FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 4, 2024

Bay Area Manufacturers Association (BAMA) Announces Appointment of Andrew McCutchen as New President McCutchen, president and founder of Tampa Bay area's Baymar Solutions, brings on-the-ground expertise to area's #1 resource for advancing manufacturing sector

Tampa, FL, – The Bay Area Manufacturers Association (BAMA) is thrilled to an announce that Andrew McCutchen was recently appointed as president of BAMA. He is the founder and president of Baymar Solutions, a product development and contract manufacturing firm specializing in highly regulated industries such as medical devices and aerospace/defense. Andrew has a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Arizona and has been in the manufacturing and product development space since 2002 and started Baymar Solutions in 2006.  “I take great pride in creating an environment for our team members to thrive and serve our customers with creative and efficient solutions to the problems they bring us,” said McCutchen. His team has successfully grown to more than just an engineering solution provider by vertically integrating contract manufacturing in-house which provides their customers with shorter lead times and higher quality. “I’m excited to have the opportunity to serve the greater Tampa Bay area as the president of BAMA and help bring new and exciting events and training to the manufacturers in this region. According to the inaugural Florida Manufacturing Report recently published by FloridaCommerce with support from FloridaMakes, manufacturing in Florida's manufacturing output (GDP) has grown from $43.5 billion in 2014 to $73 billion in 2022 resulting in a 67.8% growth rate over 9 years. The Tampa Bay Area reports a manufacturing GDP of $14.7 billion with 3,535 manufacturers and 68,061 jobs. Andrew’s deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing manufacturers in the Tampa Bay Area will power his strategic vision and commitment to fostering collaboration among industry stakeholders. His expertise is instrumental in advancing BAMA's mission of promoting economic growth, advocating for policies that support manufacturing, and providing valuable resources and networking opportunities for its members. "We are thrilled to welcome Andrew as the new President “said Beth Galic, Executive Director of BAMA. “His extensive experience and dedication to the manufacturing industry makes him the ideal leader to guide our association toward continued growth and success. We look forward to working closely with Andrew to further our mission of supporting and strengthening the manufacturing community in the Tampa Bay Area." Andrew will lead BAMA's efforts to provide advocacy, education, and networking opportunities for manufacturers throughout the Tampa Bay Area, driving economic prosperity and ensuring the industry's continued success. Image: Andrew McCutchen/photo courtesy of BAMA Contact: Beth Galic, Executive Director beth@bama-fl.org 727-536-5809 ### About the Bay Area Manufacturers Association (BAMA) BAMA provides a forum to exchange ideas and share best practice information, network with colleagues, and learn about manufacturing related topics through educational programs and tours. BAMA supports STEM programs and offers scholarships to students pursuing manufacturing and STEM education. Manufacturing provides jobs for approximately 60,000 people in approximately 3,000 facilities throughout Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Pasco counties. With a diverse membership base representing a wide range of industries, BAMA provides workforce development, technology, advocacy, education, and networking opportunities to help manufacturers thrive in a competitive global market. BAMA is part of the FloridaMakes Network of regional manufacturing associations working to unlock growth opportunities and cost savings for Florida manufacturers. More information about BAMA is available at www.bama-fl.org and FloridaMakes at www.floridamakes.com.

Working with the Department, FloridaMakes had the opportunity to compile the initial draft under their direction and review. This report was the culmination of several months of effort, led principally by Zoraida Velasco and Mike Aller, with significant network staff support in the research, development, and drafting phases of the effort. As well, the Florida Commerce Workforce Statistics and Economics Research team, led by Jimmy Heckman, contributed significantly to the research, analysis, and in shaping the overall structure of the report. In mid-November, the draft was delivered to the Secretary for review, input, and editing. The report highlights the impactful work the stakeholders in our manufacturing ecosystem collectively undertake to support and elevate the manufacturing economy in Florida.

As you dive into the 2023 Florida Manufacturing Report, know that it was our hope in drafting that the readers – policymakers, industry leaders, and citizens alike -- will gain a more comprehensive understanding of the importance of manufacturing to our economy and the role it will continue to play in advancing our standard of living. Further, it is our hope to those same policymakers, industry leaders, and citizens all gain a better appreciation for including “manufacturing” as an integral part of Florida’s brand identity. 

