A
Q & A
with the Region ' s Manufacturing Association Presidents
by Elesha Mavrommatis
As Florida’ s manufacturing landscape evolves, regional associations play a critical role in advocating for the industry, developing talent pipelines, and promoting innovation. In this issue, we asked two of those leaders: Lake Ray, President of the First Coast Manufacturers Association( FCMA) and Jessica Lovatt, President and CEO of the Volusia Manufacturers Association( VMA) to share their insights on the state of manufacturing in their areas. Together, they offer a snapshot of the sector’ s top challenges, opportunities, and what lies ahead.
Lake Ray President, First Coast Manufacturers Association
What do you see as the top priorities for manufacturers across Northeast Florida over the next few years?
That one ' s really pretty straightforward. I think it ' s the workforce. The workforce is changing, and it has to change. We have the traditional workforce that most people think about when they think of manufacturing— heavy plants, dirty processes. But a lot of our manufacturing isn’ t like that anymore. The wire company isn’ t. The fan company isn’ t. As we go into the fourth industrial age— digital platforming, artificial intelligence— our workers need a mix of traditional skills and tech knowledge. You can have a great career in manufacturing. Many of these positions pay six figures a year. Most people don ' t know that.
?
How is FCMA helping develop the workforce of the future?
We have a Workforce Committee dedicated to working with schools and colleges to help develop curriculum and promote two paths— one toward higher education and one toward technical training. There’ s a great program where Johnson & Johnson brings high school students in as interns. Some of them get hired while earning degrees.
We also have our Leadership Academy. A lot of people are promoted into leadership roles without ever being trained to lead. We’ ve had over 1,000 people go through it. We ' re helping workers— from the line to plant management— communicate better and understand what success looks like.
Are you concerned about AI and automation replacing workers?
We’ ve heard that before. When computers came along, everyone said they’ d take jobs. But now people are working at home, living better lives. AI is the next evolution. Every industrial age has improved our standard of living. Yes, AI will change the job landscape, but it will also create new opportunities. The challenge is how we adapt and keep our creativity sharp. That’ s where the value of people really comes in.
What impact have supply chain disruptions had on your members?
When COVID hit, it exposed the soft underbelly of manufacturing— our vulnerability. But necessity is the
?
| 20 | EVOLVE MAGAZINE | Evolve-Success. com