Manufacturing on Florida’s Space Coast is On the Rise

EDC’s signature State of Manufacturing event awards local champions of manufacturing initiatives.

Space Coast, FL (September 21, 2017) – Florida’s manufacturing GDP has been on a steady incline since 2001. However, Brevard County’s is rocketing. While the nation and Florida’s has increased about 50% since 2001, the Space Coast’s manufacturing GDP has climbed over 200%. These statistics were announced by James Heckman, state economist for Florida’s Department of Economic Opportunity, at the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast’s (EDC) 3rd Annual State of Manufacturing Event, which is hosted by the EDC’s Manufacturers Association of Florida’s Space Coast (MASC).

In addition, Brevard County continues to see an increase in its manufacturing workforce, which is being fueled by the EDC’s manufacturing talent asset pipeline program, and the work of local elected officials and community leaders.

“This report reflects our community’s hard work in making the Space Coast a manufacturing hub not only in Florida, but in the global economy,” said Lynda Weatherman, president and CEO of the EDC.

During the event, hosted at Brevard Public Schools new Aviation and Fabrication Assembly Building at Eau Gallie High School, Florida State Senator Debbie Mayfield and Florida State Representative Tom Goodson were awarded the Manufacturing Champion Award for 2018. This award is presented to an elected official(s) for their support in manufacturing-driven initiatives in the Florida Legislature. The award itself was custom manufactured by Holy Land Stone Co. of Melbourne.

“Senator Mayfield is a tireless leader, who provides a strong voice to create advancements for our citizens through opportunities in education and training for manufacturing skills, said EDC Chair Phil Hayes. “Also, Representative Goodson has been an avid supporter of manufacturing and building skills to meet the sector needs for our future. As this is Representative Goodson’s last term in office, we are very pleased for the opportunity to recognize him.”

“Through the efforts of the EDC, MASC, and their community partners, the Space Coast of Florida continues to be at the forefront of the manufacturing and aerospace industries. I’m proud to champion efforts that provide manufacturing workforce development, such as the Talent Asset Pipeline, so we can continue to build on the success and prosperity we have been experiencing here in Brevard,” said Senator Mayfield. “I am excited to see the new programs encouraging employment within the manufacturing sector and promoting the industry itself, said Representative Goodson. “Many people are unaware of how much of these types of jobs are located right here in Brevard county. I wish I was able to do more during my tenure as a Representative, but I feel as though we are continuing to move in a positive direction with regards to awareness, education and furtherance of this industry.”

For more information on manufacturing on the Space Coast, visit www.ManufacturingInBrevard.org

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About the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast
The Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast (EDC) is dedicated to attracting new business and investment and expanding existing industry throughout the Space Coast, influencing change on government laws and regulations affecting economic development, promoting the Space Coast to encourage new investment, supporting efforts of Space Coast military installations, and relaying new programs and procedures to assist manufacturing and high-tech companies. The EDC is a private, not-for-profit coalition whose stakeholders are business leaders committed to the economic growth and stability of Florida’s Space Coast. Visit www.SpaceCoastEDC.org

About the Manufacturers Association of Florida’s Space Coast (MASC)
The Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast’s (EDC) Regional Manufacturing Association (MASC) serves as the succinct voice for Brevard County’s robust and diverse manufacturing base through action-oriented efforts. Established to serve the needs of regional manufacturing companies, membership is open to all eligible manufacturing companies on the Space Coast and Investors in the EDC. Details on member benefits, membership structure, cost(s) and eligibility are further described at www.MASpaceCoast.com

Image 1: Manufacturing GDP comparing state, nation, and Brevard County shows the Palm Bay, Melbourne, Titusville Metropolitan Statistical Area’s (MAS) strong leadership in manufacturing.

Image 2: Manufacturing employment in the Palm Bay, Melbourne, Titusville MSA on a strong incline compared to state and national data.