November 22, 2016 TALLAHASSEE, FL - The Manufacturers Association of Florida (MAF) awarded Governor Rick Scott, Senator Dorothy Hukill, and Representative MaryLynn Magar with the Manufacturing Legislative Excellence Awards following the Annual Manufacturing Summit on November 17, 2016. The award is given to state leaders and legislators who consistently support MAF’s mission of improving the business climate for Florida manufacturers.
“Florida is one of the highest producing states for manufacturing and our state’s leadership has taken great steps to ensure our businesses remain competitive,” said Nancy Stephens, Executive Director. “In the 2016 legislative session, Governor Scott, Senator Hukill, and Representative Magar fought tirelessly for the needs of our manufacturers. Their leadership has ensured the industry will see additional growth, revenue, and job creation in the coming years.”
2016 FINALISTS ANNOUNCED: MANUFACTURERS AND DISTRIBUTORS OF THE YEAR
October 26, 2016 TALLAHASSEE, FL. — The 13th Annual Manufacturers Summit and Marketplace is being held on November 15-17, 2016 in Gainesville, Florida to acknowledge the progressive achievements in Florida’s manufacturing industry. As the climax of the event, the Manufacturers Association of Florida will recognize and honor Florida’s top manufacturing and distribution companies.
Throughout late spring, dozens of nominations were accepted for distinguished manufacturers and distributors across the state of Florida. A team of fourteen judges, selected for their intimate knowledge of the industry and track records of successful ventures, evaluated each nominee on leadership, strategic planning, customer and market focus, measurement, analysis and knowledge management, workforce focus, and operation focus. At the conclusion of the initial evaluation, twelve companies were selected as finalists in four distinct categories.
The finalists chosen by category are:
Small Manufacturer (1-75 Employees): Data Graphics, Inc. of Mount Dora Fracture, Inc. of Gainesville Trilogy Laboratories, LLC of Fort Myers
Medium Manufacturer (75-200 Employees): American Elite Molding of Crestview KRS Global Biotechnology of Boca Raton UTC – Aerospace Systems Worldwide Repair of Miramar
Large Manufacturer (200+ Employees): Harris Corporation of Palm Bay Sikorsky Aircraft Florida Assembly & Flight Operations of Jupiter Vac-Con, Inc. of Green Cove Springs
Distributor/Logistics/Supplier: C.H. Robinson North American Surface Transportation of Tampa City Furniture of Tamarac Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Consumer & Logistics Services of Jacksonville
“These twelve finalists represent not only the strength and agility of the industry, but an unprecedented level of merit which will drive Florida forward in the coming years. With the advantages and opportunities present in today’s market, we are proud of these companies for their leadership and influence within their industries,” said Nancy Stephens, Executive Director, Manufacturers Association of Florida. “The MAF membership is anxiously awaiting the annual announcement of winners from this prestigious selection of finalists which truly represents a superior level of professional integrity.”
Those companies that are both MAF members and finalists will also be granted MAF’s Seal of Excellence for 2016. The annual awards ceremony will take place during the President’s Dinner on November 16 in Gainesville, Florida. Event tickets may be purchased at www.MAFMFG.com.
MAF ANNUAL SUMMIT TO BE HELD IN GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA
July 27, 2016 Tallahassee, FL – The Manufacturers Association of Florida (MAF) and the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce are excited to announce the 2016 Annual Manufacturers Summit & Marketplace to be held November 15-17, 2016 in Gainesville, Florida. The annual event—which is being hosted this year by the Chamber’s Advanced Manufacturing Council—will provide a forum for discussion and action in several areas focal to the industry, including the future of manufacturing in Florida, the effects of disruptive technologies on business, the future of Florida’s manufacturing workforce, and efforts in collaboration with industry leaders to engage young professionals and educate teens on manufacturing careers.
“The global manufacturing industry is entering a paradigm-shifting era of change in which Florida is poised for leadership,” said MAF President Al Stimac. “As we look to the future, MAF is focused on preparing Florida’s more than 19,400 manufacturers and the 353,000 Floridians they employ to lead this industry renaissance with innovation, ingenuity and a focus on technology."
