A Letter from FCMA’s President

Lake Ray

We wish to express our warm wishes to each of you for a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year. January brings a very exciting and busy time for us at FCMA. Our year starts with two major activities, first is selecting and planning for our Excellence in Manufacturing Awards and second is our Legislative Days at the Capitol. In addition to these key activities we begin the year with a refocus on our core goals and objectives for the year. I hope that you will take a few minutes and browse through the starting activities and goals for the year. I especially hope that you will plan to participate in our programs and events throughout the Year; you are our vital link to success.

Excellence in Manufacturing Awards

Last year we continued the tradition of acknowledging our membership for outstanding leadership and accomplishments throughout the year. The selection of our outstanding members has been enjoined by FCMA with the Jacksonville Business Journal. Award winners are published in the Journal and honored at our special banquet dinner. This year we need your participation in nominating companies in our several categories for recognition of Excellence in Manufacturing. Please click here for more information on the awards selection process. Please feel free to nominate your own company for an award. It is a great way to let others know what you are doing in your businesses.

Legislative Days in Tallahassee

We have a standing tradition that started a few years ago to travel to Tallahassee during the time leading up to the Session and during the Session. The event lasts two days and one night. This gives our members a chance to interact with members of the Legislature and discuss issues of importance to our industry. I personally enjoy the opportunity for members of FCMA to come to Tallahassee and share an evening dinner, meet members, visit the old and new capitol and help to impact legislation. This year our excursion will be held earlier with the Session beginning on January 10, because of reapportionment. Our scheduled dates are February 8 and 9. Please consider participating in this event and consider asking a prospective member to join us as well. Please click here for further details and reservations for the event.

Goals for the Year

This year we were very successful in targeting specific goals to complete. Among the accomplishments were working with JEA to reduce electric rates for manufacturers and continuing to move toward greater tax incentive legislation. FCMA has remained fairly steady in the membership with approximately 300 members, which is quite an accomplishment given the economic climate overall.

This year will continue with a broad focus for all members to participate. FCMA will be focused to the following:

  1. Improvement of the image of manufacturers - We want to send a message to the region that manufacturers are not polluters, but are typically good stewards of our resources. Further we want the community and state to understand the impact that manufacturers have on the economy of the State of Florida.
  2. Increase the visibility of FCMA across the region and the State - We will be seeking ways to improve our media in the press, through community involvement, legislature initiatives, speakers’ bureau and education. We need you to help us find worthy community programs, issues and speaking opportunities to advance our visibility.
  3. Legislative Initiatives - FCMA will continue to work to develop policies that reduce burdensome regulations and uncertainty from government regulations. Additionally, we will be supporting several specific pieces of legislation directed toward providing tax incentives, expedited permitting, freight logistic planning and improvements to the Port of Jacksonville.

Please join with us throughout the year in any of our activities to achieve the goals for the year. Thanks for your continued support. Best wishes again for the New Year.

Welcome to…

Gray Robinson
Contact: Bill Andrews, Shareholder
Phone: (904) 598-9929
50 N. Laura St., Suite 1100, Jacksonville, FL 32202

…a full-service corporate law firm providing legal services for Fortune 500 companies, emerging businesses, lending institutions, local and state governments, developers, entrepreneurs and individuals across Florida, the nation and the world.

Sponsor: FCMA

The Griggs Group
Contact: Sheryl Tschimpke, Sr. Assurance Manager
Phone: (904) 598-9929
238 Ponte Vedra Park Dr., Ste 201, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082

…one of the largest locally owned certified public accounting firms in Jacksonville, Florida and provides premier tax, audit, and accounting services. We seek to add value that far exceeds the fees we charge.

Sponsor: FCMA

Employee Handbook Workshop

Presenter: Michelle Bedoya Barnett with Alexander DeGance Barnett, P.A.
Where: FSCJ, ATC Center downtown at 401 West State Street, Room 141
When: Tuesday, January 25, 2012, 7:30 – 9:30 AM
Cost: $45 Members; $55 Non-members, Includes continental breakfast
RSVP: FCMA (904) 296-9664 or Email to Sherri
“No shows” will be billed; no refunds for cancellations less than 48 hours prior to event.

Excellence in Manufacturing Awards

FCMA’s annual outstanding company awards luncheon will be held on Tuesday, February 21, 2012, from 11:30AM-1:30PM at the UNF University Center, located 12000 Alumni Drive.

Nominations - Click here for more information on nominating your company for an award(s).

Sponsorship Opportunities - FCMA is looking for sponsors for this event. Click here for more information about sponsorships. Click here for information about advertising in the JBJ.

Professional Progress Class of 2012

Sign up today! This innovative program provides instruction, interaction and discussion related to skills necessary for success in today’s workplace. Taking the extra steps that many degree programs do not, this program offers courses such as: time management, financial planning, conflict resolution, presentation skills, basic law, civic pride, stress management, cultural awareness and overall professional development. The program provides great opportunities for networking and building a peer resource outside the work environment. Please keep in mind that class size is limited and usually fills up before the January 6 deadline. Click here for nomination form.

Tallahassee Visit

Mark your calendars for our annual lobbying trip during the Legislative Session! We will be walking the halls February 8 and 9. If you have not had the opportunity to visit our state capitol, please consider joining us. For more information contact Debbie Warren in the FCMA office.

Annual Golf Outing

Hole in One! Mark your calendars for FCMA’s Annual GOLF OUTING being held on Friday, April 27, 2012 at Deercreek Golf & Country Club.

