The Florida Legislature passed a measure that will allow manufacturers to invest more of their money in manufacturing machinery and equipment. By so doing they will be more competitive in the world marketplace and grow Florida’s manufacturing economy. We applaud Governor Scott, Senate President Gaetz, Speaker Weatherford, Senator Hukill, Representative Magar and the Florida Legislature for their leadership on this important issue to Florida’s economy.

Click here for the MAF press release about the manufacturing sales tax exemption

Click here for the complete list of 2007 NAICS codes referenced in the bill

Click here for a copy of the bill

Governor Rick Scott at the Florida Cabinet meeting today featured a video on the importance of his push to eliminate the sales tax on manufacturing equipment.

Governor Scott said, “Despite our record of economic success and unrivaled potential for economic growth, Florida finds itself at a competitive disadvantage in manufacturing compared to other states. Florida is one of only a few states with a tax on manufacturing machinery and equipment, and we lag behind the nation in per capita manufacturing jobs. We need to level the playing field to compete for manufacturing jobs so more Florida families can have an opportunity to live their version of the American dream. ”

View the video here.

Northeast Florida Manufacturers Conduct Golf Tournament To Raise Funds For UNF Engineering Scholarships

The First Coast Manufacturers Association (FCMA) conducted its 23rd annual golf tournament to fund engineering scholarships to the University of North Florida (UNF).

Approximately 144 golfers participated in the event held at the Omni Amelia Island Oak Marsh Golf Course. Over 65 area companies were represented.

“Proceeds from the fundraiser will go towards paying for engineering scholarships each year, in addition to building our college endowment program,” said Lake Ray, FCMA president.

“With our local economy growing in the areas of manufacturing, logistics and the import/export trade with Jaxport, we need to encourage and support education that emphasizes science, math, chemistry and engineering,” Ray explained. “By offering scholarships and tying them to the outstanding engineering program at UNF, FCMA  hopes to be able to help supply qualified employees to area businesses in need of high tech skills.”

FCMA is a non-profit trade association serving Northeast Florida. There are over 1,500 manufacturing companies on the First Coast, supplying over 30,000 jobs and generating nearly 15% of the total gross regional product. Additional media information on FCMA is available at www.fcmaweb.com.

Lake,

Thank you for the leadership you provided by encouraging the Mayor to return to service the street lights serving Jacksonville’s industrial areas. I was pleased to be present at the news conference when the Mayor announced the lights will be turned back on! Link below…

http://www.coj.net/mayor/headlines/mayor-brown-announces-legislation-to-restore-city.aspx

Great job!

Thanks,

Peter Anderson, Pattillo Industrial