FCMA’s Legislative Agenda for 2009

What would you do if you had experienced a loss of $12 billion in revenue over the last 2 years? Probably begin an intensive search for new sources of cash while slashing expenses wherever possible! That is exactly where the State of Florida finds itself as the state budget drops from $72 billion in 2007 to a projected $60 billion in 2009.

FCMA is very concerned about how this 18% decrease will affect our businesses.

We are responding to this crisis but also need your help!

Our message is simple: no new taxes and no repeal of existing tax exemptions. Several FCMA members delivered this message personally by addressing the Senate Committee on the Economy on Friday January 16th at FCCJ. Our speakers were well received by the committee, but we must stay diligent to ensure that the manufacturing community is protected through this process.

In addition, we are recommending the following proposals in an effort to stimulate our state’s economic recovery:

• A continuation of existing manufacturing sales tax exemptions

• All local/state environmental permits in good standing should be extended for three years

• Increase workforce education funds as part of a federal stimulus package*

• Correct the “Bonus Depreciation” error enacted by the 2008 legislature

• Enact legislation reversing the recent judge’s order removing attorney’s fee caps

• Update the current SIC codes to NAICS codes allowing local municipalities to adjust the public services tax**

• Economic incentives based on capital investment rather than job creation

* In anticipation of a federal stimulus package, FCMA recommends that members have their “Incumbent Worker” and “Quick Response” programs in place by June. Dollars are expected to begin flowing towards the end of the 2nd quarter.

** FCMA and MAF (Manufacturers Association of Florida) have proposed a Florida statute change regarding the Public Services Tax for municipalities. The proposal is to change the current SIC codes to the more recently adopted NAICS codes which will allow municipalities to more narrowly define exemptions for large energy users. Sen. Jim King and Rep. Lake Ray are likely sponsors of this change.

FCMA frequently partners with Florida Tax Watch regarding Florida’s tax environment. Florida Tax Watch has also compiled a list of budget cut recommendations. For specifics, go to www.floridataxwatch.org and click on “Constructive Ideas”

How can you help? First, stay informed. Also, consider joining us in Tallahassee on February 2-3 and/or March 25-26 as we endeavor to protect manufacturers amidst this budget crisis.

Now is the time for us to present our concerns and offer solutions that will benefit thousands of employees and business owners.

FCMA Welcomed 3 New Members in January!

AA Fiberglass, Inc.
Contact: Michael A. Jackson, President
Phone: (904) 381-0484
4035 Reynolds Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32043

AA Fiberglass is a custom fiberglass fabricator that specializes in small to medium quantity fabricated parts for industrial, automotive, and marine industries.

Energy Reduction Solutions
Contact: Keith Zipper, President
Phone: (904) 673-0781
1433 S. Burgandy Trl
Jacksonville, FL 32259

Custom electrical design company that implements energy cost reduction projects that can reduce electric bills by up to 30%. Saving are immediate. We save you money while the lights are on. Every project is insured with a payback period of 2 to 3 years which is unique in today’s performance contracting industry.

Pure Water Technology
Contact: Stephen Sapp, Territory Manager
Phone: (904) 638-2944
6950 Philips Highway, Suite 51-52
Jacksonville, FL 32216

Pure Water Technology is committed to providing its customers with state-of-the-art, leading-edge, high-purity water purification systems. Our systems “Go Beyond Green” by not only eliminating the environmental impact of bottled water, but by providing you with safer, fresher and better tasting drinking water.

Great Atlantic Outfitters Scores a Big Win!

Tim Tebow and Urban Meyer lived up to their end of the bargain, bringing Gainesville a second BCS national championship in three years.

For many, the Gator victory was the start of a long night of partying. But for a local t-shirt manufacturer, it meant the start of a very long night at work. That’s because the employees at Great Atlantic Outfitters were printing Championship t-shirts as fast as they could in order to get them out onto the streets within a few hours.

“We printed 8,700 t-shirts from 12:00AM to 9:00AM Friday morning. That’s roughly 1,000 per hour.” said company President Blair Wygle. “The demand was lower than 2006 mostly due to the economy, but we were happy for the business. A lot of printers in Oklahoma spent countless hours setting up and preparing to print with no return.”

Wygle is also optimistic in looking ahead to the prospects for another championship next season, when Tebow returns for his Senior year at UF.

“We would love to see Georgia and/or Florida State in the mix next year as we would be probably be printing for them as well,” Wygle added. “A match of any two would guarantee printing for us! But personally I say ‘Go Gators!’”

Auld and White… has begun a 3-floor renovation of 58,000 square feet of office space, common area restrooms and elevator lobbies in the Prudential Building in downtown Jacksonville. The project includes demolition and complete renovation/build-out of the 14th, 15th and 18th floors, including installing new finishes and flooring throughout, developing new office layouts, installing new mechanical and electrical systems and a new server room. The new tenant (Interline Brands) will occupy the space this, requiring the total project to be completed in just 60 days.

