August 2023

THE BAMA BULLETIN

A Message from the Executive Director

Dear BAMA Members and Supporters,

Reflecting on the achievements of the past year, we have much to celebrate. Our shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and community engagement has propelled us forward, and I am grateful for the invaluable contributions of every member. We recently hit a milestone for the association, surpassing 1,000 members! Together we have fostered an environment that encourages collaboration, creativity, and the exchange of ideas, transforming our association into a hub of inspiration and accomplishment.

Our members are the heart of our association, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing you with exceptional value. This year, we are introducing new avenues for networking, knowledge-sharing, and skill development. From informative workshops and seminars to interactive webinars and panel discussions, we aim to nurture a vibrant community that supports your personal and professional growth.

Education remains a cornerstone of our association's mission. We are excited to announce an expanded lineup of educational opportunities, including specialized training, professional certifications, and access to thought leadership content. Our aim is to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in an ever-evolving professional landscape.

I am genuinely enthusiastic about the year ahead. I encourage you to stay engaged, contribute your insights, and collaborate with fellow members. Our collective strength lies in the power of collaboration, and I am confident that this year will be a testament to what we can achieve together.

Best regards,

Beth Galic

Beth Galic | Bay Area Manufacturers Association

Executive Director

beth@bama-fl.org| www.bama-fl.org/

727-536-5809 | 1936 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Suite 428

Wesley Chapel, FL 33543

Manufacturing Connections for Over 60 Years

October is Manufacturing Month!

REGISTER TO BE A STUDENT TOUR HOST

Manufacturing Month is an annual national event in October executed locally with the support of thousands of manufacturers across the country as they host students, teachers, parents, job seekers and other local community members at open houses, plant tours and presentations designed to showcase today's advanced manufacturing.

WHY IS MANUFACTURING MONTH IMPORTANT?

The number one challenge facing employers is the ability to find talented workers. Students are not aware of the vast number of career options available in the manufacturing field.

HOW CAN YOU HELP BRIDGE THIS GAP?

Offer students the opportunity to tour your facility to see firsthand how a manufacturing facility operates and what careers are available. Choose a date in the month of October to host your tour and we will do everything we can to accommodate your request with the school.

If you would like to host local students for a tour of your facility during the month of October or to be a sponsor, please register below.

Introducing the New BAMA Logo Wear Online Store!

We're thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new BAMA Logo Wear online store, your one-stop destination for all things stylish, comfortable, and proudly branded with the BAMA spirit!

Discover Unbeatable Variety:

Step into a world of possibilities with an extensive range of clothing and accessories, all adorned with the BAMA logo. From classic t-shirts and hoodies perfect for our night out with the Tampa Bay Lightning, to sleek polo shirts for our golf and clay shoot fundraisers, our collection caters to every style preference.

Unmatched Quality:

We understand the importance of both comfort and durability, which is why our logo wear is crafted locally by BAMA member, Stitch Logo using high-quality materials that stand the test of time. Each piece is designed to ensure you not only look good but feel great too.

Express Your BAMA Pride:

What's better than proudly displaying your BAMA pride? By wearing BAMA logo wear, not only do you showcase your pride for our association, but you also support our local manufacturing community right here in Tampa, embodying the spirit of excellence of the manufacturing community.

Easy Online Shopping:

Shopping for your favorite BAMA gear has never been easier. Our user-friendly online store allows you to browse, select, and purchase your desired items with just a few clicks. Plus, the secure checkout process ensures a hassle-free experience from start to finish.

Get ready to wear your BAMA pride on your sleeve—literally!

***Co-branding with your company logo available***

Shop Here!

Members

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Associates:

Genesis Worldwide Logistics

Green Earth Commercial Contracting

Manufacturers:

Edmund Optics® Florida

BAMA Member of the Month!

1. How long have you been a BAMA member? Anclote Manufacturing has been a member since October 2022.

2. What do you like most about being a BAMA member? Networking with other manufacturers within the BAMA network.

3. Tell us about your company? Anclote Manufacturing Co. specializes in the precision production of CNC machined metal components and plastic injection molded parts with many secondary operation capabilities available to offer a component or a complete packaged product. We are a product development and project management company that enjoys bringing production products to market.

Top Golf, Tampa:

Unleash Business Automation Potential with Nintex, Power Platform, and Jigx!

Are you ready to unlock the untapped potential of automation, collaboration, and mobile productivity? Katpro Technologies is hosting an exclusive Lunch and Learn event, where you will discover the power of Nintex, Microsoft Power Platform and the innovative Jigx Mobile App.

Event Details

• Date: August 24th

• Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Lunch Included)

• Location: Top Golf Tampa

• Golf Game Play: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

At this event, you will:

• Learn how Microsoft Power Platform and Nintex can revolutionize process automation and workflow management.

• Explore the game-changing Jigx Mobile App, designed to boost mobile productivity and streamline data capture.

• Discover how the integration of these powerful tools can skyrocket your organization's efficiency and drive growth.

