This Wednesday the House will be workshopping their tax package which could potentially reduce the business rent tax for all Florida businesses! MAF has been lobbying this issue and now is the time where we need your support

Send a letter to all your state legislators with one simple form! Our lobbying team will be testifying in support of the reduction and we would like to be ready with as many emails in support of cutting the rent tax as possible.

Let's cut the tax and grow business together!

#CutTaxGrowBiz


TAKE ACTION

When workers lack needed training and businesses experience skill gaps, the company’s ability to compete, expand, and retain workers can be compromised. Florida’s Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) Program addresses such needs. The IWT Program was created for the purpose of providing grant funding for continuing education and training of incumbent employees at existing Florida businesses.

Incumbent Worker Training grants are available through the State of Florida until July 1. You can find more information here or by clicking the link below.

careersourceflorida.com

Our country has come a long way in expanding women’s access to roles in science and technology. During National Women’s History Month, with the 2017 theme of “Honoring Trailblazing Women in Labor and Business,” we recognize trailblazing work being done to bring more women into these fields. 


From the US Department of Labor Blog by Joan Harringan-Farrelly / Read the US Dept of Labor article here

Defense and Government Suppliers: What You Need to Know about the New NIST 800-171 Publication
Free Webinar
March 30 - 9-10 AM

If you are a defense / government supplier – or if you are a subcontractor selling to a government supplier – you need to know about the new NIST 800-171 publication, and take steps to assess and comply with the suggested guidelines by the end of 2017.

Free Webinar - Register here

Here is your opportunity to travel to Germany and attend an event series on lightweight construction in Central Germany in the week of June 11-16, 2017. The program is offered by the Investment and Marketing Group of Saxony-Anhalt, Germany.

Participants will have the chance not only to attend but also to potentially speak at the global panel of the lightweight conference of the VDI (Association of German Engineers) and to tour company facilities such as BMW, Porsche, Dow as well as the Fraunhofer Pilot Plant Center for Polymer Synthesis. Additionally, they will have the chance to exchange ideas at different workshops, meet representatives from German lightweight companies and network with peers at various receptions. We would greatly appreciate if you could share the attached flyer with interested companies within your network. We would also like to encourage representatives of Bay Area Manufacturers Association to join the delegation as it is a great opportunity to gain international exposure and to start an exchange with the German business community.

All costs in Germany (ground transportation, event participation, interpretation service, programming, etc.) will be covered by IMG. Participants are responsible for their flight expenses and accommodation costs, as well as conference participation (two-day program offered at a group discount).

For more information, contact:
Sonja Sobota, Consultant, Federal Projects
German American Chamber of Commerce of the Southern U.S., Inc.
(404) 586-6802 | ssobota@gaccsouth.com

A Discussion on the Supply Chain Talent Gap, Careers, & Leadership
Held at the SPC Clearwater Campus, Room ES104
St. Pete College, 2465 Drew St, Clearwater, FL 33765

As the demand for supply chain professionals grows, employers need to find increasingly scarce talent to support this increasing demand... Join us in an interactive discussion on bridging the Supply Chain talent gap, capitalizing on career opportunities, and unleashing your leadership potential.

Why Attend?
· Great opportunity for face-to-face time with employers who have hiring advice!
· On-the-spot resume reviews.
· Event is FREE and open to the Public

Get Hired!
An interactive Discussion
Panel members include:
· JJ Jones – V.P. Supply Chain, Monin Gourmet Flavorings
· Tonya Jones – Operations Manager of Logistics, Valpak
· Jane Gevo – 1st V.P., Institute for Supply Chain Mgmt., Florida Gulf Coast Chapter
· Josh Main – V.P. Membership, Council of Supply Chain, Management Professionals, Central Florida Roundtable
· John T. Bittrich (Moderator) – V.P. of Executive Recruiting, Training & Consulting, Meri M. Stockwell LLC

Refreshments will be served. Networking before/after event.
To RSVP, contact LINCS@spcollege.edu

R&D Tax Credit Application To Open Soon
The Florida Department of Revenue will accept applications for the R&D Tax Credit against the Corporate Income Tax for tax year 2016 starting Monday, March 20, 2017 through Sunday, March 26, 2017, at 11:59 PM. The amount of credits that will be awarded is $9 million total. If applications exceed the cap they will be awarded on a pro-rata basis. Prior to applying through DOR, companies must certify through the Department of Economic Opportunity that they are a qualified targeted industry business. For additional information on how to apply DOR has released a “Tax Information Publication” which can be found by clicking here.

Honeywell LIVE: The Future of Supply Chain, Today highlights the latest technology breakthroughs and innovative solutions from Honeywell Safety and Productivity Solutions that will help drive value across supply chain operations. Key Honeywell business leaders discuss new additions to the company’s evolving portfolio that improve safety, productivity and efficiency for manufacturers, distribution centers, logistics firms, retailers and more.

Published on Feb 17, 2017
Watch video

Defense and Government Suppliers: What You Need to Know about the New NIST 800-171 Regulation
FloridaMakes Webinar
March 30 - 9 to 10 am

If you are a defense / government supplier – or if you are a subcontractor selling to a government supplier – you need to know about the new NIST 800-171 regulation, and take steps to assess and comply with the regulation by the end of 2017. This new regulation covers the protection of “Controlled Unclassified Information,” defined as information created by the government, or an entity on behalf of the government, that is unclassified, but needs safeguarding.

Sign up for this free March 30 FloridaMakes webinar, designed to provide manufacturers with an overview of what the regulation requires, and what’s needed to develop a plan of action.

Register here by March 29.

The Tampa Bay area ranks once again as one of the most affordable metros in the United States and the second most affordable market in Florida. With a 2016 Cost of Living Index (COLI) of 91.5, the Tampa market is 8.5 points lower than the national average of 100.

In comparison with the rest of Florida, the Orlando market’s COLI was 94.2, Miami was 111, and Jacksonville was 95.8. The lowest composite score of 90.6 belonged to the Palm Coast-Flagler County area. The Tampa metro came in more affordable than major markets across the United States as well. Atlanta’s composite score was 98.7, Dallas sat at 100.4, and Raleigh was 94.4.

Read more on the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development website.