We believe this report has the potential to make a significant impact on our initiatives to elevate manufacturing in Florida. We hope you will find valuable insights into key trends, challenges, and opportunities within the manufacturing landscape. Further, we believe that this document will not only serve as a valuable resource for our internal teams but also as a powerful tool for us to leverage in advocating for the growth and success of manufacturing in our state.

Please click the image below to read the 2023 Florida Manufacturing Report

“It’s all about ability and fit.  When companies have leaders committed to establishing and managing both, the benefits of hiring people with disabilities far outweigh the investment,” says Mike Brewster, Chief Production Officer, at Monin, a manufacturer of premium flavorings for cocktails, coffees, teas, and more, and a member of the Bay Area Manufacturers Association (BAMA).

In 2015, Mike and other team members from Monin attended a local Disability Employment Awareness Celebration.  This is where they were first introduced to Jacob Solar, and everything about the young man impressed them.  Jacob was receiving an award for his work at TSE Industries, Inc.  Later that fall, Mike received a call from TSE human resource manager, Michelle Hinz-Prange.  TSE had run out of work for Jacob, and Michelle strongly recommended that Monin consider hiring him at their facility.  Having had a prior positive experience hiring a person with a disability, it was an easy choice for Mike and his team.  For Monin, hiring Jacob was putting company values into practice.

Many manufacturers have little experience supervising employees with disabilities, and often have concerns about safety.  However, Mike and his team found that with thoughtful leadership, most of the challenges are easily overcome.  Monin engages managers and supervisors to identify work tasks and job functions that can be done safely and with minimal risk.

When you hire a person with a disability, research consistently shows that you get a more loyal employee who will work harder and have lower absenteeism and turnover.  Jacob is a great example of these attributes.  He is very independent, is always on time, and has never missed a day of work.  He’s even taken the initiative to move from part-time to full-time work so he is eligible to have health insurance.  But, most of all, he is open and honest.  Working alongside Jacob has taught others at Monin that open dialogue, done in a respectful way, is an effective way to work together.

A diverse and inclusive workplace starts at the top, says Allison Chase, who manages The Able Trust’s business leadership and exchange program, known as the ABLE Network. The more intentional and direct that business leaders are in their commitment, the more likely it is that others within the company will follow their lead.

If your company is ready to engage an inclusive workforce, consider these tips from The Able Trust to help chart your course:

• ·        Focus on abilities, not perceived barriers.  Workers with disabilities are loyal and flexible problem-solvers with longer-than-average job tenure.
• ·        Secure support for hiring and assistive technologies. There are many agencies already in your community, as well as tax credits and grants, that can assist and reimburse employers with everything from hiring to training to accommodations.
• ·        Join the ABLE Network. The ABLE Network is a B2B/peer-to-peer program for business leaders committed to diversity and inclusion. The network fosters business-to-business learning and best practices for disability workforce inclusion. To find out more about how you can enhance your business impact, contact us at Business@AbleTrust.org.

Jacob’s first day at Monin happened to be Mike Brewster’s birthday.  He says, “it was a great birthday present…hiring people with disabilities is a win-win with bottom line benefits when done right!”

By Alexis Muellner  – Editor, Tampa Bay Business Journal

Aug 14, 2020, 5:00am EDT

When Beth Galic took over the lead role at the Bay Area Manufacturers Association in New Port Richey a year and a half ago, the group was struggling with declining membership and a lack of return on investment for members.

Pre-Covid, its activities were mostly tied to nighttime dinner functions.

“They would go to meetings and they were being sold by associates so BAMA got a bad rap,” Galic said.

She made changes, including putting in place a 75:25 ratio of manufacturers to associate members, limiting events for associate members, and doing away with dinners in favor of events at manufacturing facilities. Membership is now up, with more than 70 manufacturers and no attrition from January to June.

Read More

April 30, 2020

MEDIA CONTACT:

Zoraida Velasco

407.430.7714

Zoraida.Velasco@FloridaMakes.com

Orlando, FLA. ­­­­­­–– FloridaMakes is sponsoring a statewide registered apprenticeship program –– the FloridaMakes Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship. The first program offered will focus on entry-level skills for new and existing employees in the Industrial Manufacturing Technician (IMT) occupation. With online, on-demand access to the foundational Manufacturing Skills Standards Council’s (MSSC) Certified Production Technician training curriculum, this new approach brings Florida’s manufacturers a hybrid training model that addresses entry-level skills gaps and provides foundational manufacturing knowledge regardless of the specific occupation, which will help give apprentices the tools they need to move on to more specific occupations. It also bypasses the need for employees attending courses at institutions and provides flexible access for students with lifestyles, work schedules, and geographical barriers that often prohibit participation in traditional “in-class” offerings.

