S E P TE M B E R
2 0 1 9
S o u t h w e st
F l o r i d a B U S I N E S S TOD AY ÂŽ
P a g e 1 1
BUILT TO LAST
Home to over 1,000 manufacturers employing more than 13,000 workers, manufacturing in Southwest Florida is alive and well. From power boats to cutting-edge medical devices and world-class chocolates, these dynamic businesses create value and jobs within the region. The manufacturing sector continues to attract investments and grows faster than the average of all industries. And it shows no sign of slowing down.
AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGES
53,291
$
MANUFACTURING
45,285
$
MANUFACTURING IN SWFL
13,023
The number of employees currently working in SWFL’s manufacturing industry as of Q1 2019.
CAREERS & SALARIES
ALL INDUSTRIES
$95,000
Industrial Production Manager 110K
$103,700
General/Operations Manager
Yearly Salary (USD)
5 YEAR GROWTH MANUFACTURING
ALL INDUSTRIES
100K
80K
$86,200
Managers (other)
60K
Operating Worker
Industrial Engineers 200
$56,300
$84,400
300
400
500
600
Number of Employees
Sources: JobsEQ, CareerSource SWFL, Lee County EDO, Josh Kramer
o ers resources to e manu acturers t ri e
F lo r id a . M a n u fa c t u r in g . T h o s e t w o w o r d s a r e not oďż˝en put together. A n d y e t t h e r e a r e m o r e t h a n 2 1 ,5 0 0 m a n u fa c turers in Florida, delivering products in almost every industry, from aerospace to medicine to recreaďż˝on and everything in between. F u e lin g t h e s t r e n g t h o f F lo r id a ’s m a n u f a c t u r ing is a coordinated network of assistance. Spread a c r o s s t h e s t a t e a r e 1 4 r e g io n a l m a n u fa c t u r in g associaďż˝ons known as RMAs. Their goal is to promote, service and support local manufacturers. All of the RMAs are under the umbrella of FloridaMakes, which is part of the manufacturing extension partnership network, a naďż˝onally funded program to help manufacturers become more compe��ve. Sďż˝ll, only 4 of Florida manufacturing companies take advantage of the beneďŹ ts these organizaďż˝ons provide. That’s a problem not just for the 96 of manufacturers who are missing out, but for everyone, because manufacturing and the economy are inextricably linked. Manufacturing creates jobs and the products to g e n e ra te th e re v e n u e n e c e s s a ry to c re a te th e m . A sďż˝mulated economy from manufacturing beneďŹ ts the enďż˝re community. The manufacturing sector in Southwest Florida employs 13,023 people and generates more than $4.785 billion dollars in sales annually, according to data provided by Chmura E c o n o m ic s . The Southwest Regional Manufacturers Asso-
cia�on, or SRMA for short, is the conduit that brings S o u t h w e s t F lo r id a m a n u fa c tu re rs a n d th e n e e d e d resources together to help t h e m t o t h r iv e in t h e a r e a s of economic development, s t a t e o f t h e a r t t e c h n o lo g y , a n d m a in t a in in g a h ig h ly N EI L K AG AN s k ille d w o r k fo r c e . If y o u n e e d re s o u rc e s , w e a t th e SRMA are here to provide them. The SRMA regularly oers training, con�nuing educa�on and networking, and it links manufacturers to even more. Our website, SRMA.net, shows you where to go to learn about tax breaks for machinery, exis�ng machinery, property taxes, sales tax and more. We can connect you with opportuni�es for employee training grants, importexport training, compliance training, informa�on about best prac�ces, and assistance with human resources and recrui�ng. Every month, we have a roundtable discussion, usually with a keynote speaker from a leading regional or state-level manufacturer. We also regularly arrange tours of local manufacturing plants that allow our members to see cu�ng-edge prac�ces up close. And, we do a�er hours social events t o fa c ilit a t e n e t w o r k in g . Membership in the SRMA is an indispensable part of being a manufacturer in SWFL. It’s easy to
usse
dams ri in in t e bi e at or ec
join, too. Our secure portal on SRMA.net allows you to pay and instantly become a member, and we have a pay-by-check op�on as well. The cost is based on the size of your business, so you’re never too big or too small to get the most out of our serv ic e . D o z e n s o f S o u t h w e s t F lo r id a m a n u fa c t u r e r s are already plugged in and taking advantage of resources that put them at the cu�ng edge. Don’t fall behind. oin the SRMA now. Neil agan is the executive director o the S M . With nearly 30 years o manu acturing experience, he is an e ciency expert who o en works with companies on process improvement e orts such as Lean Manu acturing and uality systems like ISO 00 . To schedule a consultation, call 3 0-00 or email neil@srma.net.
