The 2021 MakeMore Manufacturing Summit will help build a roadmap to strengthen and advance Florida’s economy through innovation, talent development and leveraging our resources to accelerate the productivity and technological performance of the manufacturing sector. Register to join this important discussions on the future of manufacturing in Florida!
James Hodge, plant manager of Cerex Advanced Fabrics in Pensacola, will serve as the new board chair of the Northwest Florida Manufacturers Council. Hodge has been serving as the Council's vice-chair
Hodge's manufacturing career began almost 20 years ago with SGL Carbon, and includes manufacturing roles within Optima Chemical Group, Engelhard and BASF. He joined Cerex in 2011 as Technical Manager and has been the plant manager since 2017. He received a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and earned Six Sigma Black Belt certification through North Carolina State University.
Hodge joined the Board of Directors for the Northwest Florida Manufacturers Council in 2017 and has served as Vice Chair of the Board since 2019. Hodge is replacing outgoing chair, Wayne Henson, who has taken the position within Eastman Chemical as Global Reliability Center of Excellence Leader and will be stationed in Texas.
Recent fuel shortage reminds manufacturers to prepare for disaster
While recent headlines about a fuel shortage may have been an inconvenience for some Floridians, the incident may have created a disaster for manufacturers. News reports covered situations such as long lines at gas stations and increased fuel prices, but business advisors for manufacturers are mindful of the cybersecurity breach that initiated the crisis and supply chain disruptions that may have resulted.
A year-long pandemic and traffic-stopping catastrophes have certainly been a lesson in recovery and readiness. Situations beyond our control can be expected, but preparation can make all the difference in survival. This is true in business and at home.
Be it cybersecurity, natural disasters or human error, recognizing vulnerabilities and preparing for disruptions in production can make a full recovery more likely and faster. The Northwest Florida Manufacturers Council provides business advisors that can assess and assist manufactures in doing just that.
As we approach the 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season, the NWFMC urges members to take time to prepare. A five-minute online assessment that is available through the FloridaMakes website can begin the process of recognizing the impact a disaster could have on your business. A thorough walk-through with our business advisors Daniel Krug (850-612-5895) or Mary Nutial (850-860-3790) can make the difference in survival. Call them today!
Northwest Florida's new area code: 448
It is expected that the 850 area code will soon run out of numbers. With the demand for new phone numbers and the need to ensure a continuing supply, the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) approved an overlay plan for the 850 Number Plan Area (NPA). The new 448 area code will overlay the existing 850 NPA. This area consists of 18 counties in the Florida Panhandle, including the cities of Pensacola, Panama City, and Tallahassee.
Customers in the area served by the 850/448 area code overlay should begin dialing 10 digits for all local calls within the overlay region. Identifying telephone numbers as a 10-digit number, which includes the area code, will be necessary when providing telephone numbers. All services, automatic dialing equipment, or other types of equipment must recognize the new 448 area code as a valid area code, and program telephone numbers with 10-digit numbers.
Some examples include stored phone numbers in contact lists in wireless and cordless phones, PBXs, fax machines, Internet dial-up numbers, speed dialers, call forwarding settings, voicemail services, safety alarm security systems and gates or other similar equipment. Websites, business stationery, advertising materials, printed checks, contact information and ID tags should be checked to ensure the area code is included.
Adopt-a-School program
FlordiaMakes' Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Leadership Council (AMWLC) has initiated the Adopt-a-School program as a new talent development educational initiative. This student outreach program is designed to provide high school and college students with yearlong access to valuable educational resources and constructive hands-on learning.
Florida regional manufacturers associations (RMAs) are working together to develop resources to support manufacturers, create a framework for capturing best practices and develop metrics to define local and regional impacts. The Adopt-a-School Program connects students and their schools with manufacturers in their area to give them an in-depth look at the world of manufacturing. Manufacturers that join the program have the opportunity to engage with parents, teachers and local students to increase awareness of advanced manufacturing careers.
Manufacturers can participate in activities such as hosting students on tours of their facilities, visit schools to make presentations offering insight into their industry, mentoring opportunities, valuable internships for students and externships for teachers in real world facilities.
Your NWFMC's president, Paul Miller, is is the statewide committee chair and is eager to connect members and schools through the program. More details are forthcoming, but information can be requested at paul@nwfmc.org or 315-759-9254.
IHMC Robotics Camps
IHMC’s 2021 (Institute for Human and Machine Cognition) Robotics Summer Camp offers middle school students the opportunity to learn about computer programming and robots. Campers will work in teams to master Lego Mindstorms challenges. Sessions will be held at both the Pensacola and Ocala facilities for 7th-9th graders. Professionals are encouraged to volunteer to share information about great careers in manufacturing and regional companies with any STEM campers. More info can be found online.