The purpose and objective of the Southwest Regional Manufacturers Association is to bring together manufacturers, encouraging economic development of Southwest Florida through manufacturing, and to act as a forum for the expression and exchange of ideas and information among its members. Our goal is to make a large, positive impact on the manufacturing community by bringing various resources to help manufacturers thrive. These resources include:
- Advocacy
- Representing manufacturers on the state and local legislative issues that impact our businesses and bottom lines, including:
- The repeal of the Tangible Personal Property Tax
- The elimination of the Florida Use Tax
- Working for a Buy Florida Act
- Promoting the repeal of sales tax on commercial leases
- Building a collective understanding of manufacturing and its importance in the community.
- Provide resources, including data, events and media outreach to amplify our voice.
- Focus on the differentiators, i.e. higher average wage than most leading industries, including tourism and retail.
- Workforce Development
- Offering open enrollment and private training classes to upskill your staff (i.e. Leadership training, Lean Six Sigma certifications, etc.)
- Working closely with our local colleges and universities to create training programs that will prepare graduates for careers in manufacturing.
- Participating in educational roundtable discussions.
- Apprenticeship Programs
- Manufacturing Pipeline (Florida Advanced Technological Education (FLATE))
- Networking
- Discussing “Best Practices” with other manufacturers.
- Offering educational events with expert-driven content.
- Organizing plant tours of local manufacturers.
- Business Advising
- Partnering with FloridaMakes to offer free business assessments and evaluations for SRMA members.
- Providing discounted rates on FloridaMakes third-party services.
- Creating customized training tools.
- Supply Chain Optimization
- Connex Florida – helping Florida manufacturers better connect with each other, be discovered, and increase business opportunities.
- Cybersecurity Education and Certifications
- DOD requirements
- Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC)
- Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) 252.204-7021
Manufacturer Memberships are as low as $100.00! Click HERE or contact Rob Harris for more information.