Getting creative with finding talent

By Jolee Martin, FloridaMakes Business Adviser

With SO much discussion around finding and retaining talent, a recent conversation showcased some creative opportunities.

Have you heard of the Markle Organization? One of their initiatives is the Rework America Alliance, a unique partnership of civil rights organizations, nonprofits, private employers, labor unions, educators, and others working to help millions of people move from low wage roles into better jobs.

One of the tools being offered to you, employers seeking talent, is a FREE job board. You can post openings, find job descriptions, and more, all focused on skills-based hiring practices.

To check it out, go to the job board.

As always, FloridaMakes is your partner in the community. Whether it is supply chain challenges, training and upleveling the team, driving improvement/sustainability, or just plain brainstorming, you can reach me at 636-288-8756 or via email at jolee.martin@floridamakes.com. You can even schedule some time in my calendar for a quick chat by clicking here. Talk soon.

Manufacturing Advocacy Priorities

FloridaMakes is updating their Florida Manufacturing Advocacy Priorities for the 2023 legislative session. Last year's priorities are available for review and member feedback is requested to consider at the September 8 Advocacy Council meeting. Please contact Paul Miller with any comments regarding the Advocacy Priorities.

Appropriations Request - Southwest Florida Manufacturing Resiliency Pilot Program

FloridaMakes is seeking support from members in the form of calls, emails and letters to be sent prior to September 9 when the Legislative Budget Commission convenes.

House members, Representative Jay Trumbull (R) (Alternating Chair) and Representative Jayer Williamson (R) represent the Northwest Florida region in Bay County and Okaloosa and Santa Rosa Counties respectively. Members should contact their offices about supporting the request.

A template for a letter of support and a one-page informational document about the program are available HERE. Letters can be sent to the VoterVoice Campaign website HERE.

Built for Success: Manufacturing's Role in Florida's Economy

Advancing Florida’s standing on the global stage requires a state economy conducive to innovation, capable of withstanding disruptions, and constantly cultivating talent. A robust manufacturing sector stands at the crossroads of these priorities and, as the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated, the sector’s importance cannot be understated. From medical devices and electronics to aviation and aerospace, high-value manufacturing is integral to both industry and consumers. As the world economy continues to transform, there is a defining opportunity for Florida’s manufacturing sector to sow the seeds of economic success and deliver recurring taxpayer value; however, capturing the opportunity will require collaborative action and strategic investment. READ MORE

Florida Department of Juvenile Justice and Tallahassee Community College Announce New Workforce Education Program

The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) joined Tallahassee Community College (TCC), the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), and CareerSource Florida to announce Project Anchor, a new workforce education and credentialing program for DJJ youth. Project Anchor is a first-of-its-kind initiative and is in keeping with Governor Ron DeSantis’ commitment to enhancing workforce education to ensure Florida has the strongest career and technical education system in the country. READ MORE

Gulf Coast Diplomacy is hosting the Diplomacy Begins Here Regional Summit and Learning Lab in Pensacola, Florida, in partnership with Global Ties U.S. and the Office of International Visitors at the U.S. Department of State.

Open to the general public, the Diplomacy Begins Here Regional Summit on September 23 will focus on "Local STEAM to Global Innovation." Innovators and STEAM (Science, technology, engineering, art, and math) professionals from the region will be on hand to present and interact with Summit attendees. The event will use a lyceum structure to present several engaging ideas within a short time.

For members of the Global Ties Network*, the Learning Lab on September 22 will provide a space for tailored workshops on fundraising, emergency management, and networking.

The deadline to register and/or modify your registration is September 15 at 11:59 p.m. CT

Tools Commonly Used by Skilled Trade Workers tax holiday: September 3-9, 2022

The Florida Department of Revenue released its approved calendar of upcoming sales tax holidays and exemptions. Each holiday has limits based on the cost of the item. In September, skilled trade worker tools will be the focus of the temporary incentive.