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December, 2020
INTRODUCING BAMA BENEFITS
We are continuly striving to inhance the benefits of being a BAMA member. We are launching a new program for our members - BAMA BENEFITS. The program will offer discounts to our members from a menu of local and national businesses.

The first company we are working with is Hotel Engine. Hotel Engine is a hotel booking management platform built for business. With over 300,000 properties worldwide, members save an average 26% off publicly available hotel rates for a variety of travel needs. Our online management tools with 24/7 support consolidate expenses, providing visibility and custom configurations. BAMA members save even more with a HE Rewards program, allowing you to earn extra points on every dollar booked that can be redeemed for future travel.  

Exclusive Hotel Rates & Management
BAMA members are exclusively invited to join Hotel Engine, a private hotel booking platform. Save an average 26% off public rates at 300,000+ hotels worldwide, from all-inclusive resorts to budget-friendly inns. Your free membership includes:

  • Deeply discounted rates in 185+ countries
  • 24/7, U.S.-based customer support
  • Mobile ready team and trip management tools
  • HE Rewards to earn and redeem extra points for every dollar booked

*** Must be a current BAMA member in good standing to take advantage of this program. Must be logged in to your membership profile on the BAMA website to access the benefits page to register.

If your company provides goods or services our members would benefit from and you would like to be part of our program, contact Jeff Cole, BAMA Board of Directors, jeff.cole@emsinc.net or Beth Galic, BAMA Executive Director at beth@bama-fl.org.
THANK YOU 60TH ANNIVERSARY SPONSOR:
BAMA BLOG
14 things your company can do right now.

Until COVID-19 hit the United States a few months ago, our economy was strong and humming along. As the virus quickly spread, CEOs and business owners have had to quickly adapt, prioritize and pivot. Some companies are feeling fortunate just to project flat sales for this year. Others are seeking innovative ways to regain even 50% of the revenue lost during Q1. Either way, reprioritizing marketing right now can help you regain sales momentum.

 
CLAY SHOOT FOR VETERAN'S EDUCATION
Cash Prizes for the top three teams!
THANK YOU CLAY SHOOT SPONSORS:
GOLD SPONSOR:
SILVER SPONSORS:

BRONZE SPONSOR:
Raffle Packages are now available for purchase online! Lots of fantastic prizes, including a shotgun, Tampa Bay Lightning signed hockey stick & puck and much more! You don't have to be present to win.
Sponsorships are still availalbe. Register here or contact admin@bama-fl.org for more info.
Informational Webinar: Industrial Manufacturing Apprenticeship Program 

Wednesday, January 6, 2021
11:00 AM

Learn about the new user-friendly Industrial Manufacturing Technician (IMT) Apprenticeship Program, a competency-based hybrid registered apprenticeship program created by industry partners to accelerate training based on the apprentice’s competency vs. traditional time-based programs. FloridaMakes is proud to be the state sponsor of this new short term entry-level apprentice model utilizes national training organizations to provide foundational manufacturing skills training online and on the job training in the workplace. 

Featured Speaker:
Tina Berger, Director of Talent Development, FloridaMakes

Key Takeaways: 
  • What is the IMT Apprentice Program?
  • How it came to be
  • Benefits of the online program
  • How to/who can apply for the IMT program
MacDonald Training Center (MTC) 
MTC's Mission: “To empower people with disabilities to lead the lives they choose."
How long have you been a BAMA member?

MacDonald Training Center (MTC) has been a member of BAMA for about seven years. In this time, we have participated in BAMA’s monthly tours of manufacturers in the area that has helped us in creating and implementing training opportunities for people with disabilities in order to strengthen and enhance their skill set that lead to integrated and competitive employment. MTC has also assembled souvenir bags for BAMA’s annual golf tournament for the last several years.

What do you like most about being a BAMA member?

BAMA is an unparalleled resource for MacDonald Training Center. Being a member of BAMA has helped MTC network and cultivate relationships with other manufacturers in the industry. These relationships have led to business partnerships that aid in generating revenue for our mission. Being a member of BAMA has led to partnerships that have provided employment opportunities for clients of MTC, opportunities that have allowed people to obtain a career in their own communities and achieve independence in their own lives. Lastly, being a member of BAMA has provided us with an opportunity to receive advice from industry experts that has guided our training curriculums so that we capture industry standards and prepare students to meet those standards and find success in their own careers that are integrated and competitive.

Tell us about MTC and how your company can assist manufacturers?