P a g e 1 2
S o u t h w e st
F l o r i d a B U S I N E S S TOD AY ®
S E P TE M B E R
2 0 1 9
endry ounty is uic y earnin industry a en on
Hendry County’s rich soil and ample fields have made it a prime loca�on for farming in Florida since t h e la t e 1 8 0 0 s . W h ile t h e e c o n o m y in H e n d r y C o u n t y is s�ll primarily comprised of the agricultural industry, the County’s loca�on, rich resources and lower operating costs have caught the a�en�on of other industries wan�ng to plant their roots amidst the crops and ca�le. Manufacturing in Hendry County has quickly climbed the ladder in terms of GDP only to be outranked by agriculture/farming, retail trade and health care. Located within a 2.5 hour reach of the over 90 million annual consumers in south Florida, Hendry County is a prime loca�on for connec�ons between interna�onal and domes�c manufacturers, distributers, and logis�cs companies. The US 27 and SR 80 interchange offer connec�vity to the I-4 corridor, I-75, I-95, as well as both Southeast and Southwest Florida. Short line railroad connec�vity via CSX and FEC provides an economical alterna�ve shipping op�on for freight. As the Airglades Interna�onal Airport priva�za�on project con�nues to develop, manufacturing and logis�cs companies are ac�vely seeking proper�es near the city of Clewiston on the eastern side of Hendry County in order to take advantage of the opportuni�es the airport will offer. The Airglades project, a new stateof-the-art logis�cs complex, is being designed for the efficient flow of perishable goods from La�n America to consumers in the United States. Proper�es on and off of the airport will have access to logis�c networks designed for movement of cargo travelling in and out of the region while also crea�ng industry opportuni�es unlike anything seen in Florida’s Heartland Region
before. Hendry County has been proac�vely preparing for the Airglades project through site readiness and infrastructure projects as well as workforce development and training; all vital elements important for entrepreneurs and corporaK EI TH A D AN I EL S �ons alike who are seeking good investments. The City of Clewiston has designated commercial/light Industrial shovel ready land within the City limits providing occupants with access to City u�li�es such as sewer, water, and electric. Alterna�ve resources such as natural gas lines also exist within the City limits. The Hendry County Adult Educa�on School has placed an emphasis on providing training for jobs such as welding and construc�on that will be needed in both the construc�on and opera�ng phases of Airglades Airport expansion. Enrollment in the adult school has increased overall thanks to a coordinated marke�ng effort. Students in 15 Secondary and Post-Secondary Career and Technical Educa�on Programs earned 857 Industry Cer�fica�ons through the Adult Educa�on School in 2019 and Hendry County ranked #1 as the top earner of Industry Cer�fica�ons in rural districts in the State of Florida. Hendry County has also been suppor�ve of Immokalee Technical College’s (iTech) proposed move into the Glades County Regional Training Facility in Moore Haven. The facility boasts 40,000 square feet of avail-
