2013 Manufacturer of the Year Award

Nominations are due August 30^th for MAF’s Manufacturer of the Year Award. Eligible manufacturers are those who are MAF members, or members of regional manufacturers associations that are MAF members.  Nomination is simple:  just send the company name, contact person and contact information to Phil Centonze. Nominate your own company!  If you have already been nominated please submit your questionnaire as early as possible to ensure you are scheduled for your opportunity to compete for the award. Contact Phil Centonze, lead Judge, at Phil.Centonze@Pos-IMPACT.com with your questions and nominations.

 

Make Plans to Use State Quick Response Training Funds

MAF members were invited on July 18 to participate in a teleconference with Debbie McMullian, Workforce Florida, on the topic of how to access the Quick Response Training (QRT) Funds for training new hires and existing employees.  Attached is a fact sheet about the program.  As you may know, Workforce Florida set aside $2 million of the QRT funds solely for manufacturers, $2 million solely for logistics and distribution companies and the remaining $8 million for any company that qualifies. 

 

MAF is serving as the facilitator for the Regional Manufacturing Associations to apply for consortium QRT grants that will allow them to aggregate manufacturers into a consortium to access this funding.  Large companies have the ability to qualify alone if they are creating 10 new jobs, but small companies might only create 1 new job and still qualify as part of the consortium.  By small companies joining together in a region and grouping their applications with others, they will qualify to access this training money.  Also, if new jobs are created, existing employees may also be trained.  We encourage all of our Regional Manufacturing Associations (RMA) and the manufacturers in those regions (whether RMA members or not) to join together and apply for this money.  Each company may design its own training package.  After you have reviewed the attached fact sheet, call Debbie McMullian, QRT Program Director at dmcmullian@workforceflorida.com or 850.922.8647 if you have more questions.  Let’s get started!!!

 

Made in Florida:  Put Your Company on TV!

Made in Florida is a weekly, syndicated television series that showcases companies and products made in Florida.  Crawford Entertainment will produce thirteen shows, each one focusing on three manufacturers and production will be free to your company.  Here’s what they are looking for:

 

1. Companies that are headquartered in Florida.

2. If a company is not headquartered in the state, they should be doing major operations here and/or doing something unique in the state.

3. Companies that have either an interesting history of pioneering entrepreneurship, long history in the state, huge economic impact, cool unique Florida products, products that are sold worldwide or impacting the world in a positive way, high technology, any company that would make a very visual story…or any combination of the above!

 

If you are interested in having your company highlighted, contact Nancy Stephens at nancy@mafmfg.com or contact Mark Greenwald, Producer at 407-32-3460 or mark@crawfordentertainment.tv

 

This is a great opportunity to showcase our interesting and successful manufacturers!

 

Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB) Legislation, H.R.  2708

On July 18, MAF signed a letter to U.S. Representative Southerland requesting support of the passage of this bill. Manufacturers of all sizes use the vital tariff suspensions contained in the MTB to obtain raw materials, inputs and other products that are not available domestically. Without the now-expired MTB, manufacturing production costs are higher.  Failure to act on the MTB will result in a $748 million tax on manufacturing in the United States, and economic losses amounting to $1.857 billion over the next three years.  If you are interested in signing on individually, see http://manufacturingworks.nam.org/composeletters.aspx?client=NAMProd&AlertID=58&UserID=648063

 

Florida Rankings

The Florida Chamber Foundation publishes a Weekly Scorecard Report, the latest one indicating that if Florida expands its exports, manufacturing could become a critical driver of Florida’s economy.  The graph below shows Florida manufacturing coming back to life after four straight years of contraction, but still with much room for improvement. www.thefloridascorcard.com

 

Florida Manufacturing Growth Rate 2002-2012. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis

 

The 2013 Manufacturing and National Logistics Report shows how Florida ranks among other states in areas key to manufacturing and logistics success.  The report, using an A-F scale, gives Florida a D in manufacturing industry health, a C+ in logistics, and an A in tax climate.  http://conexus.cberdata.org/state/FL

 

CNBC’s annual state ranking placed Florida at a low of 30 out of 50 states.   States were measured on 51 metrics, with input from the Council of Competitiveness and NAM. Those metrics were grouped into categories, which were then weighted by how the states used them to market themselves.  Florida achieved a 4 in workforce and an 11 in technology and innovation; a 40 in the cost of doing business and 38 in the economy.  http://www.cnbc.com/id/100824779

 

Florida is 30% more entrepreneurial than the Nation as a whole.  Babson College’s 2012 Global Entrepreneurship Monitor U.S. Report says that on the positive side, this means that Florida is more globally focused than the rest of the nation, while on the negative side, most of Florida’s entrepreneurs say they’re in it out of necessity, rather than for opportunity. Find the GEM Report at www.babson.edu

 

In the way of a commentary from MAF, this shows that the work MAF has done on manufacturing tax climate has made a big difference, but it also shows that we have a lot more work to do to help improve Florida’s manufacturing sector as a whole.