This year’s program features a roster of dynamic speakers on topics ranging from technologies of the future to incoming generations of student manufacturers. The Summit’s keynote speaker, Tom Morrison, has served as the CEO of the Metal Treating Institute since 2008. As an affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers, Tom has invested his time in educating the industry on preparing for and thriving in the future. His work in disruptive technologies not only creates an awareness of looming threats but creative solutions for tackling the unknown and succeeding on the edge of innovation. Attendees at the MAF Annual Summit & Marketplace can look forward to perspectives from Morrison and other speakers on industry, business and economic trends. For more information on the MAF Annual Summit & Marketplace, visit www.mafmfg.com/2016-annual-summit-marketplace.
MAF COMMENDS GOVERNOR SCOTT FOR SIGNING PERMANENT MANUFACTURING TAX EXEMPTION
April 13, 2016 TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Manufacturers Association of Florida (MAF) recognizes Governor Scott’s unwavering support of the manufacturing industry by signing the permanent sales tax exemption on manufacturing machinery and equipment in the Tax Package (HB 7099). The measure, which is included in House Bill 7099, was originally sponsored by Senator Dorothy Hukill and Representative MaryLynn Magar.
“MAF is proud and grateful to have Governor Scott as a strong advocate for the manufacturing industry,” said Nancy Stephens, Executive Director of MAF. “His allegiance to Florida and our manufacturers reinforces his vision for a stronger and more economically diverse state. As an industry, we are excited to have the ability to continue our growth and for the numerous contributions manufacturing brings to our state. The support of Governor Scott is a clear message that Florida has tremendous confidence for our manufacturing businesses and their ability to grow Florida's economy.”
The manufacturing industry employs more than 341,000 Floridians with an average annual salary of $55,520. Over the past 60 consecutive months, MAF has witnessed the creation of new jobs within the industry and the permanent sales tax exemption on manufacturing machinery and equipment will allow this trend to continue.
MANUFACTURERS PRAISE LEGISLATORS FOR PASSAGE OF SALES TAX EXEMPTION
March 11, 2016 TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Manufacturers Association of Florida (MAF) applauds the Florida Senate and the House of Representatives on the final passage of the permanent sales tax exemption on manufacturing machinery and equipment. The measure, which is included in House Bill 7099, was originally sponsored by Senator Dorothy Hukill and Representative MaryLynn Magar.
“The permanent sales tax exemption for manufacturing machinery and equipment will allow business owners to grow their business and enrich Florida’s economy,” said Nancy Stephens, Executive Director of MAF. “The thousands of dollars in savings from the exemption will be applied to additional equipment, the creation of new jobs, training to upgrade employee skills, or increased benefits for current employees. In 2014, the Florida Legislature passed a temporary sales tax exemption for manufacturing businesses and the results of that effort have proven to make a positive impact on our state. The support of Governor Scott, the Florida Senate and the Florida House of Representatives is a clear message that Florida has great expectations for our manufacturing businesses and their ability to grow Florida's economy.”
MAF wishes to thank Governor Scott, President Gardiner, Speaker Crisafulli, President Lee, Speaker Designate Corcoran, Sen. Hukill, Rep. Gaetz, Rep. Ray Rodrigues, and Rep. Magar for the critical roles they all played in passing this cornerstone legislation on manufacturing.
February 1, 2016 Tallahassee, FL – The Manufacturers Association of Florida (MAF) announces the 2016 officer election results, following an association vote.
The MAF officers for 2016-2018 include:
President - Al Stimac, President of Metal Essence and Machining Training Solutions and Board Member of the Manufacturers Association of Central Florida (MACF)
Vice President of Government Relations - Lee Killinger, Director of Public Policy and Government Affairs, The Mosaic Company
Vice Presidents for Workforce and Education –
Maureen Wilt, Education Program Manager, Florida Power & Light Company
Abe Alangadan, Business Unit Manager, Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Inc.