The MC V entures team stands ready to serv e S outhwest F lorida and beyond. able training space with room for growth. The center is primed to produce a pipeline of talent able to meet the needs of not only Hendry and Glades Coun�es, but the Heartland Region as a whole, se�ng the inland coun�es up to enter the compe��ve area workforce availability. Manufacturing companies seeking a strategic loca�on and a skilled workforce all within a small town set�ng are invited to grow with us. Keitha Daniels is the Director for Hendry County Economic Development Council. Keitha has worked for the Board of County Commissioners over the past 5 years with a focus in economic development. She also serves as an advisor to civic and revitalization organizations in Hendry County. To contact her, email keitha@hendryedc.com
S E P TE M B E R
2 0 1 9
S o u t h w e st
F l o r i d a B U S I N E S S TOD AY ®
P a g e 1 3
G rowth ensures S WF L ’ s f uture prosperity
Southwest Florida’s economy is vibrant and have seen for example in growing. The region’s economic growth will medical device, maritime help our communities weather the inevitable a n d c o n s t r u c t io n r e la t e d downturns in national economic cycles and manufacturing. These secprovide opportunities for new prosperity to tors are emerging regionour residents. A hallmark of this growth is its ally, developing clusters diversification. In FGCU’s most recent Indusand fostering supply chain try Diversification analysis, the Cape Coral-Fort growth. This growth conMyers MSA ranked 5th in the State of Florida tinues to correct ineffiunderpinned by its emerging manufacturing J O H N TAL MAG E ciencies in our market. s e c to r. For example, we have long Traditionally, the contribution of the manu- paid a premium for deadheading imports bound facturing sector is measured through an exami- for Southwest Florida. A key benefit of a more nation of NAICS codes. Manufacturing statistics robust manufacturing sector will be more outare based on information collected at the “es- bound activity, bringing costs down in our trucktablishment”—or plant—level, as opposed to ing, rail and airport cargo related activities. the “firm” level. That means numerous manWhile we have benefited by the innovation ufacturing-related activities, such as parts as- seen in the larger manufacturing sector, edusembly, R&D centers and warehouse and dis- cational partners are also responding to this tribution centers, are not included within the growth with efforts to add new degree and NAICS codes for manufacturing (31-33). For Lee certificate programs at our area’s colleges and County, these ancillary businesses double the universities. FGCU will provide a new degree base number of 6,500 direct jobs attributable in Supply Chain Management beginning in Septo the manufacturing cluster bringing the total tember. This is just one of the many programs jobs of this cluster to 12,500 jobs with revenues they are expanding or adding in response to of $6.5 billion. increasing economic diversity. FSW continues Our abundance of natural resources, access to aggressively pursue state training dollars to to large markets to the east and north of the offer specialized workforce training programs. region and overall regional integration contrib- CareerSource is a state leader in advocating for ute to a dynamic manufacturing sector. This certification programs and is a key partner in sector is innovative and entrepreneurial as we our efforts to recruit and expand all businesses.
