Florida SBDC Network, FloridaMakes announce partnership to aid state's small manufacturers

L-R: Greg Britton, state director of the Florida SBDC Network, and Kevin Carr, CEO of FloridaMakes, with the MOU

The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network and FloridaMakes have formalized a strategic partnership to support Florida’s small manufacturers.

The partnership will provide greater access to and awareness of Florida SBDC Network and FloridaMakes training and resources for small manufacturers in Florida. The agreement will foster greater communication, cross-referrals, understanding of each other’s services, and collaboration on training and programs for small manufacturers across the state.

"FloridaMakes’ long commitment to strengthen and advance Florida’s economy by improving the productivity and technological performance of small manufacturers compliments our mission of ensuring our state’s small businesses have the expertise and resources to succeed,” said Greg Britton, state director of the Florida SBDC Network. “We look forward to partnering with FloridaMakes to help more of our state’s small manufacturers grow and create more jobs for Florida’s families.”

FloridaMakes is a statewide, industry-led, public-private partnership operated by an alliance of Florida's regional manufacturers associations with the sole mission of strengthening and advancing Florida’s economy by improving the competitiveness, productivity and technological performance of its manufacturing sector, with an emphasis on small- and medium-sized firms.

"Florida is home to over 23,000 manufacturers, of which about 80 percent have 20 or less employees," said Kevin Carr, Chief Executive Officer of FloridaMakes. "This partnership will allow us to expand the breadth of services we offer the industry in order to help grow and retain small manufacturers in Florida."

Through this agreement, Florida’s Regional Manufacturers Associations (RMAs), allied through the FloridaMakes network, may enter into local partnerships with Florida SBDC regional offices to support small manufacturers through local programs and initiatives.

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed between the organizations in Jacksonville during the Florida Chamber’s Transportation Growth and Infrastructure Summit this week.

About the Florida SBDC Network:

For over 45 years, the Florida SBDC Network, the state’s principal provider of business assistance [Fl. Stat. 288.001], has nourished a statewide partnership between higher education and economic development to provide existing and emerging small and medium-sized business owners with management and knowledge resources that enable overall growth, increased profitability, and economic prosperity for Florida’s economy. In 2020, the Florida SBDC Network delivered more than 162,500 hours of consulting to more than 24,000 small businesses, resulting in 38,797 jobs impacted, $7.4 billion in sales generated, $553.5 million in capital accessed, and $488.1 million in government contracts acquired. According to an economic impact study conducted for the Florida SBDC, it was estimated that for every $1 invested in the Florida SBDC $60 is returned to the state in tax revenue and our services resulted in a $3.9 billion impact on Florida's economy. With over 40 offices statewide, the Florida SBDC is funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Department of Defense, State of Florida and other private and public partners. The Florida SBDC Network, headquartered at the University of West Florida, is nationally accredited by the Association of SBDCs and is a recipient of the President’s E Award for Export Service. Florida SBDC services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Language assistance services are available for individuals with limited English proficiency. For more information, please visit www.FloridaSBDC.org.

About FloridaMakes:

FloridaMakes is a statewide, industry-led, public-private partnership operated by an alliance of Florida's regional manufacturer associations and organizations that serve manufacturers. FloridaMakes’ sole mission is strengthening and advancing Florida’s economy by improving the competitiveness, productivity and technological performance of its manufacturing sector, with an emphasis on small- and medium-sized firms. It accomplishes this by providing services focused on three principal value streams: technology adoption, talent development, and business growth. FloridaMakes is the representative of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) National Network in the state of Florida, a program of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce. For more information, visit www.FloridaMakes.com.

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EDC promotes Jenn DuBey, welcomes new business manager

Jenn DuBey, EDC director of business development

Rachel Savela, EDC business manager

The Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County (EDC) announced the promotion of Jenn DuBey to the position of director of business development, and the addition of Rachel Savela as the organization’s business manager.

DuBey joined the EDC in 2019 as business manager and added incentives management to her responsibilities in 2021. She previously held administrative and managerial positions at CareerSource Research Coast, National Vision, and the Business Development Board of Martin County. In her new role, DuBey will help manage business attraction and retention activities for the EDC.

“Over the past few years, we’ve seen Jenn juggle financial statements, board meetings, ready-to-work boot camps, complex incentive programs, business outreach and so much more, often all at once. During the pandemic shutdown and aftermath, Jenn’s tireless efforts to assist our county’s business community were unparalleled,” said EDC President Pete Tesch. “We look forward to her continuing contributions toward helping economic development thrive in St. Lucie County.”

Savela joined the EDC in April as business manager. She has an MBA from Florida Atlantic University and more than eight years of experience in operations management. Savela also worked for St. Lucie Public Schools for 17 years, initially teaching first grade and most recently as a career and technology education teacher at Northport K-8 in Port St. Lucie.

“I’m very happy that Rachel has joined our team; she comes highly recommended,” said DuBey. “As for me, I am excited to take the next steps in my career development.”

“I am so excited to join the EDC, where I can help to bring opportunity and growth to the community I grew up in and love,” said Savela.

Both DuBey and Savela live in Port St. Lucie. Savela has two daughters, ages 15 and 5.

About the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County

The EDC is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting economic vitality in St. Lucie County through the attraction, retention and expansion of businesses in the community. The EDC works in partnership with local governments and the private sector to advance its goals of creating more and better-paying jobs for residents, broadening the tax base and improving St. Lucie County’s economic quality of life. Contact the EDC at 772.336.6250 or www.youredc.com.

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