Polk Manufacturing Association

"State of U.S. Manufacturing"

Read the dynamic text of the speach by Emily Stover DeRocco, President, The Manufacturing Institute and Senior Vice President, National Association of Manufacturers, presentated at the 8th Annual Manufacturers Summit & Marketplace on November 30th, 2011. more

Challenges Facing Manufacturers

Is your business taking part in the recovery, or are you still feeling the pain of the economic downturn? The leadership of the Polk Manufacturing Association (PMA) is working to find ways that we can collaborate and encourage each other to effectively face and overcome the many challenges facing us. We know that manufacturing is a key contributor to the local and national economy, and we also know that we need to work together to ensure our common success.

The PMA leadership is continuing to provide an action-oriented agenda for 2011.  We have seen progress over the past 4 years but we would like to see continued growth in 2011.  During 2009 we decided to join forces with the Manufacturers Association of Florida (MAF), adding linkages at the state and national level.  This provides some new choices for your annual membership.  Please note that the membership fees have been reduced again this year in respect of the financial pressure created by the recession.

During 2010, we concentrated on the following priorities:

1.     Launching a consortium-based apprenticeship program, making high quality maintenance training available to PMA members at a reduced cost by working together with PSC Corporate College.  The first Maintenance Skills classes started in March 2010.

2.     Continuing to add programming options with quarterly meetings, plant tours, and special interest groups. 

3.     Expanding the membership of PMA through a focused outreach campaign within the manufacturing community, vendors and suppliers, and government and economic agencies. 

4.     Continuing to offer high quality technical training classes at competitive costs and convenient times and locations for PMA members. 

5.     Partnering with MACF, MAF, and NAM to influence public policy regarding manufacturing issues.

We need your active participation to create a strong association.  Please help by joining together with us.

  Steve Kullberg, Past PMA Co-Chair