Partners such as the Southwest Florida Community Foundation’s Future Makers Coalition are working with industry executives to identify new ways to support workforce and economic growth. The Lee County School Board, our most important generator of a future workforce, continues to adapt and respond to a fast changing economy. All of these efforts are essential to o u r c o n t in u e d e c o n o m ic s u c c e s s . Southwest Florida and Lee County especially are an exciting place to be. Our economy is growing, our future is bright and as we move closer to a full time population of 1 million people in Lee County and 2 million in the region, manufacturing and other sectors that support it such as transportation, distribution and training, among others, will continue to grow and thrive here. As always, the Lee County Economic Development Office salutes these businesses, their employees and professional associations such as the Southwest Regional Manufacturers Association for the outstanding job they are doing to sustain our growth and inspire our future. John Talmage, Director, Lee County Economic Development Office, has spent more than 30 years working in local economic and community development, both for municipal governments and national research organizations. To contact him, email JTalmage@leegov.com
H ear what our local manuf acturers hav e to say about doing business in S outhwest F lorida “Doing business (manufacturing) in H e n d r y C o u n t y is m o r e efficient due to less taxes, real estate and labor costs.” - Mike and Lorie Cox, Owner/Operators, MC Ventures, LaBelle
Hendry County Benefits of Locating in Hendry County Include: Lower Operating Costs US 27 & SR 80 capacity (four and six lane divided) with connectivity to the I-4 corridor, I-75, I-95, Southeast and Southwest Florida Skilled Workforce Rural Incentives
WWW.HENDRYEDC.COM 863-675-6007
“Collier County has served as a suppor�ve home for Lenkbar by providing us with a highly skilled workforce and a strong rela�onship with a leading medical device manufacturer, Arthrex. This success has facilitated the expansion of our new 20,000 sq. �. state-of-the-art facility near the Naples Airport.” - Erik Papenfuss, CEO Lenkbar
“Since moving to Naples in 1976, Pelican Wire has watched Collier County grow and we’ve been pleased to be part of that growth. As a global manufacturer, we help to diversify the economy of Southwest Florida and take great pride in sending our ‘Made in SWFL’ products to points all across the globe. As we con�nue to grow and develop new markets, we will also con�nue to stand as proud ambassadors of Southwest Florida, with its incredible scenery, lifestyle and people.” - Trent Dunn, Marketing Manager, Pelican Wire, Naples
“We began a�ending roundtable discussions and networking events a�er joining the SRMA in 2018. The more involved we became, the greater the benefits to our company. We have developed indispensable business rela�onships that have provided us with essen�al legal, tax and financial advice and assisted us with tax credits, employee training programs, ISO and lean manufacturing. - Bonne Posma, Saminco International Founder and CEO
“Manufacturing in the best area of the state – Southwest Florida. We enjoy the year-round beauty that SWFL has to offer, and grow our business with local talent; all while contribu�ng to our community, and serving every aircra� manufacturer in the world. We are proud of the growing support offered in our region.” - Hector Sanchez, President, Loos & Company, Naples
P a g e 1 2
S o u t h w e st
F l o r i d a B U S I N E S S TOD AY ®
S E P TE M B E R
2 0 1 9
endry ounty is uic y earnin industry a en on
Hendry County’s rich soil and ample fields have made it a prime loca�on for farming in Florida since t h e la t e 1 8 0 0 s . W h ile t h e e c o n o m y in H e n d r y C o u n t y is s�ll primarily comprised of the agricultural industry, the County’s loca�on, rich resources and lower operating costs have caught the a�en�on of other industries wan�ng to plant their roots amidst the crops and ca�le. Manufacturing in Hendry County has quickly climbed the ladder in terms of GDP only to be outranked by agriculture/farming, retail trade and health care. Located within a 2.5 hour reach of the over 90 million annual consumers in south Florida, Hendry County is a prime loca�on for connec�ons between interna�onal and domes�c manufacturers, distributers, and logis�cs companies. The US 27 and SR 80 interchange offer connec�vity to the I-4 corridor, I-75, I-95, as well as both Southeast and Southwest Florida. Short line railroad connec�vity via CSX and FEC provides an economical alterna�ve shipping op�on for freight. As the Airglades Interna�onal Airport priva�za�on project con�nues to develop, manufacturing and logis�cs companies are ac�vely seeking proper�es near the city of Clewiston on the eastern side of Hendry County in order to take advantage of the opportuni�es the airport will offer. The Airglades project, a new stateof-the-art logis�cs complex, is being designed for the efficient flow of perishable goods from La�n America to consumers in the United States. Proper�es on and off of the airport will have access to logis�c networks designed for movement of cargo travelling in and out of the region while also crea�ng industry opportuni�es unlike anything seen in Florida’s Heartland Region