“The future of the Florida economy depends on expanded access to meaningful workforce education opportunities,” said Henry Mack, Chancellor for Career and Adult Education at the Florida Department of Education. “If we are to become No. 1 in workforce education by 2030, we must double-down on apprenticeships, especially those as innovative and market-driven as this one.”

“FloridaMakes is here to serve and assist our manufacturers with talent development challenges,” said Tina Berger, Director of Talent Development at FloridaMakes. “For years manufacturers have voiced a need to revamp the tried and true earn-and-learn apprenticeship programs, calling for competency-based versus time-based learning models. The IMT Apprenticeship Program addresses this request as a gamechanger for small and medium-sized companies and, in particular, for those with facilities in rural communities without access to traditional vocational training centers.”

The program was designed through a sector strategy approach led by multiple employers within the industry, represented within the Florida Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Leadership Council (AMWLC), in collaboration with FloridaMakes, CareerSource Florida, the Florida Department of Education’s Division of Career and Adult Education, and the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council (MSSC).

“CareerSource Florida is proud to support the new Industrial Manufacturing Technician apprenticeship program to address ongoing talent needs in one of Florida’s key industry sectors,” said CareerSource Florida President and CEO Michelle Dennard. “The use of online training curricula is a vital component in addressing immediate concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the long-term, critical need to ensure Floridians have access to apprenticeship opportunities in high-demand fields. We are pleased to participate with our partners in expediting this much-needed program.”

The IMT Apprenticeship Program is a career pathway to higher-skilled positions for entry-level workers and especially for women and underrepresented populations for whom traditional “classroom” training programs may pose attendance difficulties due to lack of transportation and inflexible time constraints.

“This new Industrial Manufacturing Technician apprenticeship is a great step forward for manufacturers and for employees or potential employees in the manufacturing field,” said Roy Sweatman, CEO of Southern Manufacturing Technologies and Chair of the Florida Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Leadership Council. “It is short enough to feel attainable and flexible enough to be used in almost any manufacturing business. It is a great stepping-stone to bigger and better things for the future of Florida’s workforce.”

Program policies are being formalized with an expected launch to accept applications in late May 2020. For more information about the IMT Apprenticeship Program, please contact Tina Berger, Director of Talent Development at FloridaMakes by email at tina.berger@floridamakes.com or by phone at 407.450.7206.

###

About FloridaMakes

FloridaMakes is a statewide, industry-led, public-private partnership operated by an alliance of Florida's regional manufacturers associations with the sole mission of strengthening and advancing Florida’s economy by improving the competitiveness, productivity and technological performance of its manufacturing sector, with an emphasis on small- and medium-sized firms. It accomplishes this by providing services focused on three principle value streams: technology adoption, talent development, and business growth. FloridaMakes is the official representative of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) National Network in the state of Florida, a program of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce. For more information about FloridaMakes, please visit FloridaMakes.com and follow @FloridaMakes.

About the Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Leadership Council

Florida’s Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Leadership Council (AMWLC), through a sector strategy approach, serves to provide an essential business feedback loop to ensure Florida’s training and workforce system has a deep understanding of, and is responsive to, the talent needs of the advanced manufacturing industry sector. The Council is comprised of manufacturing CEOs, plant managers and HR executives representing Florida’s regional manufacturing association network, work together with other industry stakeholders to address statewide talent and workforce policy matters.

For Immediate Release

April 8, 2020

Contact

AIF: Sarah Bascom / Kristen Bridges

Space Florida: Sara Shell

FloridaMakes: Zoraida Velasco

Enclosure

Connex Florida Why Join + FAQs 04.2020

Tallahassee, Fla. – The Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) in partnership with Space Florida and FloridaMakes today announced the deployment of an online database for Florida’s small to large manufacturers to engage in the marketplace.  The online database, Connex Florida, started as a disaster risk mitigation effort in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma and is proving to be a critical tool to streamline connections between Florida manufacturers and businesses in need of their products during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Recognizing a critical need for Florida businesses during the unforeseen COVID-19 pandemic, this partnership between AIF, Space Florida and FloridaMakes will allow more than 20,000 Florida manufacturers to connect with public/private organizations through a platform for this essential exchange,” said AIF President and CEO Tom Feeney.  “As Florida’s official affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers, we thought this was the best way we could do our part in helping manufacturers across the Sunshine State have the opportunity to compete for business by connecting them through this database to other Florida businesses in need of their much-needed materials and supplies.”

