Spring Happenings at FCMA

VOICE NEWSLETTER: APRIL 2026

Lake's Take

Dear Manufacturing Partners,

As we step into April, we reflect on the dynamic landscape of manufacturing in North Florida. This past quarter has presented both challenges and opportunities. Jacksonville has seen a mix of growth and setbacks, with recent investments in automation paving the way for innovation, while workforce shortages continue to put pressure on operations.

I had the privilege of participating in a recent podcast conversation recorded at TechFest 2026, where manufacturing leaders from across Florida discussed the realities of our industry. Featuring insights from:

Doug Adams, President of Adams
Beth Gallc, President of Bay Area Manufacturers Association (BAMA)
Lake Ray, President of First Coast Manufacturers Association
Matt Rocco, President of South Florida Manufacturers Association

Together, we tackled pressing topics such as workforce challenges, succession planning, AI and automation adoption, and cybersecurity pressures. This discussion highlighted the importance of collaboration across associations, schools, and industry partners. If you’re serious about growing, staying competitive, and understanding where manufacturing is headed, this is a conversation worth your time.

Don’t miss out! Watch the full episode here: TechFest 2026 Podcast.

Also, mark your calendars for our Annual Tee Off for Tuition Golf Tournament on May 8th! This event supports our mission to invest in the future of manufacturing through educational initiatives. Thank you for your active participation in FCMA events during Q1 2026. Your engagement drives our success.

Warm regards,
Lake Ray, President
First Coast Manufacturers Association

Recent Events

Thank you to those who joined us for our March General Meeting on March 23 at EZ Automation Systems! We want to give a special shoutout to our sponsor for the evening, Highlander Consultants.

Upcoming Events

Our 2026 Professional Progress Class has been postponed. We will let you know when we are able to move forward for this programming!

General Meeting

April 27, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
W.W. Gay, 524 Stockton St, Jacksonville FL 32204
You must RSVP to attend this meeting by emailing information@fcmaweb.com. Please note- Members are allowed to bring up to 2 first time guests to a General Meeting. Guests must RSVP with FCMA. Guests may only attend one meeting before joining FCMA.

Tee Up for Tuition Golf Tournament

Friday, May 8, 2026
St. Johns Golf and Country Club, 205 St. Johns Golf Drive, St. Augustine, FL
7:30 AM Registration / 8:00 AM Shotgun Start
Lunch and Awards following the tournament
Prices start at $950 for a foursome, with sponsorships available at $500-$5,000 levels.
More information here.

Open House & Luncheon
This is a chance for you to bring non-members to learn about FCMA!
Monday, June 22, 11:30-1:00 PM
FCMA Office, 1615 Huffingham Road
spnosored by Bank OZK and ServPro

Workforce Development

LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

We are asking for everyone’s help in filling up our three upcoming FCMA Leadership Academy classes.

Our next Frontline Supervisor I class kicks off on 3/26/26, and we have 3 seats open against a 3/19/26 registration deadline. https://fcma.memberclicks.net/FLS1spring2026#/

We are pushing hard for more registrations in our upcoming Leadership Essentials class on 4/8/26 with a registration deadline of 3/25/26. We have 18 open seats available in order to hit our minimum headcount and be able to conduct this class. This program provides an opportunity to recognize high-performing employees who are not in a supervisory role but are identified as high-performing and considered a peer leader on the floor by introducing them to key leadership principles. https://fcma.memberclicks.net/springleadership2026#/

Our first offering of our newly revamped Frontline Supervisor II class kicks off on 4/22/26, and we have 6 seats open against an 4/10/26 registration deadline. This program is restricted to participants who currently have direct reports and are in a supervisory/management role and have received some form of formal leadership training in the past. https://fcma.memberclicks.net/FLS2spring2026#/

Please act now to register your employees now or reserve your seats by contacting Mike Templeton at mike@templetonms.com.

