The Upper Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the Florida Manufacturing Extension Partnership (FMEP) to form the Upper Tampa Bay Manufacturers Association. The UTBMA is dedicated to serving the unique business and networking needs of the approximately 400 manufacturers located in the region. The association leadership is exclusively formed by manufacturing principles. The 2011 Association Chairman is Mike Smith, BryCoat, Inc. The Vice Chairman is Tom Hanway, Gasco Affilaites LLC. Dick Peck, President QTM, Inc. and current chairman of FMEP is also on the Board of Directors.
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We recognize that this may mean 'breaking some molds' or perceived ways of doing business. We have found that the robust manufacturing sector in the community - comprising nearly a third of area jobs and tax base - can benefit by more technically oriented services addressing current manufacturing practices and standards, increasingly skilled workforce requirements and a more comprehensive understanding of the availability of the varied products and services offered across our local manufacturing base. The Association is limited to manufacturers. The Board of Directors is served by an Advisory Support Group consisting of the Upper Tampa Bay Chamber, FMEP, Pinellas County Department of Economic Development and WorkNet Pinellas. These agencies assist in the organizational activities of the Association as well as provide access to technical assistance, grants, incentives and workforce recruitment services needed to best serve the manufacturing sector.
Vision:Strengthen the manufacturing base through developing opportunities for synergy
Goals:
Develop a comprehensive guide to area manufacturers
Build strategic partnerships with professional manufacturing organizations
Conduct regular Speaker Forums on topics of current interest to manufacturers
Bring big business skills and processes to small manufacturing businesses
Increase knowledge of local business to business opportunities between and among local manufacturers
Conduct an annual local Manufacturing Trade Show at minimal cost
Determine need and build capability to satisfy workforce training needs for manufacturers to include internships and apprenticeships
