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Recap: Florida Manufacturing Days

For many years, BAMA leaders have actively participated in Manufacturing Days at the Capitol, engaging directly with legislators and key state officials to advocate for the manufacturing industry's priorities. This long-standing tradition allows BAMA to highlight the critical role manufacturing plays in Florida’s economy, strengthen relationships with policymakers, and ensure that the voices of local manufacturers are heard in the legislative process. Through their ongoing involvement, BAMA leaders continue to drive meaningful change and support policies that benefit Florida’s manufacturing sector.

Here is a look back over the years at how BAMA has consistently worked to drive positive change and support policies that benefit Florida’s manufacturing sector, fostering a strong, collaborative partnership between industry leaders and state lawmakers.

On February 2, 2024, Florida Manufacturing Days brought together a diverse group of industry leaders, innovators, and advocates to celebrate and support the growth of Florida’s manufacturing sector. The event was hosted by the Florida Manufacturing & Supply Chain Advocacy Council, a coalition of manufacturing champions from across the state dedicated to advancing the industry’s interests through strategic legislative advocacy and collaboration.

A Powerful Coalition of Industry Leaders

The event was supported by key organizations from across Florida, including the Bay Area Manufacturers Association (BAMA), Big Bend Manufacturers Association (BBMA), First Coast Manufacturers Association (FCMA), Florida Economic Development Council (FEDC), South Florida Manufacturers Association (SFMA), Technology Coast Manufacturing & Engineering Network (TecMEN), and many more. These groups collectively represent the heart of Florida’s manufacturing community and work year-round to ensure a supportive legislative environment for the sector.

Highlights of the Day

During the event, the Florida Manufacturing & Supply Chain Advocacy Council reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the following priorities:

  1. Supporting the Florida Manufacturing & Supply Chain Caucus: The event underscored the importance of strengthening Florida’s manufacturing voice in the legislature.

  2. Developing a Long-Term Strategic Plan: Discussions focused on the creation of a strategic plan that would guide the growth and sustainability of Florida’s manufacturing sector, ensuring it remains globally competitive.

  3. Investing in Training and Jobs Programs: One of the key takeaways was the emphasis on increasing investments in workforce development, including customized training programs and apprenticeships to fill high-wage, high-skill jobs in advanced manufacturing.

  4. Supporting Florida Supply Chain Initiatives: The event highlighted the importance of local sourcing and enhancing the resilience of Florida’s supply chain to mitigate future disruptions.

  5. Strengthening Manufacturing Resilience: The need to accelerate the adoption of digital technologies was a focal point, with a focus on improving productivity and technological performance in Florida’s manufacturing industry.

A Day of Collaboration and Insight

Florida Manufacturing Days 2024 was an incredible opportunity for manufacturers, policymakers, and economic developers to collaborate and share ideas. The event provided valuable insights into the current state of Florida’s manufacturing industry and the legislative efforts underway to support its growth. It also served as a reminder of the critical role that manufacturing plays in the state’s economy and the ongoing need for a legislative climate that supports innovation and competitiveness.

As the day concluded, attendees left with renewed enthusiasm and a shared commitment to advancing the manufacturing industry in Florida, ensuring that the state remains a leader in global manufacturing for years to come.

Looking Ahead

Florida Manufacturing Days 2024 was a resounding success, and the work continues. The Florida Manufacturing & Supply Chain Advocacy Council will continue to push for the initiatives discussed, striving to ensure that Florida’s manufacturing sector remains strong, resilient, and ready for the challenges of the future.




Lake Ray, First Coast Manufacturers Association (FCMA)

Andrew Kossowski, BAMA Board of Directors, Owner of Veterans Metal

Senator Danny Burgess, District 23

Steven Hughes, CMC 

Beth Galic, Executive Director, Bay Area Manufacturers Association

Andrew Kossowski, BAMA Board of Directors, Owner of Veterans Metal

Erin Jackson, BAMA Board of Directors and Owner of Johnson Jackson

Beth Galic, Executive Director Bay Area Manufacturers Association

State Representative Berny Jacques

Virginia Veit, Clifton Larson Allen

Maria Morales, Clifton Larson Allen

Andrew Kossowski, BAMA Board of Directors, Owner of Veterans Metal

Beth Galic, Executive Director Bay Area Manufacturers Association

State Representative Fentrice Driskell

Maria Morales, Clifton Larson Allen

Erin Jackson, BAMA Board of Directors and Owner of Johnson Jackson

Virginia Veit, Clifton Larson Allen

On January 24-25, 2023, manufacturers, legislators, key state leaders, service providers, and statewide partners gathered in Tallahassee, FL for Florida Manufacturing Days, a pivotal event that brought together stakeholders from across the state to advocate for the future of Florida’s manufacturing industry. The event provided an invaluable opportunity for participants to engage directly with legislators and state leaders on critical issues impacting the manufacturing sector.

