Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) and the Manufacturers Association of Florida (MAF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) this week establishing a new partnership to help Florida-based manufacturers expand their international markets and increase connectivity to manufacturers within their region.
Under the agreement, EFI and the MAF will organize joint educational events for Florida’s manufacturing community. Through the MOU, qualified MAF members will have the opportunity to apply for EFI’s export diversification grants. Enterprise Florida will also give priority to qualifying MAF members interested in attending EFI international trade missions and exhibitions.
“EFI is pleased to partner with the Manufacturers Association of Florida,” said Manny Mencia, senior vice president of international trade and development for EFI. “Through this partnership we can strengthen Florida’s manufacturing sector and grow Florida’s export economy.”
“Enterprise Florida has a proven track record of creating avenues for our manufacturers to become and achieve more,” said Al Stimac, president of MAF. “Their programs and grants are superior and bring a level of competitiveness to our state that is unmatched. MAF recognizes the vital role Enterprise Florida holds in our industry and we value the successful partnership between our organizations.”
Florida ranks among the nation’s top 10 states for manufacturing and is home to over 19,000 manufacturers. More than 360,000 Floridians work in the state’s manufacturing industries and our training schools, community colleges, and universities are among the nation’s top producers of STEM graduates.
Last year, merchandise valued at $147.7 billion flowed through Florida’s ports with Florida-origin exports reaching $55 billion. Florida exported more goods than 190 countries in 2017, making the state a world leader in international trade.
Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) is a partnership between Florida’s businesses and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for Florida. EFI facilitates job growth through recruitment and retention, international trade and exporting, promotion of sporting events, and capital funding programs to assist small and minority businesses. EFI launched “Florida | The Future is Here” to promote the state as the nation’s premier business destination.
