DITEK Surge Protection provides peace of mind by safeguarding your most valuable electronic and digital assets. Think of it as insurance for the devices you depend on—protecting communications, fire and security systems, home appliances, and virtually anything you plug in to power.
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Celebrating Mentor of the Year at USF’s Entrepreneur Mentorship Program
As the University of South Florida’s Entrepreneur Mentorship Program wrapped up its second year, the Nault Center for Entrepreneurship proudly named Roy Kirchner as Mentor of the Year. This recognition shines a spotlight on his outstanding dedication to guiding and inspiring the next generation of student entrepreneurs.
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Jennifer Sineway, Entrepreneur in Residence at the Nault Center and leader of the program, had the honor of surprising Roy with the announcement. As CEO of Ultimate 3D Printing Services and Roy Kirchner Consulting, he has consistently gone above and beyond—offering not only his expertise but also encouragement and genuine passion for innovation. His mentorship has left a lasting impact on the students he has worked with.
Learn more about the Nault Center’s mission and how mentors like Roy are helping shape the future of entrepreneurship at USF: https://www.usf.edu/entrepreneurship/...
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BAMA Leadership Program:
Lead with Confidence 10 Week Series
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Proudly Partnered with MVP-Results, LLC
Today’s manufacturing leaders are tasked with building high-performing, collaborative teams; driving results while engaging others. This is a tall order even for the experienced. Let’s equip your leaders with the tools and skills to confidently encourage more discretionary effort, better team morale, and enhanced engagement.
10 MODULES: TUESDAY MORNINGS
- Dates: OCTOBER 7th, 2025 to December 9, 2025
- Time: First and last class: 7:30 AM - 10:30 AM, all other classes - 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
- Where: AmSkills, Lealman, 5175 45th St N., St. Petersburg, FL 33714
***Participants can start at any time and complete by the next scheduled series.
REGISTER HERE TO ATTEND
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Kelly Murphy Memorial Golf Fundraiser | | |
Support a Great Cause – Become a Sponsor of the Kelly Murphy Memorial Golf Fundraiser!
Join us on Friday, November 14, 2025, at Plantation Palms Golf Club in Land O’ Lakes, FL, for the Kelly Murphy Memorial Golf Fundraiser — a day of camaraderie, competition, and community. We’re currently seeking sponsors to help make this event a success.
Your support will not only honor Kelly’s legacy but also contribute to meaningful local initiatives. With vendor booths, raffle prizes, and top golfer awards, it’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase your business and give back.
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| | THANK YOU TO OUR 2025 GOLF FUNDRAISER EVENT SPONSORS! | | Manufacturers Night with the Tampa Bay Lightning |
Thursday, December 4th, 2025
- Tampa Bay Lightning vs Pittsburgh Penguins
- 5:30 pm Networking
- 7:00 pm Puck Drop
- Benchmark International Arena
Event Details:
- Network with members of BAMA, SAMA and SRMA
- All-inclusive, upscale pre-game buffet and bar (beer, wine, liquor)
| TOC Flow Solutions Certificate Program | |
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BAMA and St. Petersburg College are proud to host the Industry 4.0 Symposium
Friday, October 17, 2025, from 1:00–3:00 PM at SPC’s MT 141 Community Room in St. Petersburg, as part of Manufacturing Month.
This symposium will spotlight the future of advanced manufacturing, with a panel of five nationally recognized experts in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, IoT, 3D printing, and operations. Panelists will explore the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the next era of industry.
Register Here
| | | | Ready, Aim, Save the Date! | | | |
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BAMA's Clay Shoot Fundraiser Returns on March 13, 2026
Mark your calendars for BAMA’s annual Clay Shoot Fundraiser. Enjoy a day of friendly competition at BAMA’s annual Clay Shoot Fundraiser! Participants can look forward to prizes for top shooters, exciting raffle drawings, and a delicious BBQ lunch — all while supporting manufacturing in our community.
Sponsorship opportunities will also be available, along with a chance to showcase your company’s brand in our event swag bags. Stay tuned for registration details!
Interested in becoming the Chair for the Clay Shoot or Made in Tampa Bay Expo? Please reach out to Beth Galic, BAMA Association President for more information.
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Chromalloy Expansion Celebration
BAMA was honored to attend the Chromalloy Expansion Celebration at the Parts Manufacturing Centers of Excellence in Oldsmar. The event featured a ribbon cutting, facility tour, and luncheon — all highlighting Chromalloy’s innovation, advanced technology, and continued growth in manufacturing.
This expansion marks an exciting milestone for Chromalloy and a positive step forward for the local manufacturing community.
Congratulations to Chromalloy on this outstanding achievement!
