Three Big Takeaways From the Florida Chamber’s September Board of Governors Webinar

Thank you to those who were able to join us for yesterday’s Florida Chamber Board of Governors webinar. We appreciated the opportunity to share the latest on future job growth in Florida’s manufacturing industry, as well as the impact of tariffs, trade and regulations on Florida’s business community.

If you missed Monday’s webinar, here are three big takeaways:

1. Trade, Tariffs, Regulations and Florida’s Manufacturing Industry

Adrian LaTrace, Chief Executive Officer of Boyd Industries and Bill Yeargin, President & CEO of Correct Craft both agreed that the future of Florida’s manufacturing industry is headed in the right direction, that workforce is the top issue of concern and that tariffs are negatively impacting their organizations. Mr. Yeargin, whose comments on tariffs have been featured in USA Today and South Florida Sun Sentinel, shared that he recently visited the White House to discuss this issue.

2. Florida’s Manufacturing Industry and Future Job Growth

Paula Shepherd, Plant Manager at Johnson & Johnson Vision Care in Jacksonville shared that her organization produces more than four billion contact lenses each year, with Jacksonville being Johnson & Johnson’s Vision Care Headquarters. Ms. Shepherd added that finding qualified candidates to fill manufacturing jobs is challenging.

3. Florida’s Construction Industry Continues Hot Streak

Kevin Carr, President and CEO of FloridaMakes and member of the Florida Chamber Foundation’s Board of Trustees, stated, “…manufacturing is alive and well in Florida, yet Florida is not recognized as a manufacturing state.” Mr. Carr recommended more focus be put on “getting the youth involved” in manufacturing so the next generation of Florida’s workforce can see there are high-paying career opportunities in the manufacturing sector.