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MSCA - News Letter

August 2020
Welcome to the August edition of the MSCA newsletter.  

In This issue we will feature:
  • MSCA member - The Ruthvens
  • New Sponsors
    • Max Pak
    • Bank of Central Florida
  • New Members
    • KW Commercial
    • Nucor
    • Bevolution Group
  • Information about our upcoming charity golf tournament on November 9th.
We will feature links and key data from our affiliated organizations, including:
  • Member news
  • Data and information from the manufacturing & supply chain world
  • Florida Makes
  • Area Economic Development Councils
  • Area Chambers of Commerce
The Ruthvens
Featured Member Business


Our founder Joe P. Ruthven conceived The Ruthvens real estate and development firm serendipitously back in 1957, when he owned a company called OK Tires. Joe knew that he could reduce his purchase price if he bought a larger quantity of tires, so, the astute Lakeland, Florida businessman built a warehouse twice the size of his needs, stored his tires in one half, and leased out the other. The warehouse leasing business was born.
Soon after, Joe began purchasing land and building steel frame/concrete block warehouse "shells". Once tenants were secured, the building would be subdivided and spaces built out to suit each tenant's need. When a warehouse was completely leased another would be developed. Today, The Ruthvens own over three million square feet in more than 80 buildings in Central Florida.

Now in its 3rd generation, this family owned business owns and leases 88 buildings in Lakeland totaling over 4 million square feet!

Four of eleven employees descend from the the Ruthven family tree, whose motto is, "We build more than warehouses, awe built relationships."

Contact: Matt Ruthven @ [email protected]


Commercial Warehousing

Save the Date!
MSCA Golf Tournament


Monday, November 9th will mark the MSCA's inaugural Charity Golf Tournament. The event will be held at Winter Haven CC and proceeds will go to area scholarship funds.  Teams will be competing for the coveted "Manufacturer's Cup".

Contact Bill Crowe ([email protected]) for more details.
 
Thank You to Our Sponsors!

Platinum Level:

      MaxPak


Providing Value added solutions in corrugated packaging, turning complex problems into simple solutions.

Contact: Kevin Bailey @ [email protected]



Silver Level:

      Bank of Central Florida

Bank of Central Florida is part of your team to assist in meeting your financial goals. We believe our staff and clients are all part of building our community.

Contact: Randy Hollen @ [email protected]

Visit the BOCF website


Welcome New Members!

KW Commercial



KW Commercial is committed to excellence. KW Commercial, the commercial real estate arm of Keller Williams Realty, the world's largest real estate franchise by agent count, is no stranger to success. Our commercial team consists of the most knowledgeable, results-driven brokers, backed by the most innovative and scalable technology the commercial real estate industry has to offer. Our KW Commercial agents and brokers are held to the highest standard of business to exceed your needs. 

Contact: Alex Delannoy @ [email protected]








Bevolution, headquartered in Frostproof, is dedicated to partnering with our customers to design beverage solution strategies expressly for each one of our client's needs. Our sales team works closely with our clients to define their business goals and present sales strategies that will contribute to a healthy bottom line.

Contact: Todd McFarland  @  [email protected]



 
Members in the News:

Compass Blending


The Florida Sterling Council and FloridaMakes announced today that Compass Blending is one of 10 manufacturing companies to have been named as finalists for the Florida Sterling Manufacturing Business Excellence (SMBE Awards. The winners, chosen from among the finalists, will be announced at the 2020 Sterling Manufacturing Business Excellence Awards Virtual Celebration on Oct. 2.



Established in 1992, the Florida Sterling Council is a public/private not-for-profit corporation supported by the Executive Office of the Governor. The Council oversees the Governor's Sterling Award for Performance Excellence, presented annually by the Governor to high performing, role-model organizations, both private and public, who demonstrate superior management approaches and role model results


EXPERIENCED PRIVATE LABEL, PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT, BLENDING AND PACKAGING 
Compass Blending is led by seasoned professionals in the food industry.  Let our knowledge ands experience enable your company to jump start a project and skip any learning curve


INGREDIENT BLENDING
All processed food product starts with ingredient blending - whether it's for liquids, powders or pastes.  At Compass Blending we ensure speed and precision. Our industrial mixing equipment ensures homogeneous finished blends and the ultimate in food safety.