Learn more about their work here: https://www.chromalloy.com/
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Bridging the Benefits Gap
& AI in the Workplace and HR
Last week, BAMA members gathered at Brio Italian Grille for an engaging Lunch & Learn on what it really takes to attract and retain top talent in manufacturing.
The session was packed with real-world strategies for closing the gap between what employees want and what companies offer. Attendees walked away with actionable ideas to strengthen their workplaces, boost retention, and better support their teams.
Big thanks to Marsh McLennan for bringing this important conversation to the table!
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Career & Opportunity Events |
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Saltmarsh’s latest webinar, “Navigating Tariffs in 2025: What U.S. Manufacturers Need to Know,” is now on YouTube, featuring expert insights on Section 232, Section 301, IEEPA, and WTO compliance from BDO USA, Urban Metals, and Saltmarsh leaders.
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Interested in exhibiting at our upcoming October 6th, 2025 College & Career Fair Event? This event will run from 6 to 7:30 pm at Countryside High School, located at 3000 SR 580, in Clearwater, FL 33761. Spaces are limited so apply now!
Exhibitor Registration Link
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17th Annual Pinellas County College & Career Fair
October 6, 2025 - 6 PM - 7:30 PM
Countryside High School
Countryside High is hosting a College and Career Fair for students throughout the county. This event allows families to explore various career and internship opportunities and connect with representatives from colleges, universities, vocational schools, and business professionals.
Here's what to expect:
• Representatives from colleges and universities
• Information from career and technical schools
• U.S. military branches will be present
• Opportunities for employment, internships, and apprenticeships
This free event features exhibitors from across the county, state, and nation.
| | GROWFL Florida Companies To Watch! | | |
We’re incredibly proud to celebrate three of our very own BAMA Members—Infinity Controls, Veterans Metal, and Tampa Steel & Supply for being named Finalists in the 15th Annual GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Awards!
Pictured: BAMA Board Members Andrew Kossowski (Veterans Metal) and Troy Underwood (Tampa Steel & Supply) during the official announcement.
These outstanding companies are in the running to be recognized as one of the Top 50 growth companies in Florida, a prestigious honor that shines a spotlight on their dedication, innovation, and impact on our manufacturing community.
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BAMA Wins Industrial/Manufacturing Business of the Year Award
from the Safety Harbor Chamber of Commerce
| Pasco County Proclamation of Manufacturing Month & Day |
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Pasco County Commissioners presented a proclamation to Robert Ralston of RJ MANUFACTURING declaring October 2025 as Manufacturing Month and October 3, 2025 as Manufacturing Day in Pasco County.
The Bay Area Manufacturers Association and RJ Manufacturing were joined by Pasco Economic Development Council, Pasco-Hernando State College, AmSkills, and CareerSource Pasco Hernando, showing how education, workforce development, and industry are working together to strengthen manufacturing locally.
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SelectFlorida and the Florida SBDC Network: Export Marketing Plan
You will meet with a Florida SBDC International Trade specialist to conduct a confidential, in-depth business assessment. The Specialist will prepare and provide your company with a customized Export Marketing Plan.
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USF EE AUTOMATION FEST 2025
- Wednesday, September 24th, 2025 at 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, EDT
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Hall of Flags Engineering Commons & Engineering Courtyard at USF
- Register Here
Don’t miss the chance to connect with USF’s engineering community at Automation Fest, where you’ll gain visibility, meet potential interns and collaborators, and engage in a hub of innovation and talent.
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Manufacturing Safety in the Workplace – OSHA Update by:
Jim Elliott, CHMM, CSP, MRSA
Principal Consultant
Elliott Consulting Group, LLC
DBE/MBE/WBE
American Society of Safety Professionals
Once again, five of OSHA’s “Top 10” list of safety violations are associated with industrial workplaces.
Interesting to note that OSHA’s “Top 10” list has remained relatively unchanged for many years. This indicates that compliance gaps with the potential to injure America’s workforce persist in the industrial sector. Savvy Florida manufacturers implement best practices such as facility inspection programs and routine compliance reviews to help ensure OSHA compliance and guard their most valuable resource for success – their employees.
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The five most often cited safety OSHA standards for General Industry are:
1. Hazard Communication (Employee notification and training on workplace chemicals).
2. Powered Industrial Trucks (Material handling equipment including powered pallet jacks, order pickers, walkies, reach trucks, stand-ups, clamp trucks, and of course, forklifts).
3. Control of Hazardous Energy (Documented procedures to de-energize equipment before service/repair, and placing equipment temporarily out-of-service - Lockout/Tagout).
4. Respiratory Protection (Programs and practices to protect workers from dusts, fogs, fumes, mists, gases, smokes, sprays, and vapors in the workplace).
5. Machine Guarding (Protections from mechanized equipment hazards including point of operation, ingoing nip points, rotating parts, flying chips, and sparks).