before. Hendry County has been proac�vely preparing for the Airglades project through site readiness and infrastructure projects as well as workforce development and training; all vital elements important for entrepreneurs and corporaK EI TH A D AN I EL S �ons alike who are seeking good investments. The City of Clewiston has designated commercial/light Industrial shovel ready land within the City limits providing occupants with access to City u�li�es such as sewer, water, and electric. Alterna�ve resources such as natural gas lines also exist within the City limits. The Hendry County Adult Educa�on School has placed an emphasis on providing training for jobs such as welding and construc�on that will be needed in both the construc�on and opera�ng phases of Airglades Airport expansion. Enrollment in the adult school has increased overall thanks to a coordinated marke�ng effort. Students in 15 Secondary and Post-Secondary Career and Technical Educa�on Programs earned 857 Industry Cer�fica�ons through the Adult Educa�on School in 2019 and Hendry County ranked #1 as the top earner of Industry Cer�fica�ons in rural districts in the State of Florida. Hendry County has also been suppor�ve of Immokalee Technical College’s (iTech) proposed move into the Glades County Regional Training Facility in Moore Haven. The facility boasts 40,000 square feet of avail-
The MC V entures team stands ready to serv e S outhwest F lorida and beyond. able training space with room for growth. The center is primed to produce a pipeline of talent able to meet the needs of not only Hendry and Glades Coun�es, but the Heartland Region as a whole, se�ng the inland coun�es up to enter the compe��ve area workforce availability. Manufacturing companies seeking a strategic loca�on and a skilled workforce all within a small town set�ng are invited to grow with us. Keitha Daniels is the Director for Hendry County Economic Development Council. Keitha has worked for the Board of County Commissioners over the past 5 years with a focus in economic development. She also serves as an advisor to civic and revitalization organizations in Hendry County. To contact her, email keitha@hendryedc.com
S E P TE M B E R
2 0 1 9
S o u t h w e st
F l o r i d a B U S I N E S S TOD AY ®
P a g e 1 3
G rowth ensures S WF L ’ s f uture prosperity
Southwest Florida’s economy is vibrant and have seen for example in growing. The region’s economic growth will medical device, maritime help our communities weather the inevitable a n d c o n s t r u c t io n r e la t e d downturns in national economic cycles and manufacturing. These secprovide opportunities for new prosperity to tors are emerging regionour residents. A hallmark of this growth is its ally, developing clusters diversification. In FGCU’s most recent Indusand fostering supply chain try Diversification analysis, the Cape Coral-Fort growth. This growth conMyers MSA ranked 5th in the State of Florida tinues to correct ineffiunderpinned by its emerging manufacturing J O H N TAL MAG E ciencies in our market. s e c to r. For example, we have long Traditionally, the contribution of the manu- paid a premium for deadheading imports bound facturing sector is measured through an exami- for Southwest Florida. A key benefit of a more nation of NAICS codes. Manufacturing statistics robust manufacturing sector will be more outare based on information collected at the “es- bound activity, bringing costs down in our trucktablishment”—or plant—level, as opposed to ing, rail and airport cargo related activities. the “firm” level. That means numerous manWhile we have benefited by the innovation ufacturing-related activities, such as parts as- seen in the larger manufacturing sector, edusembly, R&D centers and warehouse and dis- cational partners are also responding to this tribution centers, are not included within the growth with efforts to add new degree and NAICS codes for manufacturing (31-33). For Lee certificate programs at our area’s colleges and County, these ancillary businesses double the universities. FGCU will provide a new degree base number of 6,500 direct jobs attributable in Supply Chain Management beginning in Septo the manufacturing cluster bringing the total tember. This is just one of the many programs jobs of this cluster to 12,500 jobs with revenues they are expanding or adding in response to of $6.5 billion. increasing economic diversity. FSW continues Our abundance of natural resources, access to aggressively pursue state training dollars to to large markets to the east and north of the offer specialized workforce training programs. region and overall regional integration contrib- CareerSource is a state leader in advocating for ute to a dynamic manufacturing sector. This certification programs and is a key partner in sector is innovative and entrepreneurial as we our efforts to recruit and expand all businesses.
