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The manufacturing, warehouse and distribution sector is backed
by a number of organizations formed to advance the industry by
providing integral resources. Following is a sampling of trade
organizations supporting the sector:
Florida
Manufacturing Extension Partnership (Florida MEP)
Florida MEP is part of a nationwide network of more than 70
not-for-profit centers that provide help and solutions for small-
to medium-sized businesses. Located in all 50 states, the centers
are linked through the Department of Commerce’s National Institute
of Standards and Technology (NIST). This network makes it possible
for even the smallest Florida firms to access more than 2,000
manufacturing and business specialists — including the staff of the
Florida MEP and their specialized knowledge about doing business in
Florida.
Among the areas in which Florida MEP supplies expertise are:
plant layout, process improvements, machinery
automation/specification, computerization and manufacturing
software, marketing and business development, ISO certification,
business planning, product development, supply chain management,
energy audits, Time Wise — Suite of Lean Manufacturing Tools, and
health, safety and environmental issues.
Manufacturers
Association of Central Florida (MACF)
MACF provides the professional organization and environment through
which manufacturing executives work together to improve the
business competence and economic opportunities of its members. The
organization takes a leadership role in enhancing the quality and
competitiveness of member businesses, and in facilitating
employment growth in the Metro Orlando manufacturing community.
MACF provides training and education and keeps members informed
about legislation that impacts the industry.
Seminole County Port Authority
The Seminole County Port Authority has been a leader in assisting
small business interests since 1977, when a multi-tenant building
program was initiated. These small business incubators provide low
investment lease facilities at the Port of Sanford with immediate
occupancy and variable lease terms. The Central Florida Business
Incubation Center expanded the small business program by offering a
host of support services to its clients. These services include
accounting, secretarial services, assistance in the development of
business plans, business consulting and marketing assistance.
Manufacturing, warehouse and distribution facilities as small as
1,500 square feet are available.
Society of
Manufacturing Engineers (SME)
SME is the world's leading professional society serving the
manufacturing industry. Through its publications, expositions,
professional development resources and member programs, SME
influences more than 500,000 manufacturing executives, managers and
engineers. Founded in 1932, SME has about 60,000 members in 70
countries and supports a network of hundreds of chapters worldwide,
including one in Orlando.
Southeastern Warehouse Association (SWA)
SWA is a group of third-party warehouse and logistic providers with
the common goal of improving their competitive position through
professional development. The organization consists of
approximately 160 members — including both warehousemen and
associate members — who operate more than 72 million square feet of
high-quality warehousing in 12 Southeastern states.
Workforce Florida, Inc. (WFI)
WFI is the state's chief workforce policy organization. Created by
the Workforce Innovation Act of 2000, the public-private
partnership supports and promotes economic growth through workforce
development. WFI is the principal architect in the state's efforts
to develop and retain a highly competitive workforce responsive to
the needs of employers. WFI’s programs promote successful entry
into the workforce through education and job experience, including
school-to-work initiatives that enlist business and community
support to ensure that students have the educational and
occupational skills required to succeed in the workforce. WFI
programs also serve adults entering the workforce for the first
time, and youth programs related to welfare reform.
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