***Event sponsored by Katpro Technologies***

Disability Employment Awareness Month Celebration!

The Able Trust is excited to bring our 2023 Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) celebration to Tampa! This year, our theme for DEAM is Fueling Workplace Ambition, a reflection of the drive and motivation of Floridians with disabilities to begin or advance in fulfilling careers.

We look forward to welcoming area businesses, human resources professionals and local partners to a lively breakfast discussion featuring informative presentations, guest speakers, recognition of local disability-inclusive businesses, and much more!

DEAM KICKOFF CELEBRATION

Thursday, September 28, 2023

8:00 - 9:30 a.m.

Location: Tampa - Marriott Water Street

Details on how to RSVP will be added soon.

We can't wait to see you in Tampa!

10th Annual Manufacturing Dinner &

AmSkills Grand Opening

The Upper Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and AmSkills are hosting the 10^th Annual Manufacturing Awards Dinner on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023, from 5 – 8:30 p.m. at the recently opened AmSkills Workforce Training Center in Pasco County (4606 Darlington Rd., Holiday, 34690).

This event will celebrate the manufacturing industry and local education, and how these two industries work together to produce the highest quality workforce for the future.

You may recall that this dinner was planned for last year, but because of a pending hurricane, it had to be cancelled. We are thrilled to bring this important event back this year.

Join over a hundred of your colleagues in manufacturing, as well as elected officials, leaders in the education field, and the newest additions to the local manufacturing industry…recent AmSkills’ graduates. The evening will begin with networking, followed by dinner and a brief program.

The evening’s keynote speakers will be Congressman Gus Bilirakis and Amatrol President, Paul Perkins. The event will also spotlight recent graduates of the AmSkills Career Discovery Bootcamps and our numerous credentials training programs.

Space is limited so don’t wait!

Sponsorship Opportunities

8th Annual Manufacturing Education 5k

As manufacturing technology advances, finding talent to sustain these improvements becomes more challenging.

To address this need, we invite you to join us for the 8^th annual 5K for Manufacturing Education on Saturday, October 21^st, 2023 at Marina Park, 110 Veterans Memorial Lane in Safety Harbor, Florida.

This year’s Halloween themed event “Ghouls for Tools” encourages entrants in costume and promises to be a lot of fun! Also returning is the exciting Kids’ Dash with themed activities planned!

The past 7 events have yielded over $167,000 for manufacturing career seekers!

We would like to thank The Shaluly Foundation for donating over $19,500.00 throughout the last few years, and are a big reason why we have been able to make the Manufacturing Education 5k so successful.

More Information Here

MakeMore Manufacturing

Summit 2023

ABOUT THE EVENT:

This event is a leadership-focused meeting designed around connecting over 200 ecosystem stakeholders with the needs and realities of industry leaders from the manufacturing sector. The focus of this year's event will be on the digital transformation and its impact on the industry. During the event, we will be announcing and/or celebrating the industry's leaders including the winners of the Manufacturer of the Year Awards, the manufacturing honorees of GrowFL's Florida Companies to Watch, the FloridaMakes Employers of Choice companies, the Florida Advanced Technological Education Center's Educational Excellence Awards, and the Bob Provitola Manufacturing Leadership award winner.

For sponsorship information please email Beth Galic here.

CHAMPIONSHIP SPONSOR

LUNCH SPONSOR

CART SPONSOR

AIR CANNON SPONSOR

Florida Manufacturing Days 2024

For more information please email Beth Galic here.

BAMA BENFITS AFFINITY PROGRAM

As a BAMA manufacturing member, you and all of your employees receive discounts through our BAMA Benefits program. Associate Companies receive discounts for three members. Log into the BAMA website and visit https://www.bama-fl.org/BAMA-Benefits to access the program.

Discounts available for:

Hotel Engine Hotel Room Rentals
Enterprise and National Car Rentals
UPS Shipping
The GE Appliances Store
Lenovo
ODP Business Solutions™

BAMA BENEFITS

Do you want your company to be the next Member of the Month???

Fill out the survey below to be featured here!

Spotlight Survey

REFER A MEMBER

Do you know a leader in manufacturing who could benefit by being part of our association? Membership in a manufacturing association offers so many benefits and will keep members knowledgeable about important, ever-changing issues, trends, and legislation within the industry. The most popular benefit our members rave about is our networking events and tours at local manufacturing facilities. The best part is, over 70% of the attendance at these events is made up of other manufacturers who share best practices and strategies that are working for them.

REFER A MEMBER

The Manufacturing Headlines!

In the News...

BAMA Executive Director, Beth Galic recently spoke with Kathryn Varn from Axios Tampa Bay. In the article, titled "Florida's Tampa Bay Area Witnesses a Manufacturing Job Boom," the piece delves into the remarkable resurgence of the local manufacturing sector, highlighting its substantial contribution to the region's economic growth. As you navigate through the article, you'll gain insights into the factors driving this impressive job boom, the industries at the forefront of this transformation, and the ripple effects on Tampa's overall development. This engaging read captures the essence of Tampa's manufacturing renaissance, shedding light on how it's shaping the city's future in profound ways.