In Florida, manufacturers are identified as essential critical infrastructure who bear a unique responsibility during a crisis to continue operations that, in turn, contribute to overall sustainability of Florida’s communities.  As such, AIF, Space Florida and FloridaMakes have begun compiling a database on industrial assets, capabilities and capacities that can be drawn upon at this time of critical demand. 

“Space Florida is delighted to offer its support to mature the industrial base of Florida for a robust recovery, and to better equip our supply chain to respond crisply to future crises,” said Space Florida President and CEO Frank DiBello.  “This capability will be a major competitive advantage for Florida.”

“We are proud of our partnership with AIF and Space Florida on the Connex Florida database,” said FloridaMakes CEO Kevin Carr.  “It is imperative that we have a functioning industrial base as we respond to the COVID-19 emergency, including innovative solutions to help our supply chain here in Florida and across the nation.  Together, all three organizations represent a cross-section of manufacturers of all sizes across the state for which this tool is tailored to meet their needs by collecting their capabilities and capacities to efficiently connect them to businesses in need of their supplies.”

Connex Florida is a statewide manufacturing supply chain, workforce and R&D connection solution offered free of charge to manufacturers, educational institutions, and those performing manufacturing R&D in Florida.  To request access to the platform visit Florida.MfgConnex.com, or for more information view PDF or contact Connex@FloridaMakes.com.

Connex Florida is also designed to be interoperable with the Manufacturers Marketplace that was developed by AIF and the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), as well as the COVID-19 Response Tool.  All of these databases are available at no cost during the pandemic to help streamline critical connections within the supply chain.

The COVID-19 Response Tool is accessible both locally and nationally and searchable by government and industries to aid in streamlining critical connections between manufacturers/suppliers and organizations seeking to purchase much-needed materials and products, such as masks, personal protective equipment (PPE), medical devices and component parts.  Suppliers are being added daily.  To access the COVID-19 Response Tool visit COVID-19.ManufacturersMarketplace.US.

The Manufacturers Marketplace is the U.S. supply chain connection solution built in partnership with NAM, manufacturers from across the country, and many other leading state and national manufacturing organizations.  If you are a manufacturer, you can register at ManufacturersMarketplace.US and be granted free access during the COVID-19 pandemic by contacting DSmart@ManufacturersMarketplace.US.

# # #

About AIF

Known as “The Voice of Florida Business” in the Sunshine State, Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) has represented the principles of prosperity and free enterprise before the three branches of state government since 1920. A voluntary association of diversified businesses, AIF was created to foster an economic climate in Florida conducive to the growth, development, and welfare of industry and business and the people of the state.  For more information on AIF, please visit AIF.com and follow @VoiceofFLBiz. 

About Space Florida

Space Florida was created to strengthen Florida’s position as the global leader in aerospace research, investment, exploration and commerce. As Florida’s aerospace and spaceport development authority, we are committed to attracting and expanding the next generation of space industry businesses. With its highly trained workforce, proven infrastructure and unparalleled record of achievement, Florida is the ideal location for aerospace businesses to thrive – and Space Florida is the perfect partner to help them succeed. For more information on Space Florida, please visit Spaceflorida.gov and follow @SpaceFlorida.

About FloridaMakes

FloridaMakes is a statewide, industry-led, public-private partnership operated by an alliance of Florida's regional manufacturers associations with the sole mission of strengthening and advancing Florida’s economy by improving the competitiveness, productivity and technological performance of its manufacturing sector, with an emphasis on small- and medium-sized firms. It accomplishes this by providing services focused on three principle value streams: technology adoption, talent development, and business growth.  As a National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, approved Center, FloridaMakes is the official representative of the MEP National Network in the State of Florida.  For more information about FloridaMakes, please visit FloridaMakes.com and follow @FloridaMakes.

OVER $1 BILLION IN IMPACT REPORTED BY MANUFACTURERS WORKING WITH THE FLORIDAMAKES NETWORK

The Bay Area Manufacturers Association (BAMA) Improves the Competitiveness and Productivity of  Tampa Bay, Florida’s Manufacturers

Tampa, Florida  August 13, 2019 – BAMA, a member of the FloridaMakes network, announced today that Florida manufacturers who received services through our state-wide FloridaMakes network have reported a combined total of over one billion dollars in measurable economic impacts and created or retained 6,953 manufacturing jobs since the program started delivering services in 2016.

