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Get Involved ... Join A Committee

Did you know there are lots of business opportunities when you get involved on a BAMA committee? Look at this list of five benefits you get when when you work toward a common goal with other committee members! Take action, join a committee—the association is always at work for you!

1.      Experience – Experience how BAMA works and the effort that goes into making the association successful!

2.      Relationships/Networking – Joining a committee helps you build stronger relationships with other Manufacturers and Associates.

3.      Brand Building –  Build your brand by getting involved, it’s not about who you know anymore—it’s about who knows you!

4.      Development – Committee participation leads to uncovering business insights you can utilize in your professional and personal development!

5.      Service – Contribute to the growth and future success of the organization


One of the best ways to help BAMA and manufacturing in Tampa Bay is to join a committee. You can find out more by emailing or calling a committee member listed below or contact Beth at BAMA at 727-536-5809 | beth@bama-fl.org.

COMMITTEES

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

The Workforce Development Committee is dedicated to strengthening the skills, readiness, and opportunities of the current and future workforce. The committee works collaboratively with educators, employers, and community partners to identify workforce needs, address skills gaps, and promote training and career pathways that align with industry demands. By supporting initiatives such as job training programs, apprenticeships, and continuing education, the committee helps individuals achieve economic mobility while ensuring businesses have access to a qualified and competitive talent pool. Through strategic planning and partnerships, the Workforce Development Committee plays a vital role in fostering sustainable economic growth and community prosperity.

Key responsibilities include:

STEM 

  • Partner with Tampa Bay Works/AMSkills Bootcamps
  • IMT Apprenticeship Program
  • USF Veteran Support Events
  • Adopt a School Program (Advisory Councils)
  • Manufacturing Month
  • Great American Teach In
  • Scholarships
  • Mentorships
  • Robotics
  • STEM Fairs
  • Job Fairs

Workforce Development Chair

Russell Hamard

United Scrap Metal

rhamard@unitedscrap.com



Workforce Development Vice Chair

Pete Cirak

Seal Dynamics

petercirak@sealdynamics.com

FUNDRAISING/REVENUE/sponsorships

The Fundraising committee is responsible for implementation of the sponsorship program as well as maintaining relationships with the existing sponsors throughout the year.  Assists in recruiting members for corporate sponsors, meeting sponsors, tour sponsors, golf fundraiser and clay shoot fundraiser. The fundraising committee coordinates fundraising events throughout the year. 

Key responsibilities include:

  • Golf  Sponsorships            
  • Clay Shoot Sponsorships
  • Annual Awards Banquet Sponsorships
  • Corporate Sponsors
  • Event Sponsors 



Sponsorship Chair

Cristine Torrefranca, CPA

Saltmarsh, Cleaveland & Gund 

cristine.torrefranca@saltmarshcpa.com

800-477-7458

ADVOCACY COMMITTEE

The Advocacy Committee of the Bay Area Manufacturers Association (BAMA) serves as the unified voice for manufacturers across the region, working to influence public policy and create a business environment where manufacturing can thrive. The committee brings together industry leaders to identify key challenges, engage with elected officials, and promote legislation that supports economic growth, workforce development, and operational competitiveness. By maintaining strong relationships with government agencies and community partners, the committee ensures that the needs and perspectives of manufacturers are represented in decisions that impact the industry.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Monitoring and analyzing local, state, and federal policy issues affecting manufacturers
  • Advocating for pro-manufacturing legislation and regulatory policies
  • Building relationships with elected officials and government agencies
  • Supporting workforce development initiatives and funding opportunities
  • Organizing advocacy events, such as legislative briefings and facility tours
  • Communicating policy updates and action opportunities to BAMA members
  • Collaborating with regional partners to strengthen the manufacturing ecosystem

Advocacy Co-Chair

Andrew Kossowski

Veterans Metal

andrew.kossowski@veteransmetal.com



Advocacy Co-Chair

Roy Sweatman

Southwest Manufacturing Technologies

roy@smt-tampa.com





MEMBERSHIP

The membership committee monitors all aspects of membership, including invitations, retention and education - bringing in new members, teaching them about BAMA and then ensuring that the member experience meets everyone's expectations.

The focus of the committee is on:

  • New member recruitment
  • Creating Prospect Lists
  • Setting up virtual or in person meetings.
  • Host member orientations
  • Increase depth of membership within each company.
  • Have members complete yearly membership update form.
  • Update record in database
  • Retain Members
  • Member Visits
  • Deliver yearly plaques.
  • Create certificates for each member
  • Coordinate and Hosts Brews with BAMA Events



Co-Chair Membership

Charles Dennis

Manpower

charles.dennis@manpower.com



Co-Chair Membership

Suzanne Chambers

Roebuck Technologies, LLC

schambers@roebucktech.com

VETERAN'S COMMITTEE

The Bay Area Manufacturers Association Veterans Committee is dedicated to supporting those who have served by creating meaningful connections between veterans and the manufacturing community. We actively partner with local organizations, including the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), to promote workforce opportunities and advocate for service members. Through our initiatives, we also provide scholarships to veterans pursuing STEM careers, helping them gain the skills and education needed to succeed in high-demand industries.

The focus of the committee is on:

  • Coordinating the Military Employer Recognition Breakfast to honor organizations that support service members and veterans
  • Presenting special veteran-focused awards at our annual banquet
  • Providing scholarships to veterans pursuing STEM careers
  • Strengthening partnerships with organizations such as the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR)
  • Promoting career pathways for veterans within the manufacturing industry

Veteran's Committee Chair

Canaan Azzi

Blue Lotus Group

canaan@bluelotuscorp.com

 Governance

  • Overseeing Finances
  • Creating Yearly Budget
  • Reviewing Monthly Financials
  • Association Stewardship, Growth and Sustainability
  • Affinity Programs
  • Structure
  • Resources
  • By-Laws

Governance Co-Chair

Christina Davenport

JMI Resource

christina@jmiresource.com

Governance Co-Chair

Christina Davenport

JMI Resource

christina@jmiresource.com

Governance Co-Chair

Kevin Gerrish

Beckwith Electric

kgerrish@BeckwithElectric.com


Bay Area Manufacturers Association

1936 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Suite 428

Wesley Chapel, FL  33543

727-536-5809

admin@bama-fl.org

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