Volusia Manufacturers Association Impact Report 2017 | Page 3

From the
Chairman
n 1980, the Volusia Manufacturers
Association (VMA) had been formed to
support manufacturing in the Flagler
/ Volusia Region of Central Florida. It
had been formed by manufacturers,
for manufacturers. While the Flagler / Volusia Region is
known for tourism, it is not known for manufacturing and
has a higher than average concentration of manufacturers
than the rest of Florida. This is extremely important to
understand, nurture and grow as manufacturing has a
positive impact on the local economy, thus making life
better for all citizens and visitors to the area.
To be effective, the VMA priorities are to support
education, relevance and growth. Accomplishing this,
VMA has grown and area manufacturing has grown as
well since the most recent recession. In 2012 there had
been 379 manufacturers with about 8000 employees.
Being home to 450 manufacturers in 2017, the region can
boast employing over 12,000 people in manufacturing
companies. Not only does this local manufacturing base
purchase over $900 million is supplies, services and
utilities, manufacturing provides employees with 20%
higher wages than those in other industries and advanced
manufacturing has possibilities of 30% higher wages.
Advanced manufacturing has a strong area presence,
accounting for 63% of overall regional manufacturers.
Advanced manufacturing, making money, purchasing
close to a billion dollars, employing over 12,000 people ...
manufacturing in the Flagler / Volusia Region is alive, well
and getting stronger. VMA is dedicated to being there for
our manufacturers, making them better and helping them
grow. Our community needs to understand the huge,
positive impact manufacturing has on the area and the
enormous potential for individuals to earn good wages.
Thank you in advance for reading the VMA’s Education
Impact report which will be a step to help you
understand one aspect of how VMA is contributing to area
manufacturers, and the Flagler / Volusia Region as
a whole.
Sr. Program Manager – member of the Global
Program Management
Edgewell Personal Care Products
VMA Chairman
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