The membership fee for the Big Bend Manufacturing Association will be waived for all new members until December 31, 2022.
The Big Bend Manufacturers Association (BBMA) has officially launched and is on a mission to provide much-needed assistance to area manufacturing organizations, at no cost to local manufacturers. From now until December 31, 2022, the membership fee is waived for new members interested in joining the association.
Created in partnership with FloridaMakes, the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MAP) National Network, and the Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality, the Big Bend Manufacturers Association works to improve the productivity and performance of the manufacturing sector with a particular focus on helping small and medium-sized manufacturers generate business success and thrive in today’s technology-driven economy.
“Manufacturing is critical to our local and state economy by producing goods and offering high-wage jobs,” said Melode Smelko, chair of the BBMA and owner/CEO of Altrua Global Solutions. “As the only manufacturing association in the region, the Big Bend Manufacturers Association is committed to providing members with the tools and resources needed to succeed.”
The membership includes a listing on CONNEX, Florida’s official manufacturing resource website, networking opportunities with manufacturing professionals from across the region, and access to specialized industry and workforce training resources, such as supply chain optimization and international market development.
BBMA Vice Chair and DivvyUp CEO Mitch Nelson said, “Engaging area businesses and professionals in the Big Bend region is key to strengthening the manufacturing sector. We can all help and benefit from one another. That’s why this association is so important.”
The BBMA serves area manufacturers in the following counties: Leon, Madison, Taylor, Jefferson, Wakulla, Gadsden, Franklin, Suwannee, Hamilton, and Lafayette. It provides the Big Bend region with a regional cooperative centered on manufacturing. Applicable industries to join the BBMA include mechanical manufacturing, warehousing/distribution, printing, and breweries.
“Prior to the creation of the BBMA, the Big Bend region was the only region that was not represented by a manufacturers association in the state of Florida, so I’m proud to be a part of the team to bring this much-needed asset to our community,” said BBMA Secretary and OEV Business Development Manager of Applied Science Kevin Gehrke.
By launching the Association and waiving membership fees for new members until December 31, 2022, the BBMA hopes to help the Big Bend region become more competitive in the national landscape while offering critical support for area manufacturers.
To learn more about the BBMA and how to join, visit FloridaMakes.com/BBMA.