As part of its commitment to workforce education, FCMA is a strong supporter of the UNF’s Engineering School. We have created a scholarship to benefit engineering students. The proceeds from this year’s event will once again help fund our Engineering Scholarship Program.

MAF Manufacturing Days at the Capital


Join MAF at their Manufacturing Days at the Capitol on January 23-24, 2012. Click here for more information.

January 30 at FSCJ


Join us from 4:00-6:00 PM at Florida State College at Jacksonville, located at 401 W. State Street in Jacksonville in the ATC Building, Rooms 140/141. FSCJ provides the community with professional, technical, transfer, and lifelong educational opportunities.

A special thanks to Comcast Enterprise Business Services for providing refreshments.

Holiday Social

FCMA’s annual Holiday Social was held on December 6th at the St. Joe Building in Riverside. We had a great turnout at the event, which was jam-packed with food and fun. Thank you to all of the volunteers who helped make this event possible.

A special thank you to the following companies for their help and donation to the Holiday Social:
Anheuser-Busch InBev, Inc.
Bacardi Bottling Corporation
Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Jacksonville
DSI Security Services
Lewis Longman & Walker, P.A.


Advanced Disposal Services… opened a Mobile Transfer Station in Alabama last month. Click here for more information.

Boyd & Jenerette PA… hired Elizabeth Howard as a partner.

BAE Systems Southeast Shipyards … has won a contract to repair the guided-missile frigate USS Samuel B. Roberts. Click here for more information.

Constangy, Brooks & Smith LLP … earned 2011 Gold Standard Certification from the Women in Law Empowerment Forum for having women occupying a significant portion of their leadership roles.

CSX Corporation … is participating in a fundraising campaign for Dignity U Wear through New Years Day. Employees are collecting money and clothing for school children in need.

Fifth Third Bank … was featured in an article in the JBJ about its acquisitions.

Fleet Readiness Center Southeast … received the J52 Platinum Wrench Award from Pratt & Whitney J52 Logistics Program. FRCSE has overhauled more than 6,000 Pratt & Whitney J52 engines installed on the military’s EA-6B Prowler aircraft.

Goodrich Corporation… won the 2011 Manufacturer of the Year Award in the 61-125 Employees category. Goodrich designs, tests and manufactures composite structures that are installed in ships, submarines, and aircraft.

Holland & Knight LLP … partner George Gabel was named International Business Leader of the Decade by JAX Chamber. George was also featured in an article in the Jacksonville Business Journal.

Miller Electric Company … promoted Ron Autrey to president and CEO.

Renessenz LLC … Michael Klamm and Mike Templeton, recently retired FCMA tri-chairman and current Membership Committee assistant chairman, have been promoted to the position of Vice President.

Rogers Towers … hired Mark S. Mitchell and J. Clay Meux Jr. as shareholders. Douglas H. Shaver, Amanda S. Parker, Timothy F. May, and L. Javan Grant were promoted to shareholders. Also, Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator Michael Dewberry was named Jacksonville Best Lawyers’ Health Care Lawyer of the Year for 2012.

Sauer Inc … constructed three army barracks that received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Silver Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

Science First … installed the largest solar panel system in Nassau County on their 25,000 square foot building. Click here for more information.

TD Bank … hired Mark Peirce as an AVP, Merchant Sales Representative.

U.S. Security Associates… has been chosen to be the new security officer provider for Republic Services.

Wells Fargo… opened a new branch in the Wells Fargo Center in Downtown Jacksonville.

Jacksonville Business Journal lists… Congratulations to our members recognized in recent JBJ lists…

  • Top commercial remodelers
    • (1) Auld & White Constructors LLC
  • Top manufacturers
    • (1) Fleet Readiness Center Southeast, (2) Vistakon, (3) Swisher International, (5) BAE Systems Southeast Shipyards, (6) Medtronic, (7) Anhueser-Busch, (7) Unison Industries, (9) Rayonier, (10) Hydro Aluminum, (11) The Florida-Times Union, (12) North Florida Shipyards, (13) Gerdau, (15) Pilot Pen Corporation of America, (16) Mac Paper Converters, (17) Rex Corp., (18) Vulcan Materials, (19) Rulon Company, (20) Earl Industries, (21) Goodrich Corporation, (23) Soler & Palau, (25) Packaging Corporation of America

  • Manufacturing Moves to Center Stage - “Public-policy leaders are taking yet another look at manufacturing’s importance to the U.S. economy. This time, let’s make sure they get it right.”
  • Jacksonville unemployment drops again - “Metro Jacksonville’s unemployment rate dropped from 9.6 percent in October to 9.5 percent in November, the fourth consecutive month of decreases.”

2011 MAF Manufacturers of the Year

At the annual Manufacturers’ Summit and Global Marketplace on November 30-December 1, 2011 in Orlando, Florida, the Manufacturers Association of Florida announced the winners of this year’s Manufacturers of the Year competition.

FCMA member Goodrich Corporation, Engineered Polymer Products won in the 61-125 Employees category. Goodrich designs, tests and manufactures composite structures that are installed in ships, submarines, and aircraft.

FCMA members who were nominated were: Anheuser-Busch, InBev, Inc., BAE Systems Southeast Shipyards, Inc., Florida Machine Works Georgia-Pacific Corporation, and Goodrich Corporation.

Congratulations to Goodrich and to all those who were nominated!

Click here for more information.

comic