With exponentially increased online shopping and shipping as the nation continues to practice social distancing for the near future, employers will need workers with logistics training and certification to meet demand in the post-COVID-19 economy. The Certified Logistics Associate and Certified Logistics Technician courses are a part of MTC’s educational and vocational certificate programs. All of the curriculums taught in the certificate programs have been created with assistance from college educators and industry experts; and all programs provide students with opportunity to become certified in a globally accredited program. MTC’s certificate programs are offered during the day, in the evenings, on weekends, and virtually so that individuals looking for career and professional development assistance can find a class that best suits their schedule.

Each certificate program provides services, supports, and experiential opportunities, with the aim of enhancing skills that will prepare individuals with disabilities to succeed in workplace and postsecondary education settings. Communication and interpersonal skills leading to job performance; financial literacy; public transportation management as well as job-seeking skills; and other “soft” life skills necessary for employment are integral to the training platforms.
All of MTC’s certificate program classes teach curriculums developed to provide pathways to employment in the fastest growing sectors in Florida: Technology, Manufacturing, HealthCare and Hospitality.

For those who would like to learn and work in the manufacturing industry, MTC offers the Certified Logistics Associate (CLA) and Certified Logistics Technician (CLT) courses. The CLA course teaches and certifies students in the critical elements of the logistics industry such as material handling, inventory management, shipping & receiving material, quality control, pick & pack, safety principles, work communication practices, use of computer systems, and equipment safety.

The Certified Logistics Technician (CLT) course teaches and certifies students in the following elements of the industry: how to receive products, stock products, process orders, prepare shipments, maintain inventory, and how to handle hazardous materials in a safe manner, and prepares students for a supervisory role in logistics.

These courses can help manufacturers in raising the level of performance in their workforce and will help employers ensure their workforce increases the company’s productivity and competitiveness.

How has your involvement with BAMA influenced your businessr?
 
MTC enjoys many long-term established working relationships with businesses and employers throughout Tampa Bay. Few have had the impact that BAMA has had on the trajectory of the organization.

In 2016, MacDonald Training Center asked BAMA to join a focus group exercise where we met with 6-10 business leaders from the bay area and asked them to help identify skills and competencies most needed in their workforce. From these meetings, MTC developed a training curriculum that could ensure that students, who have barriers to employment, would be job ready and would become a successful team member in their employer’s workforce. These meetings, that BAMA helped MTC coordinate and facilitate, became the first blue print of what is now known as our Certified Logistics Associate and Certified Logistics Technician courses.

Business leaders and hiring managers from BAMA took the time to sit down with us and give us incredible information on what employers are seeking in a new hire and what qualifications stand out when they choose their next employee. We learned that the manufacturing industry in this area is thriving and businesses need to find qualified employees now more than ever. We learned that turnover is a huge concern; and that finding people who are already trained in computer systems, machinery, or industry best practices can be a huge advantage to the employer. This advantage is especially true if the person understands what the role is like and has determined, through training, that they enjoy the work. We learned that people being trained in safety is so important to businesses, because it means that the person will be mindful of how the job is done. Finally, we learned that as a training center, MTC could help many  businesses find excellent talent that will commit to that company’s mission for a long time.

After these meetings, MTC began to look at globally recognized certifications that could be taught to students who are interested in a career in the manufacturing industry. This search led  us to the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council’s CLA and CLT courses. Once we found the  certification, we focused on developing a team of instructors, coaches, and training  opportunities that would help these students enhance their knowledge, fine tune their skills, and graduate with a certification. Finally, this meeting led us to combine two areas of service- education and employment, to create a pathway to a career for students, and for businesses- we could help them find the right team member that will meet their expectations and help  achieve success.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment to date?
 
MacDonald Training Center is a connector, a catalyst for change, not only assisting individuals with disabilities to navigate an inclusive workplace, but providing resources and diversity training to employers. MTC has proudly placed thousands of people with varying disabilities into employment in the Tampa Bay region.

After 67 years of advancements and advocacy for people with disabilities, we are very proud of the innovative certificate based programming developed with the input from BAMA and other subject matter experts. Among our greatest accomplishments is collaborating with other businesses and service providers in an effort to develop the certificate programs and help people with disabilities from Florida, this program is the first of its kind. We hope to help other service providers in developing a similar model so that more people with disabilities get an opportunity to find their career and independence.
 
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
 
Do not give up, stay agile, and find the right team that believe in the mission.
 
What is the most important skill you have developed?
 
 Learning to adapt to a changing situation. If this year has proven anything, it has proven that being able to adjust your service delivery or model is so important. Whatever challenges you face, can ultimately be an opportunity to become better than before.
Manufacturing Month Virtual Tours
An article about manufacturing month and the tours hosted by BAMA was included in the Hillsborough County Public Schools monthly newsletter below.