Secretary-Treasurer - Mike Williams, Public Affairs Manager, PotashCorp-White Springs
HOUSE PROPOSED TAX BILL IS GAME CHANGER FOR MANUFACTURING
January 27, 2016 TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Manufacturers Association of Florida (MAF) applauds the House Finance and Tax Committee for including the permanent sales tax exemption on manufacturing machinery and equipment, along with a reduction in business rent tax, in the Committee’s proposed tax package.
“The support of the House Finance and Tax Committee on these issues shows Florida’s families and businesses that lawmakers are invested in their success” said Nancy Stephens, Executive Director of MAF. “For the past 12 consecutive months, manufacturing has added 9,200 new jobs in Florida, growing not only the economy, but allowing small businesses to invest back into their community with the creation of new jobs and higher wages. The permanent sales tax exemption on manufacturing machinery and equipment, along with the reduction in business rent tax, will propel Florida forward to compete for employment, new business creation, and expansion. MAF appreciates the House Finance and Tax Committee for their support of Florida manufacturers, their businesses and their ability to create new jobs.” Click here to read the press release.
MAF AND FMMC APPLAUD SENATE FINANCE & TAX COMMITTEE’S VOTE TO SUPPORT MME SALES TAX EXEMPTION
Tuesday, January 26, 2016 TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Manufacturers Association of Florida (MAF) and the Florida Medical Manufacturers Consortium (FMCC) applaud the Senate Finance and Tax Committee for voting favorably on SB 98, Sales Tax Exemption for Manufacturing Machinery and Equipment. The bill, sponsored by Senator Hukill, will make permanent the temporary sales tax exemption for manufacturing machinery and equipment.
“Manufacturers are hiring Floridians because the market is expanding,” said Nancy Stephens, Executive Director of MAF. “There are more than 4,000 manufacturing jobs open in Florida today. The manufacturing industry hires a variety of positions, from sales associates and engineers to truck drivers and CNC machine operators. With an average annual salary of $55,520, manufacturing has proven to be an industry that provides promising careers with a good income for Florida’s families. MAF appreciates the Senate Finance and Tax Committee for their support of Florida manufacturers, their businesses and their ability to create new jobs.”
The Committee heard from manufacturer Geary Havran, President of NDH Medical, Inc. in St. Petersburg, Florida and Chairman of FMMC. “More than 85% of medical manufacturers in Florida are small businesses and we compete nationally and globally,” said Havran. “When we have to pay 6% in sales taxes on equipment that our neighboring southern states do not have to pay, it makes it incredibly difficult for us to be competitive.” Click here to read the press release.
MAF APPLAUDS SENATE COMMERCE AND TOURISM COMMITTEE
Monday, January 11, 2016 The Manufacturers Association of Florida (MAF) applauds the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee for passing SB 98, Sales Tax Exemption for Manufacturing Machinery and Equipment. The bill, sponsored by Senator Dorothy Hukill, will make permanent the temporary sales tax exemption granted on manufacturing machinery and equipment in 2014.
“Florida is an expanding market for manufacturers and the support of their legislators helps make their growth a reality,” said Nancy Stephens, Executive Director of MAF. “This exemption enables manufacturers to purchase high-tech equipment, grow their business and add positions to their company. It makes Florida a competitive state and the vote of support by the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee shows their level of investment back into their communities and Florida’s families.”
Coalition Launches Ad Campaign to Cut the Business Rent Tax
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - January 8, 2016 The Cut My Rent 1 Percent coalition today announced an ad campaign encouraging the Florida Legislature to support cutting the Business Rent Tax. The ads, which will air on Florida broadcast and cable TV and the Internet beginning next week, urge business owners to contact their legislators asking them to support Florida’s job creators by supporting a 1 percent cut in the Business Rent Tax.
MAF, among other organizations, is a proud coalition member and we are working diligently to cut the business rent tax by 1%. Click here to read the press release.