 

NAM’s July 2013 Manufacturing Economic Update:  “Good But Not Great”

MAF participated in NAM’s Webinar hosted by Chad Moutray, NAM’s Chief Economist last week.  In summary, NAM reports that currently, both U.S. and global manufacturers are experiencing very slow growth.  For the U.S.:

·         Manufactured goods exports were only up a disappointing 1% in the first 5 months of this year.

·         Manufacturing hiring lost sector jobs in the last 4 months.

·         Industrial production rose 1.8%, but much below its potential.

However, U.S. manufacturers are cautiously optimistic for the next 6 months:

72% of manufacturers expect sales to increase 2.7% in the next year.

 

According to Moutray, challenges for manufacturers for the next six months include:

·         Higher interest rates in the housing market and high petroleum prices will dampen consumer confidence.

·         China’s economy has slowed, which has affected our export market.

·         Uncertainty over the costs of premiums under The Affordable Care Act.

·         Fiscal situation.

The presentation is attached.

 

Florida Legislature Recommends Immediate Withdrawal from PARCC

Senate President Gaetz and House Speaker Weatherford signed a letter to Education Commissioner Bennett last week recommending that Florida no longer implement the student assessments proposed by the national academic consortium, Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC).  They outlined their concerns about the national standards, and the impact they could have on students’, schools’ and Florida’s competitiveness.  Gaetz and Weatherford recommend a Florida plan for reliable testing of student performance, including assessments for the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards.  For the full text of the letter: http://gallery.mailchimp.com/9744bb4b520d67976590bee0e/files/7_17_13_Commissioner_Bennett_FL_Plan.pdf

 

Notes from NAM

Expanded Trade.  NAM’s primary Growth agenda goal is to help manufacturers reach 95% of non-U.S. customers.  NAM supports the renewal of the Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) that expired in 2007, which would create a congressional framework for complex trade agreements.  The priorities include eliminating tariff and non-tariff barriers and protecting and enforcing intellectual property rights. NAM is also working to address Indian trade practices that discriminate against U.S. exports and to promote positive solutions.

 

Tax Treaties. The Senate has not approved any new treaties or updates since 2010 and NAM has recommended immediate action via a letter sent to members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Tax treaties promote U.S. bilateral trade and investment while protecting U.S. businesses from double taxation on income from selling goods and services in foreign markets. Agreements pending or in the pipeline include those with Chile, Hungary, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Spain, Poland, Japan, Norway and Britain. NAM has set up an ad hoc, tax-treaty working group to address the issue.

 

Mid-Market Manufacturers Can Drive the Economy. Middle-market manufacturers are defined as those with revenues between $10 million and $1 billion, and comprise 33,000 manufacturers. According to a new report issued by the NAM and the Center for the Middle Market, 47% of mid-market manufacturers using advanced manufacturing techniques experienced a 20% profitability increase over the past five years. However, these advanced manufacturing techniques have exposed a widespread workforce skills gap in STEM. http://www.middlemarketcenter.org/advanced-manufacturing-techniques-drive-growth

 

Gas Prices.  The NAM advocates for increased supply, a more reliable permitting process, and streamlined regulations as methods for easing the barriers to reduced gas prices. The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on July 16 held a hearing to “explore the effects of ongoing changes in domestic oil production, refining and distribution on U.S. gasoline and fuel prices.” Read NAM’s Member Focus interview with House Energy and Power Subcommittee Chair Ed Whitfield here: http://memberfocus.nam.org/publication/?i=165565&p=12

 

Matching Grant Program

The University of West Florida, Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network, is soliciting proposals from institutions of higher education and other qualified organizations to serve as a regional Florida SBDC host partner for Southeast Florida. The Florida SBDC Network is sponsored and funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Defense Logistics Agency, State of Florida and regional private and public partners. This is a competitive match grant contract program. All interested parties must submit a proposal by October 4, 2013. www.FloridaSBDC.org/RFP

 

GE’s Ideas Lab:  Recommended Summer Reading List

The Ideas Lab brings together experts and thought leaders to address some of today’s most important issues from manufacturing to technology to jobs. They’ve suggested eight texts to help you stay current with critical issues making an impact locally and globally.  The list includes the book “Producing Prosperity:  Why America Needs a Manufacturing Renaissance,” and a report from the McKinsey Global Research Institute that highlights 12 key technologies that could “drive truly massive economic transformations and disruptions in the coming years.” For the full list and a short description of each one, visit: http://www.ideaslaboratory.com/2013/07/05/ideas-labs-recommended-summer-reading-list/