For a limited time, when you create your free Connex Florida account, you will also gain free access to the national Manufacturers Marketplace, giving you access to manufacturers nation-wide.

Deal ends December 31, 2020.

For more information, contact connex@floridamakes.com or visit www.FloridaMakes.com/supplychain or Mike Aller directly at michael.aller@floridamakes.com
The 2021 Florida Sterling Manufacturing Business Excellence (SMBE) Awards nominations are now open! 

Know a high-performing Florida manufacturer? Nominate them!
This award and process have been developed through the cooperative efforts of strategic partners, FloridaMakes and The Florida Sterling Council. The award examiners’ team is comprised of individuals from the manufacturing and Sterling communities who contribute time, expertise, and diverse perspectives in company evaluations. 
The purposes of this award process are to:
  • Recognize high-performing Florida manufacturing companies.
  • Provide opportunities for organizational learning and development.
  • Promote and elevate participating manufacturers and Florida’s manufacturing sector.

Eligibility:
All manufacturers with production facilities in Florida, not having won this award in 2019 or 2020, are eligible to participate. The nominee does not need to be a member of any association. 

A nomination may be made by any individual or organization including any industry group, supplier, customer, workforce or economic development organization, or government agency. Self-nominations are also acceptable.
The final day for nominations is Friday, December 18, 2020.
To learn more about the nomination process, visit www.FloridaMakes.com/smbe or email SMBE@FloridaMakes.com.
CERTIFIED PRODUCTION TECHNICIAN (CPT) CLASS
St. Peterburg College Workforce Education has an upcoming “Certified Production Technician (CPT)” class starting in Spring 2021. This 10-week class will run from February 23 – May 5 and be conducted virtually via Zoom with our certified instructor on Tuesday/Wednesday evenings from 5:30 – 8:30 PM. 
More information on this class, including self-registration, can be found here: http://stpe.co/cptspring2021
 
AMSSC Certified Production Technician (CPT) should have all the skills needed to work on the factory floor, monitoring equipment and seeing products take form. Students new to manufacturing learn how the plant floor functions, while incumbent workers gain knowledge to enhance promotion ability. 
 
By mastering the four elements of certification (Safety, Production & Process, Maintenance Awareness and Quality Assurance), you could be a part of the next industrial revolution. As a result of this class, students will earn a nationally recognized certification as a “Certified Production Technician” from the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council. This certification will help students gain employment in an entry level position in the Manufacturing field, and will also provide salary increase potential and employment advancement opportunities for those already in the field.

In addition, our CPT class will also include online OSHA 10 training at no additional cost!
 
If you are in Pinellas County and are unemployed, underemployed or affected by COVID-19 in any way, you may be eligible for a FREE scholarship to take this class and certification exams through our DOE Rapid Credentialing Grant. To apply for this scholarship, please submit an application here:  http://stpe.co/rapidscholarship .
QUALIFIED INSTRUCTORS WANTD
St. Petersburg College Workforce Education is always looking for motivated, qualified, and certified adjunct instructors for our current classes. Currently, we are seeking instructors for our brand new Solar Energy Training and Electrical Lineworker Training launching in Spring 2021. In addition, we are always accepting applications to teach any of our Advanced Technology classes. To see all of our adjunct instructor postings please visit: https://web.spcollege.edu/hrapp/jobs/N. If you’d like to check out all of our Workforce Education class offerings, you can also visit: https://spcollege.augusoft.net/.  
Looking for a Job in Manufacturing?

The manufacturing industry continues to grow and many local companies are looking for employees. Visit the BAMA Job Board to see current openings.

If you are a BAMA member, you can post your openings on the job board at no charge. Contact us to get started at admin@bama-fl.org.

A Second Look at our Webinars
If you missed our recent webinars or would like to watch them again, visit the BAMA YouTube Channel or our Manufacturing Month Hub.



It is with great sadness that we learned that Norman Bodek passed away at age 88 years old on December 10th. This is the last webinar Norman presented. We are very honored and grateful to have spent this time with him. Norman was known as the Godfather of Lean. He was also an amazing teacher and mentor to many. He will truly be missed. Read more here.

Help with your Grant Application
CareerSource Florida began accepting applications for training grants starting July 1st. BAMA Manufacturing Members can receive free assistance with their applications. Contact BAMA Business Advisor, Paula DeLuca to schedule an appointment. paula.deluca@floridamakes.com
727- 498-0990
MERRY MINGLE
We enjoyed an evening of great conversation during our recent Merry Mingle virtual event. Whiskey Cake Tampa provided a cocktail making demonstration to the group. Thank you to all who joined us for this delightful evening!
Thank You Corporate Sponsors!

Take a moment to learn more about our annual sponsors
by visiting their websites.