MakeMore on the Road: Producing More Manufacturing Talent Comes to IRSC

August 30, 2023 Katie Muldoon

PORT ST. LUCIE, FL—The Treasure Coast Manufacturers Association (TCMA) and the Florida Small Business Development Center (FSBDC) at Indian River State College (IRSC) are pleased to announce the upcoming MakeMore on the Road scheduled for September 6, 2023, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. The event is one of a series taking place across the state under the leadership of FloridaMakes and with the support of Florida Power & Light. It will take place at the IRSC Brown Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Building Y, Room 102) and is set to be a pivotal gathering for manufacturers in the region.

With the goal of igniting meaningful discussions about workforce talent and addressing the evolving needs of manufacturers, this event promises to be a dynamic platform for collaboration and innovation. Manufacturers from St. Lucie, Martin, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties are invited to join hands in shaping a roadmap that will enhance workforce development in the region.

The Treasure Coast MakeMore on the Road is a collaborative effort between TCMA and FSBDC at IRSC, uniting industry leaders, professionals, and stakeholders. The event will feature a lineup of insightful sessions that cater to the diverse needs of the manufacturing sector.

Highlights of the Event Include:

Opening Words from IRSC President Dr. Timothy Moore: Setting the tone for a morning of impactful discussions.
Guest Speaker from Florida Power and Light (FPL): Sharing insights and experiences from a prominent player in the manufacturing landscape.
State of Manufacturing in Florida Address by Dr. Jerry Parrish: A thought-provoking address by renowned Economist Dr. Jerry Parrish, shedding light on the current state of manufacturing in our region.
MakeMore Manufacturing Summit Report from Zoraida Velasco, Executive Vice President at FloridaMakes: A highlight of the top issues discussed during the annual statewide manufacturing ecosystem gathering, MakeMore Manufacturing Summit: Producing More Talent.
Update on IRSC Eastman Advanced Workforce Training Complex: Unveiling advancements in workforce training that will shape the future of manufacturing talent.
CEO Roundtable of Manufacturers: An interactive session facilitated by TCMA, bringing together CEOs and decision-makers for insightful discussions and knowledge-sharing.

"Manufacturing is the backbone of our region's economy, and it's essential that we collaborate to address its challenges and tap into its potential," says Tom Kindred Regional Director of the FSBDC at IRSC. "We invite all manufacturers to actively participate in this event, contribute their insights, and help build a roadmap that will empower us to produce more talent and foster regional growth."

Manufacturers, industry experts and stakeholders interested in shaping the future of manufacturing talent and workforce development are encouraged to participate. This event is a unique opportunity to engage, collaborate, and drive meaningful change.

To register and learn more about the Treasure Coast MakeMore on the Road event, visit https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/g/ThSXtXa82c/producing-more-manufacturing-talent-with-floridamakes-5a1e6g2SwsS/overview.

About FloridaMakes:
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. It accomplishes this by providing services focused on three principle value streams: technology adoption, talent development, and business growth. FloridaMakes is the official 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 about FloridaMakes, please visit FloridaMakes.com and follow @FloridaMakes.

About Treasure Coast Manufacturers Association (TCMA):
The Treasure Coast Manufacturers Association is committed to strengthening the manufacturing community on the Treasure Coast. Through collaboration, education, and advocacy, TCMA empowers manufacturers to thrive and contribute to the region's economic growth. Visit www.tcmamfg.com to learn more.

About Florida Small Business Development Center (FSBDC) at Indian River State College:
FSBDC at IRSC provides comprehensive business development services, training, and resources to entrepreneurs and small businesses in St. Lucie, Indian River, Okeechobee and Martin counties, fostering their growth and success.

For over forty 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 2019, Florida SBDCs provided 114,064 hours of professional business consulting to 12,535 client businesses, resulting in 37,966 jobs impacted; $4.4 billion in sales generated; $496.5 million in government contracts acquired; and $255.3 million in capital accessed; and 453 new businesses started. With over 40 offices statewide, the Florida SBDC is funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Defense Logistics Agency, 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 Indian River State College (IRSC):
Indian River State College is a leader in providing quality, affordable education to the Treasure Coast community, preparing students for rewarding careers and lifelong learning. Visit www.irsc.edu to learn more.