Partners such as the Southwest Florida Community Foundation’s Future Makers Coalition are working with industry executives to identify new ways to support workforce and economic growth. The Lee County School Board, our most important generator of a future workforce, continues to adapt and respond to a fast changing economy. All of these efforts are essential to o u r c o n t in u e d e c o n o m ic s u c c e s s . Southwest Florida and Lee County especially are an exciting place to be. Our economy is growing, our future is bright and as we move closer to a full time population of 1 million people in Lee County and 2 million in the region, manufacturing and other sectors that support it such as transportation, distribution and training, among others, will continue to grow and thrive here. As always, the Lee County Economic Development Office salutes these businesses, their employees and professional associations such as the Southwest Regional Manufacturers Association for the outstanding job they are doing to sustain our growth and inspire our future. John Talmage, Director, Lee County Economic Development Office, has spent more than 30 years working in local economic and community development, both for municipal governments and national research organizations. To contact him, email JTalmage@leegov.com
H ear what our local manuf acturers hav e to say about doing business in S outhwest F lorida “Doing business (manufacturing) in H e n d r y C o u n t y is m o r e efficient due to less taxes, real estate and labor costs.” - Mike and Lorie Cox, Owner/Operators, MC Ventures, LaBelle
Hendry County Benefits of Locating in Hendry County Include: Lower Operating Costs US 27 & SR 80 capacity (four and six lane divided) with connectivity to the I-4 corridor, I-75, I-95, Southeast and Southwest Florida Skilled Workforce Rural Incentives
WWW.HENDRYEDC.COM 863-675-6007
“Collier County has served as a suppor�ve home for Lenkbar by providing us with a highly skilled workforce and a strong rela�onship with a leading medical device manufacturer, Arthrex. This success has facilitated the expansion of our new 20,000 sq. �. state-of-the-art facility near the Naples Airport.” - Erik Papenfuss, CEO Lenkbar
“Since moving to Naples in 1976, Pelican Wire has watched Collier County grow and we’ve been pleased to be part of that growth. As a global manufacturer, we help to diversify the economy of Southwest Florida and take great pride in sending our ‘Made in SWFL’ products to points all across the globe. As we con�nue to grow and develop new markets, we will also con�nue to stand as proud ambassadors of Southwest Florida, with its incredible scenery, lifestyle and people.” - Trent Dunn, Marketing Manager, Pelican Wire, Naples
“We began a�ending roundtable discussions and networking events a�er joining the SRMA in 2018. The more involved we became, the greater the benefits to our company. We have developed indispensable business rela�onships that have provided us with essen�al legal, tax and financial advice and assisted us with tax credits, employee training programs, ISO and lean manufacturing. - Bonne Posma, Saminco International Founder and CEO
“Manufacturing in the best area of the state – Southwest Florida. We enjoy the year-round beauty that SWFL has to offer, and grow our business with local talent; all while contribu�ng to our community, and serving every aircra� manufacturer in the world. We are proud of the growing support offered in our region.” - Hector Sanchez, President, Loos & Company, Naples
P a g e 1 4
S o u t h w e st
F l o r i d a B U S I N E S S TOD AY ®
S E P TE M B E R
2 0 1 9
i ersi yin commerce creates a more robust economy
At the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce, we believe a diverse economy is key to a robust economy. While our tourism and hospitality industries are key to Collier County’s economic stability, there has been a significant focus in recent years to grow the manufacturing industry in Collier County and throughout the region. There are about 317 manufacturing opera�ons in Collier County, ranging from medical device manufacturers and chemical manufacturers to cable and wire manufacturers, employing more than 4,200 individuals in the region and contribu�ng more than $988.7 millio n t o t h e lo c a l e c o n o m y in 2 0 1 8 . The county’s diverse opera�ons include Arthrex, a global medical device company. A leader in new