Manu Assoc Fla_web

ability, and Awards and Benefits. The following is an edited transcript of the conversation: BVM: The MAF celebrated its 10th anniversa- ry last year. Congratulations! What is the back- ground of the Association, and how is it keeping up with changing times? Bowen: “It’s been a productive decade and we’re forging ahead, full steam. Our mission statement is to improve the business climate for Florida manufacturers. Advocacy is our primary function.We’re also focusing on educa- tional outreach. The change has shifted in the past couple of years to the impending skills gap and the approaching retirement age of the Baby Boomer generation; bringing in qualified work- ers to take on those positions, and making sure they have the continuing education needed to keep up with technology. “We do marketing to middle high school stu- dents, and engagement with Technical Colleges – including guidance counselors and parents – to make them more aware of the industry and the career opportunities available.We encour- age them to pursue their different passions, and show how that can be made into a profitable career within the industry. Things they wouldn’t be aware of otherwise.” BVM: Many people believe that Florida has MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION OF FLORIDA become more business friendly over the last few years under the Scott administra- tion.Would you agree? Bowen: “Absolutely. Governor Scott is a big proponent of the manufacturing indus- try.We’ve worked closely with him to make huge legislative changes for the industry. He’ll still do one-on-one sit-downs with our members to talk about their needs. “They tell him things like, ‘You see all the jobs that are made in Florida, and you say that’s great, you’ve brought 50 jobs to this town, but then you look at the back end and say, well, that’s 50, but how was someone able to do that? You need to get rid of this regulation, and this red tape, and lower these taxes. Look at permitting issues on the commercial land acquisition side of it.’ And because you’ve done 10 different things from a policy standpoint, now you have 20 companies from other States say- ing it makes more sense financially to do business in Florida. If one of them comes here and opens because we’ve removed all