The BAMA Bulletin

May 2025

From the President’s Desk: A New Chapter Begins

Join us in welcoming our NEW BAMA MEMBERS!

Big News! Our PPE Sponsor is Here to Keep You Covered!

We are proud to recognize our New PPE Sponsor, Stitch Logo.


Safety is the backbone of manufacturing excellence, and at BAMA, we’re committed to keeping our members and event attendees protected. Thanks to Stitch Logo, who answered the call as our PPE Sponsor, we’re able to provide quality safety gear that keeps our community secure while showcasing their brand. It’s partnerships like these that help us prioritize safety and strengthen the Tampa Bay manufacturing network.


Learn More about Stitch Logo here.

1.      How long have you been a BAMA member? Since 2023

2.     What do you like most about being a BAMA member? Being a BAMA member brings a sense of community and collaboration in our area. It’s truly a network of professionals who are passionate about advancing the manufacturing industry. 

3.     Tell us about your company. Polypack specializes in manufacturing shrink wrap and corrugated packaging machines. We serve a wide range of industries, from food to pharmaceuticals. With over 65 years of experience, we take pride in delivering equipment that enhances productivity.

BAMA Awards Banquet

Thursday, June 19th, 2025

5:00 - 8:00 PM

Shanna and Bryan Glazer Family JCC, 522 N Howard Ave, Tampa, FL 33606


Event Highlights:

  • Networking and Cocktail Reception
  • Keynote Speaker: Audrey McGuckin, Audrey spent over 10 years as the Chief Talent Officer for Jabil, a $27 billion company.
  • Award Winners: 2024-2025 BAMA member award winners announced, celebrate the Manufacturer of the Year, meet STEM fair & scholarship winners.


Thank You To Our 2025 BAMA Awards Banquet SPONSORS!

PLATINUM SPONSOR

DRINK SPONSOR

AWARDS SPONSOR

SILVER SPONSOR

BRONZE SPONSOR


BAMA Upcoming Events

Webinar: Leveraging AI in Manufacturing

May 22nd 2025. 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

LinkedIn Live


Brews with BAMA & Tour of Yuengling

May 29, 2025 1:00 PM  Yuengling Tampa Brewery


BAMA Annual Awards Banquet

June 19th 2025. 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM


NXTPoint Logistics & Suddath Tampa Warehouse Grand Opening 

July 11th 2025. 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM


Brews with BAMA & Tour of Tampa Bay Brewing Company 

July 17th 2025. 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM


Wednesday Wisdom: Opening Government Contracts 

July 23rd 2025. 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM


Building Technology in Tampa Bay Presented by Kortek

August 06, 2025, 11:30 AM


Theory of Constraints Flow Solutions Seminar, presented by Rami Goldratt

September 25, 2025, 10:00 AM

November 14, 2025, 8:00 AM

Plantation Palms Golf Club, 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd, Land O' Lakes


For sponsorship or registration, contact Golf Committee Chairman John Diaz at JDiaz@stellarindustrial.com or BAMA Event Coordinator Karlin Housen at karlin@bama-fl.org / 727-536-5809.

BAMA Events Recap!

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of

Trademark Metals Recycling

What better way to celebrate Earth Day than by recognizing a company that’s leading the charge in sustainability? We were proud to join Trademark Metals Recycling – A Nucor Company (TMR) for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at their brand-new Madison, FL location!


TMR isn't just a metal recycling company—they're a driving force behind environmental stewardship and resource conservation. With over 500 team members across multiple locations, they’re proving that industrial innovation and sustainability can go hand-in-hand.


Congratulations to the TMR team on this exciting expansion, and thank you for your continued leadership in creating a greener tomorrow.

Brews with BAMA at the

Thirsty Buffalo Brew Factory 

What a night! A huge thank you to everyone who came out for Brews with BAMA at The Thirsty Buffalo Brewing Company! We had a fantastic turnout, and the energy in the room was electric.


It was inspiring to see so many local manufacturers, BAMA members, and industry partners come together—not just to network, but to truly connect. From exchanging ideas and stories to discovering new opportunities for collaboration, the spirit of community and innovation was on full display.

Between the $1 tastings, behind-the-scenes brewery conversations, and great company, it was the perfect setting to wind down and celebrate all the hard work our region’s manufacturers put in every day.

Powered Up Tampa Bay Tech Fest

Last week, BAMA President, Beth Galic, led an inspiring session on workforce robotics and intelligent process automation at the Powered Up Tampa Bay Tech Fest. The session featured Jay Rogers, CEO of Haddy, a trailblazing St. Petersburg-based company that's redefining manufacturing.