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"Meet the Employers"
The USF Supply Chain Management & Sustainability Center invites partners to Meet the Employers on Thursday, October 2, 2025, from 4:30–6:30 PM at the Muma College of Business Atrium.
This event offers a chance to connect with talented, motivated supply chain students and share your company’s story. A small participation fee helps support student opportunities and meaningful employer-student engagement.
When: October 2, 2025
Time: 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Where: Muma College of Business Atrium, USF
RSVP Here
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AmSkills Champions of Change & 12th Annual Manufacturing Dinner
Join us on October 9, 2025, from 5:00–8:00 PM for AmSkills’ annual banquet celebrating innovation, leadership, and excellence in manufacturing.
This inspiring evening will feature recognition of outstanding contributions across the industry, networking, and dinner with peers who are driving change in our community.
🎟️ $125 per person | $1,000 table of 10
Register Here
| | | | 2025 Florida Manufacturing Technology Oktoberfest | |
It’s back for the third year in a row! Join us on Wednesday, October 8th in Tampa for an afternoon filled with the latest manufacturing trends, hands-on demonstrations, and industry expertise — all with a festive Oktoberfest twist.
This Customer Appreciation Technology Event will feature:
- Cutting-edge manufacturing solution exhibits
- Networking opportunities with industry leaders
- Hands-on technology demos
- German-inspired food, drinks, and fun
When: Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Time: 9:30am until 5:00pm
Where: 12820 Dupont Circle, Tampa, FL 33626
REGISTER HERE TO ATTEND
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Free Student Networking & Internship Event
Join us for the Fall 2025 Networking & Internship Recruitment Event on Thursday, October 9, 6–8 PM at the EpiCenter, St. Petersburg College. This free event connects students with recruiters in engineering and related fields, offering valuable networking opportunities, resume feedback, and internship prospects.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Company Sponsorships will also be available, providing enhanced exposure through logo placement on student invitations, TBEIA/FDCA communications, and LinkedIn Group pages. Levels include Gold ($1,000), Silver ($750), and Bronze ($500) — each offering unique benefits to help promote your brand while supporting workforce development.
What to Expect:
Participating companies will have a display table, the chance to introduce their organization, and time to network directly with students pursuing careers in engineering, machining, electronics, IT, software development, and more.
Register Here
| | Manufacturing: Powering America’s Future — Be Part of the Momentum! | | | | |
Event Details
When: Thursday, October 9, 2025
Time: 7:30 AM Breakfast & Networking | 8:00 AM Program
Where: USF Research Park (1st Floor Classroom), 3814 Spectrum Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612
Cost: $15 (Registration required; space is limited)
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What to Expect
- Insights from FloridaMakes, BAMA, and USF’s Institute for Applied Engineering on growth strategies, workforce development, and advanced prototyping.
- A chance to connect and network with fellow manufacturers.
- Full breakfast provided.
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Featured Speakers
- Beth Galic, President, Bay Area Manufacturers Association
- Robert Monaco, Gulf Coast Regional Director, FloridaMakes
- Teddy Sedalor, Mechanical Functional Area Lead, USF Institute for Applied Engineering
Register Here
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10th Annual
GHOULS for TOOLS 5K
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Be part of this special community event supporting the future of manufacturing! Lace up for the 5K, cheer on the Kids Dash, or volunteer to help make an impact. After the race, explore the Manufacturing Expo, where local manufacturers and associations showcase exciting career opportunities.
With over $230,000 already distributed to educational programs from past races, your participation helps create brighter opportunities for tomorrow’s workforce.
- Sunday, October 26th, 2025
- Chi Chi Rodriguez Golf Club - 3030 N. McMullen Booth Road. Clearwater, FL 33761
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6:30 AM - Registration Begins
- 7:38 AM - Sunrise over Tampa Bay
- 7:45 AM - 5K Begins
- 8:45 AM - Kids Dash, ages 3-8, free
- 9:00 AM - Awards, Costume Contest
REGISTER TO RACE HERE
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To Register To Become A Volunteer
The Great American Teach-In will take place on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, as part of Pinellas County Schools’ American Education Week. Parents and community members are invited to share their careers, hobbies, and interests with students. Those interested in volunteering in Tarpon Springs can connect directly with local schools, such as Tarpon Springs Middle, and must be registered in the PCS volunteer system.
REGISTER HERE
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We are pleased to invite you to participate in SelectFlorida’s Export Sales Mission to South Africa November 29, 2025 to December 6, 2025, with stops in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg.
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EXPORT OPPORTUNITIES
The list of industries below is not comprehensive. If your industry is not mentioned below, please contact us for a no-obligation assessment. Some of the trade opportunities for Florida companies include:
- Agriculture Equipment
- Aviation
- Energy
- Healthcare
- Information Technology
- Education and Training
Learn More Details Here
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