Welcome to Manufacturers Association of Florida

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.


What's New?

  • 2-6-12 - Looking for employees?  Hire a veteran using the Manufacturing Pipeline at  www.usmanufacturingpipeline.com.
  • 1/30/12 - MAF opposes a provision in SB 7202 Energy
  • 1/30/12 - MAF applaudes U.S. Representative Southerland for filing the State Waters Partnership Act
  • 1/24/12 - MAF joins Governor Scott to announce Hiring Florida Heroes
  • 1/19/12 - MAF Releases 2012 Legislative Agenda
  • 1/18/12 - Time to apply for $24 million in sales tax exemptions for manufacturing and spaceport machinery and equipment. Applications taken until July 15, 2012. See story below.
  • 1/17/12 - MAF opposes proposed university tuition hike for STEM courses 
  • 1/16/12- ConMed Linvatec hiring CNC Set-Up Machinist and CNC Machinists. See announcement here.
  • January 14 - MAF President Al Stimac speaks to State Senate Presidents in Key West
  • January 12 - Grants available to small and medium manufacturers for exporting. See story this page.
  • January 2 - Mark your calendars! The 2012 Manufacturers Summit is scheduled for December 6-7, 2012.
  • December 21 - MAF to launch Dream It Do It campaign in Floirda in 2012
  • 12/16/11 - Registration open for MAF EHS Conference by clicking here. CEUs for engineers available.
  • 12/4/11 - 8th Annual MAF Summit Attendee List
  • 12/1/11 - 2011 Manufacturers of the Year Announced
  • Join MAF by filling out a Membership Application today!
  • Forms to apply for manufacturing machinery and equipment sales tax refunds and unemployed tax credit program now available -- see below.

 

MAF Manufacturing Days at the Capitol
Governor Scott News Conference

Manufacturing Pipeline

Connect your manufacturing jobs with veterans through the Manufacturing PIpeline www.usmanufacturingpipeline.com.  They do the leg work, you just post your job.  Veterans are screened for the match between their military job description and your job description, as well as geographic locations. Try it out! This pilot project is brought to you by the Manufacturing Institute and the MAF Center for Advanced Manufacturing Excellence, Inc.

Scholarships for Exporting

Scholarships are available to assist qualified manufacturing small businesses in Florida who are "new to export" identify growth strategies through the development of customized Export Marketing Plans. A Florida SBDC Certified Business Analyst till meet with you to conduct a confidential, in-depth business assessment.  This analyst will prepare and provide your company with a customized Export Marketing Plan.

To be eligible: Company must have a goal for growth, minimum of 3 years in business, 5 or more full time employees and $500,00 to $3 million in annual sales.  Cost to qualifying company is $500; Value of scholarship is $2,500. They are going fast so don't delay.

This is brought to you by Enterprise Florida, Flroida Small Business Development Center, U.S. Commercial Service, The Florida Chamber of Commerce and the Manufacturers Association of Florida.  For more information contact Small Business Centers in:
Jacksonville 904.620.2476
Orlando 407.420.4850
Tampa 813.905.5800

Manufacturers' Resource Guide

MAF has established a manufacturers online resource guide for Florida manufacturers. Members of MAF and its regional manufacturing associations automatically become part of a Florida online manufacturers resource guide.  All Florida manufacturers are encouraged to participate, but members will get a listing free.  All you have to do is drop a line to nancy@mafmfg.com with the Subject: Resource Guide and we will get you enrolled.. This will help Florida manufacturers do business closer to home and allow manufacturers all over the world to find Florida manufacturers. 

Low Interest Loans for Equipment Available

Manufacturers who need financing to purchase new or used equipment can turn to the SBA "504" loan program and take advantage of historically low rates on its 10-year equipment loan. The interest rate is 4.15% for financing up to $4 million. These loans are paired with private sector commercial loans to support manufacturing projects of up to $20 million. For more info, check www.ffcfc.com.

Certification for Manufacturing Employees

Many  manufacturers in Florida are seeking skilled workers who are ready to start work with the knowledge and skills necessary to bring results right away. If you are an advanced manufacturing employer, please consider adding the MSSC Certified Production Technician certification as a preferred condition of employment or promotion. For more details check the Workforce page on this site. For even more information on how to qualify employees for this certification, visit www.banner-mfg.org or contact@banner-mfg.org or 863.297.1010 x4079.  

Prepare to Export

Manufacturers in Florida are encouraged to register in the Florida Export Directory. Go to www.FloridaExportDirectory.com to register.

Contribute to MAF Center for Advanced Manufacturing Excellence

MAF has established a 501c3 charitable organization to accept your donations for our educational endeavors.  All donations are tax deductible.  We are now establishing a Board of Trustees.  If you are interested, please drop a line to nancy@mafmfg.com.

Apply Now for Manufacturing and Spaceport Investment Incentive Program (MSII)

The state is now taking Allocation Applications for the Manufacturing and Spaceport Investment Incentive Program (MSII)  which encourages capital investment and job creation in manufacturing and spaceport activities in Florida. Applications will be accepted by eligible businesses until July 15, 2012. A tax refund up to $50,000 will be given on the State Sales and Use Tax paid for eligible equipment purchases. Purchase cost must exceed a business’ total expenditures on eligible equipment purchased and placed into service in this state during the 2008 tax year.  Secure your share!

Step 1. Read the Fact Sheet – PDF format
Step 2. Fill out the Allocation Application - PDF format
Step 3. Fill out the  Certification Application - PDF format

 


Platinum Board Members

Mosaic Company

PCS Phosphate-White Springs

Swisher International, Inc. 

Manufacturers Association of Florida
Managed by Nancy d. Stephens & Associates, LLC
1625 Summit Lake Drive, Suite 300
Tallahassee, Florida 32317
850.402.2954 • nancy@mafmfg.com