Why Florida Manufacturing Days Matters

The goal of Manufacturing Days was clear: to lend a voice to the issues facing Florida’s manufacturers and ensure that their needs were heard in the halls of the state capitol. This event played a vital role in advocating for policies and legislation that support Florida's manufacturing community.

Key Outcomes:

  • Credibility: Manufacturers and industry leaders brought their credibility to the discussions, leveraging their community connections and relationships to advocate effectively for the industry's needs.
  • Capacity: With a packed agenda and limited staff, the event relied on sponsors and participants to help lead public conversations and strengthen ties between the manufacturing sector and legislative offices.
  • Constituency: By participating, attendees demonstrated that they were more than just industry professionals—they were local community members with a vested interest in policies that would benefit their neighbors and constituents.
  • Character: The event underscored the importance of building personal connections. Every conversation with legislators added value, and many participants had the right mix of expertise and relatability to engage elected officials in meaningful dialogue.

A Powerful, Collaborative Effort

Manufacturing Days 2023 successfully united manufacturers from across the state, fostering important discussions on economic development, workforce training, and other critical issues. Attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that their advocacy had made a tangible impact on the legislative process. Through collaboration and shared commitment, the event highlighted the importance of a united front for Florida’s manufacturing future.



Doug Sullivan, CCIM, SEPA Florida
Beth Galic, Executive Director at BAMA
Senator Ed Hooper, State of Florida
Rob Harris, Executive Director at SRMA & SAMA

Roy Sweatman, President, SMT

State Representative Berny Jacques

Beth Galic, Executive Director at BAMA

Maria Morales, Clifton Larson Allen



Travis Dorman, Adams Corporation
Beth Galic, Executive Director at BAMA
Roy Sweatman, President, SMT
Jim Scilligo, Advanced Manufacturing International
Brendan Burke, Legislative Aide for Senator Nick DiCeglie

On November 19, 2021, BAMA and manufacturing leaders from across the state gathered in Tallahassee for Manufacturing Days at the Capitol. This important event provided a unique opportunity for manufacturers to engage directly with legislators and key state leaders, discussing the critical role that manufacturing plays in Florida’s economy and the significant value it brings to our communities.



Tom Mudano, President of AmSkills

Zoraida Velasco, Executive Vice-President, FloridaMakes

Maria Morales, Assurance Principal, Clifton Larson Allen

Senator Ed Hooper

Roy Sweatman, BAMA Board of Directors, Owner Southern Manufacturing Technologies

Beth Galic, Executive Director, BAMA

Mark Madore, Director of Client Operations, FloridaMakes

Lake Ray, First Coast Manufacturers Association (FCMA)

Senator, Stan McClain, District 9

Beth Galic, Executive Director, BAMA


An advocacy trip to Tallahassee was organized by the Florida Manufacturers and Logistics Council (FMLA) on October 22-23, 2019. The BAMA Government Affairs Committee collaborated with other Regional Manufacturing Organizations (RMAs) across Florida to establish a set of legislative goals for the 2020 legislative session. Representatives from BAMA met with legislators from the Tampa Bay region to discuss their positions on key economic, workforce, and community development issues under consideration during Florida's annual legislative session.




Grant Peterson, BAMA Board of Directors, Beth Galic, BAMA Executive Director, Representative Jackie Toledo, Roy Sweatman, Ray Busler III, Clifton Larson Allen LLP, BAMA Board of Directors, Jeff Franklin, BAMA Board of Directors

Roy Sweatman, BAMA Board of Directors, Grant Peterson, Ray Busler III, Clifton Larson Allen LLP, BAMA Board of Directors, Representative Nick DiCeglie, Beth Galic, BAMA Executive Director, Jeff Franklin, BAMA Board of Directors


Roy Sweatman, BAMA Board of Directors, Jeff Franklin, BAMA Board of Directors, Patti Gander, FloridaMakes, State Representative

Jennifer Necole Webb, Ray Busler III, Clifton Larson Allen LLP, Beth Galic, BAMA Board of Directors, Grant Peterson, BAMA Board of Directors 




Ray Busler III, Clifton Larson Allen LLP, Beth Galic, BAMA Executive Director, Honorable Jeff Brandes, Jeff Franklin, BAMA Board of Directors

FMLA, South Floirda Manufacturing Association, Bay Area Manufacturers Association, Sarasota-Manatee Manufacturers Association, First Coast Manufacturers Association, Manufacturers Association of Central FLorida, FloridaMakes

Regional Manufacturing Associations tour the Old Capitol Building


Press Release

Florida Manufcturing and Logistics Council Announces 2020 Legislative Priotities




Bay Area Manufacturers Association

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