 

Florida Chamber Events

·         The Upper Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce will host a manufacturers’ focus group on Tuesday July 30 in Oldsmar. Tony Carvajal, Executive Vice President, Florida Chamber Foundation, will be accompanied by a transportation and logistics expert and will explore the options and opportunities to increase Florida’s exports and grow the manufacturing sector by opening new markets http://www.utbchamber.com

·         Florida Chamber of Commerce will host a talent caucus.  The 2013 Solutions Summit will focus on the issues of talent supply on September 26, 2013 in Orlando. http://www.flchamber.com/event/florida-chamber-foundations-solutions-summit

 

Senate Forms Indian River Lagoon Panel

Indian River Lagoon extends 156 miles along the Atlantic Coast inshore from Titusville to Stuart, and is one of the most biologically diverse estuaries.  The area has noted significant die-offs in manatees, pelicans, dolphins, and sea grasses.  Two months ago, Governor Scott vetoed the $2 million request to purchase advance water monitoring equipment.  The Senate has now formed a panel to study the die-offs in the area.  “The purpose of this select committee is to determine what progress has been made and what changes in policy, if any, should be recommended to the Legislature and the Congress,” said Senate President Gaetz.

 

Short Notes

·         The MAF Center and St. Pete College are now working on a contract to implement the TRADE grant to provide manufacturing education at twelve colleges in Florida and to identify internships for industry certified students.  We are hopeful that negotiations can be completed by mid-August. We have been waiting for 10 months to get to this point!  Stay tuned!

·         Workforce Florida Inc. and the MAF Center are negotiating a contract that will allow the MAF Center to distribute the MSSC CPT curriculum to high schools in Florida. We should be able to complete this contract just in time for the new school year.

·         Metropolitan Environmental Training Alliance (METRA) is s a not for profit environmental partnership whose objective is to provide little or no cost, professional environmental education to the central Florida small business community and local government agencies.  They are now offering $1,000 scholarships to juniors and seniors majoring in Environmental Studies or Sciences.  Applications are due August 31. http://www.metra.org

·         South Carolina among the Best in the East. Industry Today writes that in a recent federal report, South Carolina’s economy was listed as the 12^th fastest growing in the U.S, and its Real GDP growth rate of 2.7% is above the southeastern regional average of 2.1%.  It also mentioned that SC has the fasted growing manufacturing GDP on the East Coast.

·         Game changers for US growth. New McKinsey research indicates five catalysts in energy, trade, technology, infrastructure and talent development that would quickly and substantially boost GDP by 2020.  Check out: http://www.mckinsey.com/insights/americas/us_game_changers?cid=game_changers-eml-alt-mgi-mck-oth-1307

·         Interested in adopting a school through the MAF Center’s Dream It Do It Program? Want a Quick Start guide? Contact your regional manufacturing association or June Wolfe at june.wolfe@comcast.net. For more information about Dream It Do It, visit www.mafcenter.org.  

·         Know someone who should be a member of MAF? Contact nancy@mafmfg.com to provide the contact information.

·         The Florida Administrative Register report for the week is attached.

 

Upcoming Events - 2013

 

August 5              MAF Center Research Council Meeting in Orlando, FL

 

August 15            MAF Environmental Teleconference, 2p.m. – 3p.m. E.T.  Dial in number is: 712.775.7000; PIN 317371#.

 

August 30            Last Day to Nominate Manufacturer of the Year!

 

October 4            Manufacturing Day. Plan your celebration!

 

December 4-6   10^th Annual Manufacturers Summit, Vinoy Renaissance Hotel, St. Petersburg, Florida.  Registration is open! Visit www.mafmfg.com

 

December 5       MAF President’s Manufacturer of the Year Awards Ceremony and Dinner, 10^th Annual Manufacturers Summit, Vinoy Renaissance Hotel, Ste. Petersburg Florida

# # #

 

Take advantage of your BAMA education partnership

 

BAMA selected a University of Phoenix partnership because it provides BAMA members quality educational and training programs and events with high take away value and forums for information exchange. The Bay Area Manufacturers Association is constantly working to add value to your membership, and our partnership with University of Phoenix is an example of how we are focusing on quality educational and training resourcesundefinedresources that can help your business succeed and help your workforce advance in their manufacturing careers.

