About Us

History (coming)

 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jane Gschwender, PMA President, Training Coordinator, Lakeland Electric

Richard Pellegrini, PMA Treasurer,  Owner, Pilgrim & Associates

Nolan Bailey, Regional Director Retirement Plan Services, CPS Investment Advisors

Rob Clancey, Director, Polk State College Corporate College

Don Gray, Mfg Industrial Engineer Manager, Publix Super Markets

Ernie Helms,  Manager Advanced Manufacturing Institute, PSC Corporate College

Mike Johnson, President, Precision Electric of Lakeland, Inc.

Tony Martinez, Account Executive, Stahl Herndon & Associates

Butch Riggleman, VP/General Manager Lakeland, Saddle Creek Corporation

Dr. Eric Roe, Executive Director, Banner Center for Advanced Manufacturing

Steve Wasko, General Manager, MaxPak

Cheryl Worden, Manager HR, Coca-Cola Refreshments



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Thomas E. Grothouse, Executive Director, Polk Manufacturing Association  

             6039 Cypress Gardens Blvd., Suite 270, Winter Haven, FL  33884

                                                         863-514-3256

 

 

 

 

Manufacturing Facts 

  • Florida is home to 14,181 manufacturing establishments that employ 329,000 Floridians with an average wage of $47,500.
  • Florida manufacturing jobs represent 4.8% of Florida’s employment and pay 89.4% of the national average.
  • Florida manufacturers view both immediate and long-term workforce development as a critical business survival strategy.
  • In 2008, the manufacturing industry had contributed 6% of gross state product, significantly influencing Florida’s economy.