Accepting Sponsors for Manufacturers Summit
We are now accepting sponsors for the MAF Manufacturers Summit, November 5-6, 2009 in Orlando, open to all manufacturers and their supporters. Sponsorship forms can be found on our Events page. If you would like to demonstrate your commitment and interest in a vibrant Florida manufacturing sector, be a sponsor of this popular annual event!
MAF Partnering with Crowe Horwath on Upcoming Webinars
MAF and Crowe Horwath are partnering to bring manufacturers a group of webinars on fiscal topics. The first one is July 7 on Florida State Legislative Update. To view the list of upcoming webinars, click here. More information will be posted as it becomes available, but please mark your calendars now.
Mark Your Calendars
The Annual Manufacturers Summit for Florida manufacturers and associated businesses and partners will be held on November 5-6, 2009 at the Hyatt Orlando Airport Hotel, Orlando, FL. The theme this year is "Manufacturing Today and Tomorrow." Plant tours to Lockheed Martin and Mitsubishi Power Systems will be included. Keep your eye on this page for more details coming soon. Check under "Resources" for Sponsorship details.
Manufacturer of the Year Application Period Open
The Organizational Questionnaire and Judging Criteria for the 2009 Manufacturers of the Year Awards are now available to download. The deadline for applications is August 15, 2009.
Governor Approves Workers Compensation Bill
On May 29 Governor Crist signed into law, HB 903 Workers Compensation. This means that workers compensation insurance rates will drop by 6% on July 1 and roll back to year end 2008 rates. This is a great victory for the business community. Please thank Governor Crist for his leadership on this one! You can send an email to Charlie.Crist@MyFlorida.com. .
Manufacturing Economic Study Released
Florida TaxWatch released a Special Report in March 2009, Economic Impact Analysis of Florida's Manufacturing Sector. The report shows how Florida manufacturing ranks with other states, the value of manufacturing to the State of Florida, the impact that would be felt if manufacturing sales tax exemptions were repealed, and the boost to Florida's economy if capital investments were incentivized.
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Join MAF
MAF is an advocacy organization that serves to improve the business climate for manufacturers in Florida. Anyone who has a common interest is invited to join MAF. There are several options: Board membership, Regular membership for manufacturers based on number of employees, or Affiliate membership for non manufacturers. Click here for a Membership Application.
PCC New Manufacturing Banner Center
The Polk Community College has been chosen as the Employ Florida Banner Center for Manufacturing for 2009-2010. Congratulations to PCC and we look forward to working with them in this new capacity. There is lots to be done!
State to Focus on STEM Skills
Enterprise Florida and Workforce Florida have teamed up to enhance the science, technology, engineering and math skills of Florida students. Workforce FL has awarded a grant to the new STEM Council to focus on graduating more students with science and technology skills.
Florida Economic Bulletin for First Quarter
Enterprise Florida has released the Florida Economic Bulletin, Spring 2009. The Bulletin is full of information about employment, exports, venture capital, gross state product, and more for the first quarter of 2009.
Workforce Produces Green Jobs Report
On May 26, 2009 the Sustainability/Infrastructure Committee of Workforce Florida Inc. produced a draft report Defining Green Jobs for Florida.. The purpose was to help shape state activities in production of these jobs. The draft report is posted here.
Manufacturing Comparison
Enterprise Florida Inc. has produced a comparison of manufacturing costs among 10 states. The report entitled "Review of Selected State Taxes and Costs in the Manufacturing Sector" dated September 22, 2008, may be found here.
Small Business Has Regulatory Help
The Florida Small Business Regulatory Advisory Council is now open for business! The Council, which met for the first time on January 28, 2009 will review state rules of concern to companies with less than 500 employees and make comments and recommendations to the appropriate agencies on behalf of small business. If there is a rule that doesn't make sense to you or is unnecessarily burdensome, drop a line to Jennifer.crews@floridasbrac.org or visit www.floridasbrac.org. MAF is serving on the Council as a non-voting ex-officio member.
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