Florida SBDC Network, FloridaMakes Announce Partnership to Aid State’s Small Manufacturers

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.

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]

May. 2, 2022|

Inter American University of Puerto Rico Places Order for Piper Seminole During Sun-n-Fun Aerospace Expo

Piper Aircraft has announced an order for a Piper Seminole twin-engine trainer from the Inter American University of Puerto Rico. This order marks the first new Piper Seminole to be sold into Puerto Rico in more than 20 years. The order was received on the fourth day of the Sun-n-Fun Aerospace Expo 2022. The Inter American University of Puerto Rico will take delivery of their first new Seminole in the first quarter of 2023, which will join their Piper fleet of eight Archers, one Seminole, and one Arrow.

The Airway Science Programs of the Inter American University of Puerto Rico started at the Metropolitan Campus in 1985 and then moved to the Bayamón Campus in 1992 and today the School of Aeronautics offers the following Airway Science baccalaureate degrees:

Aircraft Systems Management (Professional Pilot),
Aviation Sciences Management

Both programs are accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI).

The Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Aeronautics is the only collegiate institution in the Caribbean to offer bachelor’s degrees in two areas of Airway Sciences.

“We are extremely excited to work with the Inter American University of Puerto Rico and support their flight program with advanced training equipment. The pilot training curriculum offered by Inter American University of Puerto Rico combined with the Garmin G1000 NXi equipped Piper Seminole will further strengthen their stellar reputation for providing well-trained pilots who are prepared for the demands of the aviation industry. We look forward to delivering their new Seminole next year”, said Dan Lewis, Manager, Regional Sales for Latin America.

About Piper Aircraft, Inc.

Piper Aircraft Inc., headquartered in Vero Beach, Fla., offers aviators throughout the world efficient and reliable single- and twin-engine aircraft and is the first general aviation aircraft manufacturer in the world to certify Garmin Autoland. The single-engine M-Class series – the M600SLS, M500, and M350 – offers businesses and individual’s elegant performance, value and a superior ownership experience. The Personal Class Archer LX and Archer DLX balance proven performance, efficiency, and simplicity in a piston powered aircraft. The Trainer Class Pilot 100/100i, Archer TX, Archer DX, Seminole and Seneca V aircraft form the most complete technically-advanced line of pilot training aircraft in the world. Piper is a member of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. To learn more about Piper Aircraft, visit the company’s website at piper.com

Apr. 11, 2022|

Start of Construction Underway at Newfield

Five years after Knight Kiplinger presented his vision for Newfield to the citizens of Martin County, and more than a year after the county commissioners approved the Master Site Plan for Phase 1, construction work began last fall and is moving forward.

But don’t go looking for new houses yet, because the early work is almost invisible–the laying of pipes for public water and sewer, fire hydrants, as well as for telecommunications lines, etc.

Then comes the creation of stormwater retention lakes, waterways, grading for the town center, and the laying out of streets, blocks and village greens.

“I’m pleased that so many local folks are enthusiastic about Newfield and impatient for it to get underway. But I remind them of how long it takes to build a high-quality new town–not just the government review and approvals, but the careful design and engineering of the community. And after homebuilding begins, it will be a gradual, decade-long build-out.” – Knight Kiplinger

The utility work is the first, vital infrastructure for a new town, and it’s progressing west along Citrus Boulevard, from Citrus Grove Elementary and Park, almost two miles to where the town center will start to grow next year. After the utility trenches were filled and sodded over, the only indication of completed work are the new yellow fire hydrants of Martin County Utilities.

Following plans done by Shaun MacKenzie of MacKenzie Engineering and Planning, Inc., of Palm City, the work is being performed by Felix Associates of Stuart, one of numerous regional contractors that bid on the Newfield infrastructure.

“We were pleased to select Felix for several reasons,” said Knight Kiplinger. “They have a great reputation, are local, and were able to assure us they could get the piping, which is in short supply during this national construction boom.”

The utility work, in the broad right of way of Citrus Boulevard, is not disturbing the current agricultural operations of Newfield, some of which will continue after the new town is built, since agriculture will be a key component of the Kiplinger vision.

Tommy Smith’s herd of cattle are watching the work along Citrus, where pastures will remain at Citrus and Boat Ramp Avenue as part of the Newfield Master Plan and its 2,000+ acres of open space (some 70% of the total acreage).

Farmer John Long, of Agri-Gators, Inc. who grows potatoes on leased land at Newfield, will complete this winter growing season before his acreage is reduced next year by grading for the town center.

You can watch the story on start of construction via WPTV here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7uFgYYcUEc

Kiplinger and Commissioner Ed Ciampi, whose Palm City district will include Newfield, recently spoke to Jon Shainman of Channel 5 WPTV(NBC in West Palm Beach) about the start of construction.

During the interview, a curious alligator did some sunbathing along one of the current ag canals.

Almost all of the new town will arise on former farmland north of Citrus, not on the natural lands–slash pines, saw palmettos, sabal palms and prairie–south of the boulevard, which will be preserved forever (and traversed by trails) in the Kiplinger Conservancy.

In the far northwest corner of the Conservancy, there will be a gopher tortoise sanctuary where tortoises removed from other development projects will be relocated.

After the utilities are completed shortly, work will begin on creating a network of waterways–connected lakes and canals for visual beauty, recreation, and stormwater retention during rainy seasons.

The fill from digging the waterways will raise the level of the new town center a few feet. The first of these lakes will be north of Citrus, and some will eventually be dug on part of the open land south of Citrus, across from the new town.

While all of this is going on, Knight and his team are advancing the design of new county playing fields and the look of the town center, with its mix of various housing types and neighborhood retail.

For the economic vitality of Martin County, there is considerable market interest in Newfield’s light-industrial land that lies along the Florida Turnpike, called Martin Enterprise Park.

It will be attractive to a variety of employers and their business needs, ranging from warehouse space to research & development and light manufacturing.

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at https://tcbusiness.com tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email mailto:[email protected] [email protected]

Mar. 7, 2022|

Electrical component manufacturers combine operations under one large roof in Port St. Lucie

TAMCO Group has opened its 411,000-square-foot fulfillment and manufacturing facility in Port St. Lucie, making it the largest facility operated by a private business in the city.

Apr. 29, 2020|

MADE ON THE TREASURE COAST

At least three U.S. presidents have used them. Perhaps hundreds of thousands of visitors have ridden on them at Disney and other theme parks. They are safety devices used on thousands of fuel and chemical tankers across the country. Boaters all over the world use products designed and built in Stuart.

Oct. 7, 2019|

MANUFACTURING ON THE RISE IN THE REGION

For 38 years, Kay Robinson has assembled parts that become wings, doors and center sections for Boeing jets, and she cannot think of doing anything else. She knows she doesn’t want to retire anytime soon. Robinson says a woman her age doesn’t give out her age. Still, she acknowledges she’s past the time when most people retire. She found what it would be like to be retired when she had a bunch of earned hours to burn before the end of last year. So, she stayed at home in Fort Pierce. And got bored out of her gourd.

Jun. 18, 2019|