The FloridaMakes network is a state-wide industry-led initiative operated by Florida’s Regional Manufacturers Associations in partnership with industry, research, educational, and economic development organizations, both public and private, at the state and national levels. The network’s mission is to improve the productivity and technological performance of Florida manufacturers by accelerating technology adoption, talent development, and business growth, and to strengthen the state’s high-wage manufacturing economy. BAMA, through its participating partners, provides services that are customized to meet the needs and opportunities of individual companies.

Impact results represent data from 283 client engagements across the state and were obtained through a survey conducted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce. On average, $3.7 million in total impact, and over 24 jobs were created or retained per firm (total survey data through Q1, 2019). The numbers break down as follows:

• Increased and retained sales: $697 million
• Total cost savings: $97.9 million
• Total investments: $249.5 million
• Jobs created and retained: 6953

“This remarkable impact demonstrates the significant strides manufacturers have taken in improving their businesses, and FloridaMakes’ dedication to helping Florida companies increase their global productivity and technological performance,” stated Maria Alfano, FloridaMakes’ Chief Operating Officer.

 

BAMA supports manufacturers and promotes economic development in the Tampa Bay Region.

The Bay Area Manufacturers Association is a Tampa Bay resource that helps companies address current challenges, create new opportunities for growth, and achieve measurable results.  To learn how we can unlock growth opportunities and cost savings for manufacturers, contact Paula DeLuca at 727-498-0990.

###

About BAMA

The Bay Area Manufacturers Association (BAMA) supports manufacturers and promotes economic development in the Tampa Bay Region. BAMA provides a forum to exchange ideas and share best practice information, network with colleagues and learn about manufacturing related topics through educational programs and tours. BAMA supports STEM programs and offers scholarships to students pursuing manufacturing and STEM education. Manufacturing provides jobs for approximately 60,000 people in approximately 2,500 facilities throughout Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco counties. More information about BAMA is available at www.bama-fl.org.

About FloridaMakes

The FloridaMakes network is a state-wide, industry-led initiative operated by an alliance of Florida's Regional Manufacturers Associations with the sole mission of strengthening and advancing Florida’s economy by improving the competitiveness, productivity and technological performance of its manufacturing sector, with an emphasis on small- and medium-sized firms. It accomplishes this by providing services focused on three principle value streams: technology adoption, talent development, and business growth.

The FloridaMakes network is the official representative of the MEP National Network, which is operated by NIST, for the State of Florida.  More information on the FloridaMakes network is available at www.floridamakes.com. More information about the MEP National Network is available at www.nist.gov/mep.

Trying to navigate the impact of upcoming tariff changes on Chinese goods? Attend our free webinar to hear from our experts on what you can do now to address these changes. Reserve your spot: http://ms.spr.ly/6049TJjK3

Paula DeLuca is a FloridaMakes Business Advisor that will now be based at the Bay Area Manufacturers Association.   Paula has worked in manufacturing for more than 30 years, and has extensive experience in the aerospace, security & defense, electronics, sheet metal, machining, automotive and medical device manufacturing industries.

Paula’s areas of expertise include materials and inventory management, logistics management, Lean manufacturing/Kanban/ISO, Toyota Daily Kata process, ERP implementation, supply chain management, MRP product planning & scheduling, material flow, new product development and customer support management.  She has additional experience in small business government reporting, quality audits conducted by suppliers for major OEMs, managing direct reports, and training for manufacturing employees.

Paula most recently served as the Business Advisor for FloridaMakes in the Jacksonville area for the past 2 years.  She has both served as an independent consultant and worked for a wide variety of manufacturing companies across the country, including:   Kaman Integrated Structure & Metallics, B/E Aerospace, Triumph Actuation Systems, L-3 Communications, Eaton Corporation, Environmental Technologies/Johnson Controls, E-L Products, and Ohmeda.

Paula holds a Bachelors of Science in Business Management and her Masters of Science in Management from Hodges University/International College in Naples, Fl. She has been a member of the American Production & Inventory Control Society (APICS) since 1984, served on the BOD and is a Past-President of the Buffalo chapter.