 

This knowledge-based partnership will provide value to your employees by creating learning experiences and helping you stay up-to-date with industry innovations. This partnership will also help you find the right candidates to fill your open positions by providing you access to post openings to exclusive University of Phoenix career communities.

 

BAMA has made this partnership with University of Phoenix to bring value to your BAMA membership. BAMA members can also become University of Phoenix corporate partners through your own company, bringing even more benefits to your employees.

 

Visit phoenix.edu/workforcesolutionsor talk to a WFS advisor at 800.433.8380 to learn more.

http://www.industryweek.com/global-economy/us-manufacturing-forecast-brightens-mapi

Good afternoon,

 

The attached Tax Information Publication (TIP) was mailed to 126 active, required-to-file gross receipts tax accounts on May 21, 2013.  It will also be mailed or emailed the Florida Natural Gas Association, the Florida Gas Transmission Company, Gulfstream Natural Gas System, Florida Municipal Electric Association, Gulf South Pipeline Company, Southern Natural Gas, Florida Minerals and Chemistry Council, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, the Natural Gas Supply Association, Enterprise Florida, Bay Area Manufacturer's Association, Brevard Manufacturing and Technology Association, First Coast Manufacturer's Association, South Florida Manufacturer's Association, Volusia Manufacturer's Association, Associated Industries of Florida, the Florida Bar and the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants (FICPA).

 

The TIP will be posted to the Internet and the Revenue Law Library, as well. 

Gross Receipts Tax Index Prices for the Period July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014 

 

Nicole Harvell
Resource Management
General Tax Administration
Florida Department of Revenue
850-717-6821
harvelln@dor.state.fl.us

 

PRESS RELEASE

 

For Immediate Release

For more information contact one of the following:

 

Jan Russell, Sr. Vice President, Synovus Bank at 727-568-6544

Claire Knowles, Owner, Lights On Leadership Success 4 Women at 716-622-7753

Ivory Blackwood, Programs Coord., St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce at 727-388-291 

Website Info (and to download flyer):

 

         Emotional Intelligence is the Other Kind of Smart!

If there is one spring event every woman leader wants to attend, it is the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce’s Women’s Leadership Council’s INSPIRE Event.  This year’s INSPIRE! Series kicks off with A Leadership Kaleidoscope: Connections, Collisions and Collaborations.  It is being held April 9, 2013 from 5 to 7 pm, at the prestigious Poynter Institute.  Reservations can be made through the Chamber’s website at www.stpete.com or by calling the Chamber office at 727-821-4069.

CEO John Mackey of Whole Foods, in a recent video link[1], shared that Emotional Intelligenceundefinedbeing attuned to what is happening in you and around youundefinedis equal in importance to Leadership Savvy as Intellectual Prowess or Systems Knowledge (seeing the whole/anticipating the future) and to Spiritual Understanding of values, ethics, and having a sense of purpose.  This special INSPIRE! Event explores Emotional Intelligence, with decades of research pointing to it being the critical factor that sets star performers apart from the rest of the pack. 

Jill Geisler, Author of “Work Happy: What Great Bosses Know” and Kathy Potts, Founder of Destination Breakthru will headline this event.  Each registered participant will be provided with an Emotional Intelligence Assessment form. Knowing where you stand, and where you need to improve is important for your Leadership Success in this multigenerational, multicultural work world. This INSPIRE event is geared to executive women, women in middle-management leadership roles, and those women aspiring to key leadership positions.

 

 

The Bay Area Manufacturers Association Board announced today that Willy Schweikert (Director of Advanced Programs Engineering for Raytheon) has been appointed Honorary Chair of the Bay Area Manufacturers Association STEM Goes to Work initiative.

 “I speak for all of the officers and directors of the Bay Area Manufacturers Association Board in wholeheartedly welcoming Mr. Schweikert to this important roll “I’ve known Willy personally and professionally for many years, and his energy, integrity and keen vision will bring an increased strength to our STEM mission and programs.” Steven Meitzen Past-President said

In recognition of the significant role of teachers in shaping their students’ STEM experiences, the Bay Area Manufacturers Association Board are partnering with manufacturers and schools to present the STEM students tours of locale manufacturers. Open to current 7^th to 12^th grade students.

“Contributing to the great work of the Bay Area Manufacturers Association will be an honor and privilege.  Engineering plays a vital role in everything we do.”, said Willy, “I look forward to helping STEM students and their teachers realize the importance of Engineering and maximize their capability to provide the best and brightest workforce of the future.  It’s truly exciting to join the BAMA STEM mission and help accelerate the momentum of student tours of manufacturers and other STEM initiatives which will recognize one of America’s greatest treasures: STEM students and their teachers.” 