Golder Associates… is pleased to announce the recent additions of Jennifer Heintz and Blake Holcomb to its Jacksonville operations. Jennifer transferred from the Gainesville office and has been with Golder for three years. Blake was formerly employed with England-Thims & Miller, Inc., and joins Golder’s Jacksonville engineering group as a staff engineer. Additionally, Chad N. Mathews, CHMM, a senior project scientist, was recently named the compliance group director.

Precision Standards International… has received their letter of ISO 17025 certification. There are very few companies with that certification in the United States. It will open many new doors for the company in the aviation industry and other areas. Additionally, in recognition of the company’s 25 years of service and the dampening economy, PSI will apply a special 15% discount on any calibration work brought to their facility for members of FCMA.

Presser, Lahnen & Edelman… participated in a volunteer work day benefiting children with special needs and disabilities. Employees painted, repaired fences, and did interior and exterior construction projects at Kids in Dynamic Settings, a non-profit offering day care for children up to 5 years of age.

The Grimes Companies… have completed their move into a new corporate headquarters and are now located at 14500 Hyatt Road near JIA. The company purchased the former Pic ‘N’ Save distribution center two years ago and has completely renovated the building.

FCMA… Austin Cassidy, FCMA’s Director of Communications, was recently elected Chairman of the Duval Soil and Water Conservation District for 2009-2010.

IS YOUR COMPANY DOING SOMETHING NEWSWORTHY?
Let us know so we can feature you in the next edition of the VOICE newsletter! Send an email to acassidy@fcmaweb.com with all of the details!

Starting the New Year Off Right at Shaw’s!

Shaw’s Southern Belle Frozen Foods played host to FCMA’s January General Meeting on January 26. At the meeting, Government Relations Chairman Blair Wygle spoke about the importance of the upcoming legislative session and what it could mean for manufacturers.

Also addressing the crowd of over 150 was Chipper Hall of Rex Packaging, a Founding Member of FCMA. Chipper shared some of his memories from the early days of the association.

Food and beverages were provided and enjoyed by all. The spread included Shaw’s crabcakes, shrimp, and an assortment of delicious sides.

Here are a few photos from the meeting…

Hoseus Workshop a Major Success!

On January 27, the Jacksonville Lean Consortium and FCMA co-sponsored an all-day workshop at the UNF University Center featuring best-selling author Michael Hoseus, who wrote the book “Toyota Culture” about the carmakers unique Lean practices. Over 100 people attended this event to literally learn from the man who wrote the book!

Crescimbeni Visits Government Relations

On January 13, FCMA’s Government Relations committee played host to newly elected Jacksonville City Councilman John Crescimbeni. The committee discussed a wide variety of topics including tax policy, incentives for manufacturing businesses, and public safety issues.

Councilman Crescimbeni was elected during a special election held last November to fill the seat left vacant by the resignation of Jay Jabour. Mr. Crescimbeni had previously served on the council for eight years during the 1990’s.

To find out more information about the Government Relations committee, simply click here.

FMLA Workshop at Biomet Microfixation

On Wednesday, February 25, the Workforce Development committee will be hosting a workshop on the Family Medical Leave Act. Topics will include how to comply with all regulations and staying on top of important changes to the law that you need to know about. John MacLennan of Smith, Hulsey & Busey will be the presenter. The cost is only $25 for members and $50 for non-members.

Thanks to FCMA member Biomet Microfixation for hosting this workshop. Please consider joining us for this very important topic. You can RSVP by sending an email to sherri@fcmaweb.com or calling (904) 343-9372.

For more information, click here!

Excellence in Manufacturing Awards

First Coast Manufacturers Association has been recognizing our member companies for excellence since 1992. As such, we are pleased to announce that on February 26, 2009, we will be partnering with the Jacksonville Business Journal to honor companies that are making a commitment to the goals and objectives of FCMA.

This awards luncheon will be a highlight of the FCMA year. It will provide an opportunity to recognize truly outstanding companies in our area. And, it will provide sponsors and award winners the unique opportunity to present your message of support of manufacturing throughout Northeast Florida.

Nominees are being judged for six awards and the winners will be announced at this very special event, hosted at UNF’s University Center. Come celebrate with us and learn who won each award firsthand. Tickets are only $50!

WHEN: February 26, 2009 - 11:30am to 1:30pm

WHERE: UNF University Center

COST: $50

For sponsorship information, click here!

M.O.N.E. - Members Only Networking Event!

FCMA’s After Hours events have a new name and a new focus. The Community Relations committee has made some changes that will take these events to an entirely new level!

