ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.- (March 1, 2018) – FloridaMakes, the statewide, industry-led partnership that measurably advances Florida’s high-wage manufacturing sector, has partnered with the City of St. Petersburg and the St. Petersburg Area Economic Development Corporation (EDC) to host a monthly “Manufacturing Monday.”
On the third Monday of each month during 2018, the partnership will seek to hold business visits with St. Petersburg-based manufacturing companies as a targeted way to remedy any challenges they may be facing, assist with growth and tell their stories that may not otherwise be told.
“Through this partnership and Manufacturing Monday business visits, we can better position St. Petersburg-based manufacturing companies for growth and success,” Paul Szablowski, FloridaMakes Business Advisor said. “Supporting Florida’s existing manufacturing firms is critical and equally as important as attracting new firms.”
St. Petersburg’s Grow Smarter Strategy has identified Specialized Manufacturing as one of five target industry sectors with the greatest potential to create new jobs and raise incomes. The Manufacturing Monday partnership between the City of St. Petersburg, St. Petersburg Area EDC and FloridaMakes is a way to maximize state and city economic development resources and focus where a competitive advantage exists.
“When the City first partnered with the Chamber to advance the Grow Smarter initiative, we envisioned this type of activity to better understand the businesses within our target industries,” St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman said. “The Manufacturing Monday partnership will enhance one of our strongest target industry sectors.”
The City of St. Petersburg, St. Petersburg EDC and FloridaMakes have identified several manufacturing firms they would like to begin visiting in early 2018, but encourage all businesses interested in participating to reach out.
St. Petersburg manufacturing firms interested in participating in Manufacturing Monday are encouraged to contact St. Petersburg Area EDC President, J.P. DuBuque at jpdubuque@becomestpete.com or 727-388-2906.
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About the St. Petersburg Economic Development Corporation
The St. Petersburg Area Economic Development Corporation is a partner in the Grow Smarter Initiative to create awareness of the business climate in St. Petersburg and to invigorate the growth of jobs in the target sectors of marine and life sciences, data analytics, financial and business services, specialized manufacturing and creative arts and design.
About FloridaMakes
FloridaMakes is an industry-led public-private partnership established in 2015 to improve the productivity and technological performance of Florida manufacturers and strengthen the state’s high-wage manufacturing economy. FloridaMakes is the official representative of the MEP National Network and NIST MEP in the State of Florida and provides services through Florida’s existing network of Regional Manufacturers Associations and other partners to support Florida’s more than 20,000 manufacturers. FloridaMakes for the St. Petersburg area works in partnership with the Science & Technology Innovation Center to meet the needs and opportunities of individual companies. FloridaMakes operates with support from the State of Florida, NIST and Florida’s manufacturers. For more information, visit http://www.floridamakes.com/
About the Economic Development Division, City of St. Petersburg
The Economic Development Division of the City of St. Petersburg, as a partner in Grow Smarter Initiative is focused on encouraging prosperity, creating jobs, increasing the tax base, and revitalizing our community. The Economic Development Division works with businesses to provide business retention and expansion services, entrepreneurship and economic gardening, business incentives and economic development data and analysis. For more information, please visit www.stpeteshines.com.