Recent Update from Leadership Academy Instructor, Joanna Richards:
We kicked off our Spring 2026 FCMA Frontline Supervisor I cohort today, and it is already shaping up to be a strong group. With 20 participants from 12 companies, the room was filled with energy, curiosity, and a shared commitment to growth. The morning brought participants and their managers together to align on expectations and set the foundation for the months ahead.
A highlight of the morning was hearing from our special guest, Taryn Snodgrass, a recent graduate of the program. Taryn shared thoughtful, practical advice for making the most of the experience:
• Attend every session and complete the work
• Partner with respected colleagues
• Seek feedback from experienced leaders
Taryn also reminded the group that this is a rare opportunity to invest in their leadership development and highlighted the immense value of visiting other companies to observe best practices. The cohort wrapped up by connecting through introductions and a group photo. This is an engaged group, and we are excited for the journey ahead.

New Members

Industrial Air Centers
www.iacserv.com
Contact: Jerry Emmert, Area Manager, jemmert@iacserv.com
Distributor and Service provider for industrial compressed air and related equipment

Premier Water and Energy Technology
https://premierwater.com/
Contact: Riley Brandvold, Business Development Representative, rbrandvold@premierwater.com
Industrial and commercial water treater, product, and solution specialists.

Member Corner

True House, Inc. is a member of FCMA. Their parent company, BeLit, Inc., just announced the appointment of a new COO. See press release here. Additionally Parker Dixon was recently promoted to Vice President at True House. See https://www.belitinc.com/2026/03/true-house-promotes-parker-dixon-vp/.Great news coming out of this member company!

Upcoming Job Fairs
St. Johns County
Dates below: sign up here: Jordan Ravenscraft: Career Exploration Fairs

4/9-Raines HS
4/10- First Coast High School
4/16- Andrew Jackson High School

FCTC Spring 2026 Career Fair
Date: April 7, 2026
Time 8:30AM – 11:30AM
Location: Main Campus, 2980 Collins Avenue, Building C, St Augustine, FL 32084
Registration Link:
https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=V9CzsxL8P0-S9HK-boRDUe7TlKz8sTVFnVeT3qdph4NUNzZGUVFYWFExMllIWFpCMk5KNlNHTUE2Mi4u&route=shorturl

CareerSource NEFL April Virtual Hiring and Education Fair
Date: April 9, 2026
Time: 10:00AM – 1:00PM
Location: Virtual
Registration Link: https://pvapi.premiervirtual.com/s/WPlA5W

Regional Apprenticeship Accelerator
Date: Friday April 10^th
Time: 9:30AM to 12:00PM
Location: Ring Power, 500 World Commerce Parkway, St. Augustine, FL 32092
Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-community-workshop-for-employers-benefits-of-apprenticeships-tickets-1983279314819?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Spring Career Fair at Florida State College at Jacksonville
Date: April 14, 2026
Time 1:00PM – 4:00PM (New Time!)
Location (New!): FSCJ South Campus, The Reef, (Gym)
11901 Beach Blvd. Jacksonville, Florida 32246 United States
Registration: https://fscj-csm.symplicity.com/events/CFSpring2026

Second Chance Job Fair
Date: Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Time: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
FSCJ Advanced Technology Center 401 W State St., Jacksonville, FL 32202
Registration:https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=Gw3HHCEvz0av0Na5SMUCoubIaoBN_C9Bm58m7F1LVyBUM0JNWVFERE1SS0FVNk9HSzFYQUhFTlZYVyQlQCN0PWcu&route=shorturl

On-Going Opportunities
Recruitment Wednesdays
Date: Every Wednesday
Time: 10:00AM – 12:00PM
Location: CareerSource NEFL Southside Office
Registration: https://careersourcenortheastflorida.com/contact-business-services/

view this email in your browser

Copyright © First Coast Manufacturers Association 2025, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
1615 Huffingham Road, Suite 2
Jacksonville FL 32216

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.