Our first Members Only Networking Event (M.O.N.E.) for 2009 will be held at the Mudville Grille on Atlantic Blvd. It will be on March 19 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, look for more details in next month’s issue of VOICE.

Sponsorships for this event are still available. Sponsoring companies will get time for a short presentation at the event, table space for literature, their logo will appear on all fliers and promotional material, and photos and logos will be included in the April issue of VOICE. If you are interested, we need three more sponsors to join The Grimes Companies.

Please contact Maria Corby at the FCMA office or Subcommittee Chair Stephanie Denz for more information.

Annual Charity Golf Tournament

As part of our commitment to workforce education, FCMA is a strong supporter of the University of North Florida’s Engineering School. To that end, we have created a scholarship to benefit engineering students. In support of that scholarship fund, each year we sponsor a charity golf tournament. This is a fun event that also offers team building and networking opportunities.

Please remember to mark your calendars for FCMA’s Annual Golf Outing on Monday, April 20, 2009 at Marsh Creek Country Club.

Sponsorships are still available for this event. We are also looking for Silent Auction items, Goody Bag items; and door prizes. For the sign-up sheet, click here.

To learn more, contact Jeff Nelson or Dan Davis.

• New Orders for Durable Goods Fall Sharply - New orders for manufactured durable goods in December decreased $4.7 billion or 2.6% to $176.8 billion, the U.S. Census Bureau announced on Jan. 29. This was the fifth consecutive monthly decrease and followed a 3.7% November decrease.

• Is NAFTA Working for America? - Given President Obama’s well publicized ambivalence toward the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) during the presidential campaign, it’s a good time to ask: Is NAFTA working? From a U.S. export market perspective, NAFTA has indeed delivered the goods. Specifically, U.S. goods exported to Canada and Mexico have more than doubled between 1993 and 2007 — from $141.9 billion to nearly $385 billion. NAFTA accounts for fully a third (33%) of the U.S. trade total.

• The Freshman Class - Thanks to term limits, there are plenty of fresh faces in Tallahassee this year. The seven new state senators are all veterans of the Florida House of Representatives, but Florida voters elected 35 new lawmakers to the lower chamber. See Florida Trend’s round-up of all the new lawmakers.

• Forbes Magazine: Capitalize on Irrational Gloom - We were one of the most bearish analysts going into 2008 and remained skeptical when many were saying the storm clouds had passed. Yet, just as former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan questioned the “irrational exuberance” of the late 1990s (but failed to act responsibly to stop it), we now find ourselves questioning whether investor sentiment has reached the opposite end of the spectrum. In other words, has the level of gloom and pessimism reached irrational extremes?

• FCCJ Plans Name Change, New Focus - Florida Community College at Jacksonville will undergo a name change and become a state college this spring, offering four-year degrees in seven areas. The new state college designation is the result of legislation passed last year creating another tier in public higher education, between the community college and university levels. Five of the state’s 28 community colleges have already made the switch.

February 23 at J.C. Renfroe & Sons, Inc.

J.C. Renfroe and Sons has been an international leader in the manufacture and marketing of Lifting Clamps for over sixty years. Renfroe’s innovative technology and streamlined manufacturing produces the highest quality lifting clamps in the industry. The Renfroe legacy began in 1940 with Joseph Renfroe and his four sons. His son Charles and now Charles’s wife Anne followed.

The standard of excellence on which the company was founded still exists today. J.C. Renfroe II, grandson of the founder, still inspects every clamp prior to shipment.

Please dress appropriately with flat, closed-toe shoes if you plan to take the facility tour.

When: Monday, February 23 (4:00 - 6:00 PM)
Where: 1926 Spearing St., Jacksonville, FL 32206
Map: Click here for directions!
RSVP: Click to RSVP by email!

Florida Unemployment Hits 8.1%

As a jarring punctuation mark to a dismal year for job seekers, the state’s unemployment rate rocketed from 7.4 percent to 8.1 percent from November to December. Florida shed a quarter million jobs in 2008, exiting December with 752,000 jobless workers out of a labor force of 9.3-million, according to the Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation.

The December 2008 unemployment rates among local counties, ranked from highest to lowest, were: 9.4 percent in Putnam; 7.7 percent in Duval; 7.3 percent in Baker and Nassau; 7.0 percent in Clay; and 6.6 percent in St. Johns.

Arlington Toyota is Area’s Top Dealership!

Arlington Toyota, an FCMA associate member company, was ranked as the #1 local car dealership by vehicles sold for 2008. That’s according to the Jacksonville Business Journal.

Arlington Toyota’s most popular model is the Toyota Camry.

The dealer, which has been around for over 30 years and employs 160, also enjoyed the top spot in the Business Journal’s 2007 rankings.