PACKAGING
Packaging can be unique and individual. You can be confident that we can customize packages to your specific design requirements. Food manufacturers must achieve food safe packaging that meets regulations, all while protecting the quality of their products and boosting their brand's appeal.  At Compass Blending we can help!



Contact:  Angie Ruff @ [email protected]


Congratulations to Angie Ruff and Compass Blending!

Kegel

Lake Wales based Kegel who is in the business of manufacturing lane conditioning equipment for the bowling business has understandably been hit hard during the pandemic.  But, like many of our members, Kegel has has looked for alternative markets and products to ease the transition back to recreational bowling.
Kegel has developed a pet stain remover product, as it grows belong the bowling business.  See link below.
Kegel has also come out with disposable bowling shoes in order to overcome the objection to renting multiple use shoes.  See link below.

Contact: John Thrift @ [email protected]


  

McCain Mills

McCain Mills, a Plant City based sawmill has seen volatility in its supply chain. The pandemic has created a new horizon in supply and demand.  While gas and oil  prices has plunged to lows no one would have predicted 2 years ago, Southern Pine is setting records highs.


Contact: Josh McCain @ [email protected]


ITW QMI

Lakeland based QMI has introduced another wiper blade to its RainX product line:


Contact: Dave Mahoney @ [email protected]
Florida Aluminum Company Plans $120 Million Plant, 160 New Jobs in Winter Haven

According to the Winter Haven Economic Development Council, grounding breaking is set to commence this August on 77 acres for development of a can manufacturing plant. Florida Can Manufacturing LLC, part of a Miami company that also includes Florida Caribbean Distillers in Lake Alfred is part of a major expansion in Winer Haven.  The plant will be located  on the property located near Winter Haven's CSX Intermodal Terminal.

For more information:

Contact: Julie Sands @ [email protected]


FloridaMakes
Are You Prepared for Hurricane Season?

5 Minutes May Save Your Company - Take The Assessment Now
FloridaMakes has developed custom tools to help manufacturers navigate and mitigate the impacts of future crises. We provide immediate feedback on your business risk and continuity preparedness. 
Schedule a free deep dive business continuity risk assessment with a knowledgeable Business Advisor. Click link below to get started now: Disaster Impacted
Polk State Corporate College

Polk Partnership for Industrial Employment - TechHire Grant Program

Polk State College's $2.1 million USDOL TechHire grant supports training through the Polk Partnership for Industrial Employment (PPIE) initiative. Over 340 participants have received training. 262 have received at least one credential. Over 290 of those trained have been individuals with criminal records. Since the program's inception 135 participants were placed into jobs. Ex-offenders are a targeted population of the PPIE. Aside from increasing the pool of skilled workers, the TechHire investment is poised to realize huge returns. According to Florida Department of Corrections (FDOC) 2017-2018 Annual Report an annual average of 24.5% of state prisoners released from 2010-2014 returned to prison within three years of their prison release date. Floridians spend approximately $19,082 a year on each incarcerated adult male and about $23,528 on females. In addition to providing skills trainings, individuals are less likely to return to a life of crime and jail, if they are gainfully employed. Potential savings to the state as a result of the TechHire training initiative could be in excess of $10 million over a 3-year period. 
Through a unique partnership with the Corporate College, MSCA will reach out to individuals who have completed the PPIE program and offer additional skills training supported by the TechHire grant. This training will be an asynchronous online format to allow individuals to complete the training outside work hours.

For more information please click on link: Polk State Corp College
Lakeland Economic Development Council
Lakeland Economic Development Council is a driving force in our community. See the link below for 2020 expansion activity.

Contact: Ashley Cheek @ [email protected]

Central Florida EDC


The CFDC is hosting bi-weekly calls during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency to provide updated, reliable information for our stakeholders and to 
discuss the latest business resources available for Polk County businesses.

Contact:  Sean Mallot @ [email protected]   for more information

 
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