Helping manufacturing companies grow is the aim of the newly formed Northwest Florida Manufacturers Council.

Representatives from area employers, educational institutions and economic development and workforce organizations have been meeting since March to discuss how existing manufacturers can be more successful and how to attract more companies to the region. With funding from Workforce Florida, Inc., this three-month effort helped the region to understand the priority issues common across manufacturing including talent development.

The result is the formation of the Northwest Florida Manufacturers Council, which will help companies work together to compete in a global marketplace with a special emphasis on having a skilled workforce. The council already has more than 25 members and is looking to grow the membership.

“This new council exists to serve the needs of local manufacturers,” said Greg Britton, CEO of Fort Walton Machining and council chairman. “By banding together we will increase our influence on a regional, state and national level to ensure our industry continues to prosper.”

Manufacturing is a high value-added industry in the economy, generating the highest earnings per worker of any industry. With more than 15,000 manufacturing jobs already in Northwest Florida, this sector is projected to grow at a higher rate than in other regions throughout the state, according to Britton.

“The benefits of membership include promoting job creation and helping to build a skilled manufacturing workforce in the region,” Britton said. “And by speaking with one voice we can help tackle issues and address roadblocks.”

The council also is an affiliate chapter of the Manufacturers Association of Florida, which will offer statewide and national advocacy for members.

The board of directors for the new organization consists of leaders from several companies throughout the region, including Britton. Gulf Power President & CEO Stan Connally and GAC Contractors President Allan Bense are the vice-chairs of the organization. 

“The availability of skilled technicians — everything from CNC machinists to welders to chemical process operators — is vital to growing the region’s manufacturing base,” Connally said. "This council will raise awareness of these high-skill, high-wage careers and will work with education partners throughout the region to grow training programs to prepare future workers for this industry." Other goals for the council will be developed through input from members.

“An organization like this has been needed in our area for a long time, and we hope that local manufacturing companies and partners will see the advantages of being a part of it,” Bense said. “We can make a lot more progress together than we can alone.”

The council is open to manufacturers of all sizes in the Northwest Florida region, as well as affiliate members and vendors who have an interest in the economic success of manufacturers. The first membership meeting will be held in September.

For more information on the Northwest Florida Manufacturers Council, visit nwfmc.org. For information on how to become a member, contact Jennifer Grove at jlgrove@nwfmc.org or 850-444-6821.

Gulf Power Company is an investor-owned electric utility with all of its common stock owned by Atlanta-based Southern Company. Gulf Power serves more than 430,000 customers in eight counties throughout Northwest Florida. The company’s mission is to safely provide exceptional customer value by delivering reliable, affordable and environmentally responsible electricity while strengthening our communities. Visit online at GulfPower.com or on the company’s Facebook page, “Gulf Power Company.”
 

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