How Manufacturers Can Tap into a Large, Talented Workforce

STEP Ahead Awards Honor Women in Manufacturing

“Listen and Act”: Bishop-Wisecarver Shares Retention Secrets

Recent Events

We met lots of enthusiastic engineering students at the job fair at the USF Engineering Expo. It was great to see so many of our local manufacturing companies!

The Bay Area Manufacturers Association was thrilled to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony at Veterans Metal in Largo, FL, as they celebrated the grand opening of their new location!

We enjoyed a fascinating Port Tampa Bay Harbor Tour hosted by Port Tampa Bay followed by networking at Distract Tavern.

Jobs, Training and Education

Front Line Supervisor and Manager Program

Leading in Organizations

When:

10 weeks: Beginning September 12, 2023; every Tuesday morning 7:30am-9:00am

Where:

The Lealman Exchange, 5175 45 St N, Saint Petersburg, FL 33714

Reimagining the Classic Registered Apprenticeship Model for 2023

September 12th, 2023 at 7:30 AM

Zoom Meeting

Who should attend: Any manufacturer using CNC or Manual Machining in their daily operations.

Three key takeaways:

Learn how to upskill your employees for minimal cost.
Learn how to upskill your employees in about a year.
Learn how a new apprenticeship model can fit seamlessly into your employee development plan.

This discussion will be led by Jake Prokop, Director of Pinellas Technical College (PTC) Clearwater Campus. Jake will review how apprenticeships have evolved over the last few years and how PTC has worked with its advisory team to create new ways and ideas for training today’s workforce. Focus will be on how to upskill employees from operators to programmers in just over a year and how the apprenticeship program can provide real world training in a ala carte format. This new format can meet the needs of employers on multiple fronts with a quick turnaround for productivity and growing of the individual’s skillset.

What is Lean?

Lean is an organizational philosophy. It’s not just for manufacturing. Quite the contrary. Lean has application in the Front Office, Back Office and well as the manufacturing shop floor.

If you have operational challenges in any of the eight (8) areas of Lean Waste, it may be time for a Lean Assessment. FloridaMakes has a number of excellent Lean Consultants right here in the Tampa Bay area.

What is Lean?

Lean is a systematic approach to eliminating waste, so every step adds value for the Customer.
Lean is a unified philosophy/system for improving productivity and quality.
Lean values creativity over capital.

Why Lean?

A Lean system is designed to be cleaner, safer, better organized, have higher morale, produce better quality and be more productive.
In other words, you will work in a better environment, make better products, and be more likely to satisfy your customer.

Lean focuses on Waste, but what is Waste?

1) Defects

2) Over Production

3) Waiting

4) Transportation

5) Inventory

6) Motion

7) Extra Processing

8) Unused Talent - The 8^th waste, is the most important of all. The essence of a strong lean program is everyone involved, every day, in waste reduction and continuous improvement.

What are the Five Principles of Lean?

Define value from the customers perspective
Identify the value stream (VSM – Value Stream Mapping or Process Mapping)
Make the process flow
Pull from the customer (Pull vs Push)
Head toward perfection

If interested in a discussion about Lean, please call or contact the FloridaMakes Business Advisors assigned to BAMA:

Dave Dragon, David.Dragon@floridamakes.com, 630.248.3375

Wolfgang Neuwirth, WolfgangNeuwirth@floridaMakes.com, 262.903.5154

JOB POSTINGS

If you are looking for a rewarding career in the manufacturing industry with ongoing opportunity for career growth and a competitive salary follow our job board.

As a BAMA member, you are able to post job openings by logging into your online BAMA account, navigating to the job posting page and clicking "Add Post".

You can also email the job description along with complete contact info to admin@bama-fl.org. Please include any preferred certifications for the job and instructions on how applicants can apply.

If not a member of BAMA, please consider joining - here is a link to our application.

Robotics in Manufacturing Fundamentals (RMF) Certification

The Robotics in Manufacturing Fundamentals (RMF) credential, focused on the fundamentals of manufacturing robotics, provides a starting point for career pathways in the field of robotics.

RMF is focused on assessing a candidate’s comprehension of fundamental robotics concepts, and may be used by those currently looking to upskill or reskill into manufacturing careers before pursuing equipment-specific or career pathway-specific training in robotics. The credential can help individuals begin a lifelong career in an industry where there is opportunity for advancement and good-paying jobs.

The industry recognized RMF credential was developed by SME, with two leading organizations in the robotics education area: Robotics Education & Competition (REC) Foundation and FIRST^®.

The RMF credential is ideal for high school and college students, dislocated workers, under-employed individuals, veterans, at-risk youth and others who are seeking new employment in high-demand manufacturing jobs.

With a RMF credential and the fundamental knowledge it represents, a candidate has many options available to them.

Candidates may pursue the RMF credential on their own, work with their local training provider or access Tooling U-SME resources to prepare for the exam.