                                         

For More information contact : Steven C. Meitzen, Clairson Plastics,   813.786.1125

Dear MAF Members:

Thank you for what you have done to advocate for the manufacturing sales tax exemption to date and what you will be asked to do over the next eight weeks!

The Governor’s Office has asked for your help, each one of you, MAF member companies, regional manufacturing associations and their members,  in impressing on all of our state legislators just how important it is to remove the last remnants of the sales tax exemption on manufacturing machinery and equipment.  Some feel that manufacturers are apathetic about this exemption.  Because it means a loss of $140 million to the state budget, it is a big deal!  “It doesn’t matter to me” is not an acceptable response from any manufacturer in Florida!

I know that the paperwork burden of showing 5% productivity in order to get a sales tax exemption on manufacturing machinery and equipment may be more or less burdensome depending on your situation, but for the good of the whole, we need everyone’s help in writing a letter or making a phone call to their legislator.  We must let the Legislature know that if they allocate $140 million to the manufacturing sales tax exemption that your savings will propel the economy forward in many ways. 

MAF is striving to make Florida the #1 manufacturing business destination.  In order to compete with surrounding states, this sales tax exemption is very important. 

Attached are sample letters you can customize with company information and personal stories to send to your Senators and Representatives in Florida.  Also attached are Excel spread sheets with their contact information.  Lastly, we have attached a number of informative pieces written lately, the first color piece is from the Governor’s Office, the Naples News article ran earlier this week, and MANUFACTS is a document that we continue to update and add to, but might have a few gems in it for your letters.   

Please don’t delay.  Lets make a big splash while its on everyone’s mind!

Lastly, I would love to get a copy of your letter and know what feedback you got, good or bad.

Best wishes and many thanks! 

Nancy D. Stephens, CAE
Executive Director

Sample Letter for Manufacturers to Send to House Members

Sample Letter for Manufacturers to Send to Senators

Legislator Emails.xlsx

Governor Emphasizes Manufacturing and Education Priorities

Tallahassee --- Today, the opening day of the 2013 Florida Legislative Session,

during his address to the Florida House and Senate in a Joint Session, and with

manufacturers in the audience, Governor Rick Scott announced his top two

priorities for the 2013 Legislative Session. One is removing the sales tax on

manufacturing machinery and equipment and the other is giving a pay raise to

teachers.

The Manufacturers Association of Florida applauds Governor Scott for

his recognition of the ever increasing important role advanced manufacturing

will play in diversifying Florida’s economy, providing well-paying jobs, and

securing Florida’s position as a hub for international trade. At the same time,

his education priority will serve to support the manufacturing industry by

rewarding teachers for performing at the highest levels and inspiring their

students to excel.

“Florida is poised to be the #1 manufacturing state in the nation. With

a little more help from the Florida Legislature on manufacturing tax policy,

Florida can become competitive with other manufacturing destination states

like Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Texas. We want

people to come for the sun and stay for the manufacturing business”, said Al

Stimac, President, Manufacturers Association of Florida and President, Metal

Essence.

More than 60% of Florida manufacturers are small businesses. While

this allows them to be more flexible in responding to changing market

demands and conditions, it also means that they are adversely affected by tax

red tape and un-level playing fields. “It is time to recognize that

manufacturing tax reform converts to capital investment, community

investment and employee investment,” said Nancy Stephens, Executive

Director, Manufacturers Association of Florida.

There are 18,107 manufacturers in Florida employing 314,800

individuals paying an average annual salary of $52,378, which is $10,000 more

than the average annual wage in Florida.

Through the MAF Center for Advanced Manufacturing Excellence

manufacturers are doing their part to invest in students. Through the Dream

It! Do It! program, whereby manufacturers adopt high schools to engage

students in the manufacturing world, and develop partnerships with colleges

to design educational programs that prepare students for manufacturing

careers, Florida manufacturers are helping prepare their future workforce.

Governor Scott has it right – with a little help, manufacturers and

teachers can help lead this state to economic prosperity.

The Manufacturers Association of Florida (MAF) was formed in 2006 to

improve the business climate for manufacturers in Florida. The top

manufacturing sectors in Florida include computers and electronics, food

products, medical equipment, aerospace parts, nonmetallic mineral products,

fabricated metal products, machinery, chemicals, paper products, and printed

products. Visit www.mafmfg.com.

The MAF Center for Advanced Manufacturing Excellence (MAF Center) is in its

first year of operation. It was organized to promote an environment in Florida

that produces an educated, skilled, trained and certified advanced

manufacturing workforce for world class manufacturers. Visit

www.mafcenter.org.