Haddy is revolutionizing the industry by integrating AI and robotics into large-scale 3D printing, producing sustainable furniture from 100% recycled materials. Their commitment to local manufacturing not only brings jobs back to the Tampa Bay area but also sets a new standard for eco-friendly production.

MANUFACTURING RISING


The May 2025 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering (Vol. 77, Issue 4) spotlights the critical role of reshoring and workforce development in revitalizing U.S. manufacturing.Industry veterans Roy Sweatman, Harry Moser, and Terry Iverson share their insights on reshaping public perception and addressing the skilled labor shortage.Sweatman, president of Southern Manufacturing Technologies in Tampa, emphasizes the importance of local engagement and education.Moser, founder of the Reshoring Initiative, discusses strategies to bring manufacturing jobs back to the U.S.Iverson, through CHAMPION Now!, focuses on inspiring the next generation of manufacturers.


Together, they highlight the urgency of collaborative efforts to ensure a robust future for American manufacturing. Explore their perspectives in this compelling issue.

Get Ready for Manufacturing Month!


Manufacturing Month is coming up in October, and now’s the perfect time to start planning how you’ll take part! We’re here to help our local manufacturers get involved and make the most of this opportunity to showcase your work and inspire future talent.


We’ll be assisting with student facility tours throughout October and into the fall. Opening your doors is a powerful way to connect with the community and show what modern manufacturing is all about.


We’re also hosting a Virtual Manufacturing Day Webinar on October 3rd, where local middle and high school students will get a behind-the-scenes look at your facility through video tours. After the video, you'll have the opportunity to join live with the students to answer their questions and inspire the next generation of makers.


If you don’t yet have a facility tour video, we’re partnering with HADJI Studios to offer discounted video production rates exclusively for BAMA members. These videos can be used for the virtual tour, as well as for your own marketing efforts.


Let’s work together to highlight the vital role manufacturing plays in our region—and get the next generation excited about joining the industry!


Interested in participating or need help getting started? Reach out today!

The Florida Chamber of Commerce is shining a light on innovation with the launch of the Coolest Thing Made in Florida, a statewide competition designed to spotlight and celebrate the incredible products manufactured in the Sunshine State.

Nominate your favorite Florida-made product and help us showcase why Florida is on track to become a Top 5 manufacturing state by 2030!


UPS® now offers a shipping program to BAMA members designed to help you strengthen your supply chain. From small packages to pallets – or anything in between – UPS can do more than just move your goods from A to B. Reimagine the possibilities and explore the variety of shipping services and tools that can help you cut costs, protect your business from future disruptions and find new growth opportunities. With over 100 years of experience and having built one of the world’s largest logistics networks, UPS sees things a little differently.

Let’s reimagine your possibilities. Sign up for a new UPS account to join the BAMA UPS® Savings Program and unlock your member discount to save up to 65%* on domestic UPS Next Day Air® and up to 42%* on UPS® Ground. No code needed!


Sign up for a new account: www.savewithups.com/1800members

Or if you already have a UPS account, simply re-enroll and apply our member-only savings to your existing account.

Career & Opportunity Events

The MTC Innovation Program includes paid internships within their Business Enterprise warehouse plus providing scholarships for training certifications currently being offered at the MTC via the eMerge Program. Phase one of this program is focusing on the Deaf and hard of hearing community. Their interns will work in their MTC Business Enterprise warehouse and take training classes to promote ongoing skills training in a variety of areas.  


Questions? Please contact Anne Prosser at aprosser@macdonaldccenter.org for more information!!! She would love to connect with your Management or HR Teams to discuss collaboration!! 

Invitation to Support Girls-Only Construction Camp –June 9–12


Pinellas County Schools is hosting a Girls-Only Construction Camp from June 9–12 at Richard O. Jacobson Technical High School in Seminole. This four-day camp is designed to introduce middle and high school girls to career opportunities in the construction industry through:

  • A large group build project
  • Individual take-home projects
  • Hands-on activities in various trades
  • Presentations from experts in architecture, electrical work, and structural design


The district is seeking industry support through:

  • Volunteer participation
  • Expert presentations
  • Donations of materials, PPE, or giveaway items for participants



This initiative aims to inspire young women to explore careers in construction and foster diversity within the industry. For more information or to get involved, please contact Pinellas County Schools.

Manufacturing Events

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