Growth, workforce, and supply chain focus of the SRMA

It has been 14 months since I became the Executive Director of the Southwest Regional Manufacturers Association, and we have made great strides in working towards our goal: Improve the productivity and technological performance of the manufacturing sector in Southwest Florida.

We have tripled the number of manufacturing members, firmly implemented a 70:30 ratio between manufacturers and non-manufacturers, and have made valuable relationships with other entities and associations in the region working together for the common good of our economy. Labor and Supply Chain issues were certainly the topics of the year, and while there was/is not a magic bullet, there were steps taken to improve the situation.

We recently formed a Workforce Development Committee, with the focus of getting grade-school students excited about a career in manufacturing. We are working with CTE Directors from the various counties as we need teachers to be excited as well. The committee members want all types of students to be considered successful, whether they go to a four-year university, technical college, or enter the workforce immediately after high school. Who’s considered more successful? The guidance counselor who places 95% of students at a university or the one who places 95% of students in higher-than-aver- age wage careers right out of high school? I think we all know today’s answer, and that needs to change! We are pursuing two avenues to do that:

The SRMA is encouraging school districts to implement more robotics and automation programs down to the 6th grade level. Imagine a student completing a fluid curriculum from 6th through 12th grade. What manufacturer wouldn’t want to hire that student right out of high school with seven years of training?! Even better if the student continues his/her education at a technical college or university; better still if the manufacturer who hired the student pays for the continuing education!

The SRMA continues to promote its AdoptA-School program giving suggestions on how manufacturers can connect with teachers and students. Examples include student tours (sign up now on the SRMA website to host in October during Manufacturing Month), work-based learning programs, career counseling, etc. A future goal is to have a shared database easily connecting teachers with manufacturers matching needs with desired participation.

As a part of the FloridaMakes network, SRMA members have taken advantage of Connex Florida, an online capabilities database and connection platform. Connex helps your company adapt to changing market demands, connect to an array of resources, and locate new business opportunities by identifying new suppliers and customers.

Lastly, we have introduced numerous manufacturers to each other and to various suppliers making invaluable connections. Yet another benefit of being an SRMA member.

At minimum, please visit our website and sign up to receive our newsletters. It will keep you up-to-date on forthcoming events and manufacturing news. Did I convince you to join the SRMA? Cost cannot be an excuse, as our manufacturing membership is as low as $100.00 for the first year, no matter the size of your business. Visit www.srma.net/why-join-srma/ for more information. Together, let’s make the manufacturing industry thrive in Southwest Florida!

Rob Harris has been in the manufacturing industry his entire professional career, primarily in the printing and signage sector. He has served on many non-profit association boards over the years, from trade/industry associations to youth soccer organizations. He can be reached at rob@srma.net.