product development and medical educa�on, Arthrex is a huge economic driver and currently employs 3,000 people in the SWFL region, with the goal of adding 500 new jobs locally by 2021. A new event and administra�on center, as well as a hotel for visi�ng clients, is scheduled to open in early 2020. Based in Collier for the last 20 years, Arthrex has laid the groundwork for g r o w t h in t h e m e d ic a l d e v ic e m a n u fa c t u r in g in d u s t r y , with several smaller companies emerging to supplement Arthrex’s needs. One notable expansion in the medical device manufacturing sector is Lenkbar, which produces flexible screws for joints. The company will be moving into a new, 20,000 sq. �. state-of-the-art facility in Naples in 2019, and received the “Company to Watch” Excel-
le n c e in In d u s t r y A w a r d f r o m the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce in 2018. In an en�rely separate manufacturing field, Pelican Wire is an employee-owned designer and producer of custom UL cer�fied insulated appliance, building, fixture and floor wires. Celebra�ng 50 years in business this year, the company has about 80 employees and serves clients a r o u n d t h e w o r ld . Another company making big waves in the manufacturing industry is Progress Rail Naples. A subsidiary of Caterpillar, Progress Rail Naples produces fuel injec�on pumps, injector assemblies, nozzle assemblies, delivery valves, plungers and barrels and electronic injectors for the locomo�ve industry. The Naples division employs roughly 80 employees and is ac�ve throughout the community, speaking on topics such as workfo r c e a n d t a le n t . As these companies grow, so does the need for a talented workforce. Collier County Public Schools and The Greater Naples Chamber have recognized the importance of a “grow your own” talent strategy and is taking steps to create a talent pipeline for local manufa c t u r e r s . T h e s c h o o l d is t r ic t , w it h t h e a s s is t a n c e o f t h e Naples Chamber, received a $3 million grant from the
LEE COUNTY CELEBRATES MANUFACTURING MONTH Join the growing manufacturers and corporations who have made their home in Lee County, FL, where opportunity awaits. Now is the time to learn more about Lee County’s growth, business climate, quality of place and more by visiting LeeCountyBusiness.com. To explore potential investment opportunities, tax benefits and in-depth information on Lee County’s Opportunity Zones, visit LeeCoBiz.com.
state of Florida to create the Center for Manufacturing Excellence, which will expand and enhance Immokalee Technical College’s manufacturing offerings at a centralized loca�on. The center, which is set to open in anuary 2020, will not only offer a tradi�onal machining course, but also create specialized, industry-specific training programs and an appren�ceship program. F o s t e r in g g r o w t h in t h e m a n u fa c t u r in g in d u s t r y is cri�cal to diversifying our economy, and it is something that we at the Greater Naples Chamber work hard every day to address. By understanding the challenges and opportuni�es the industry faces, we are on the forefront of advoca�ng for this sector. We have a strong partnership with local and state government, the business community and educa�onal ins�tu�ons to ensure th a t o u r m a n u fa c tu re rs h a v e th e a c c e s s to th e re s o u rc e s t h a t t h e y n e e d t o g r o w t h a n d t h r iv e . Melanie . Schmees is Director o Business and Economic esearch at The reater Naples Chamber o Commerce. She conducts business retention and expansion visits, heads economic research and analysis initiatives and coordinates with numerous governmental, utility and not- or-pro t organizations critical to economic growth marketing, services or contacts. She sits on the Board o the Southwest egional Manu acturers ssociation and is a member o The oung Pro essionals Society o Naples. To contact her, email melanie@napleschamber.org
UR RES UR E E ER T E S
LeeCountyBusiness.com
L
Southwest Regional Manufacturers Association (SRMA) connects manufacturers with one another and with valuable regional and state resources, including: Employee training Public relations and marketing Legislation and regulation Education and internships Ed Awards and recognition
2201 Second Street, Suite 500 Fort Myers, FL 33901 800-330-3161 • edo@leegov.com
R
T
Visit or call Neil Kagan at