The Bay Area Manufacturers Association is part of the national Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Network. (https://www.nist.gov/) MEP is a public-private partnership with Centers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico dedicated to serving small and medium-sized manufacturers. Last year, MEP Centers interacted with more than 33,500 manufacturers, leading to $18.8 billion in sales, $2.5 billion in cost savings, $6.4 billion in new client investments, and helped create or retain more than 116,700 jobs. Florida's local MEP center is FloridaMakes (https://www.floridamakes.com/home). BAMA‘s mission is to advance Tampa Bay manufacturers through workforce development, networking, education, advocacy, and technology. BAMA provides a forum to exchange ideas and share best practice information; network with colleagues, and learn about manufacturing related topics through educational programs and tours. BAMA supports STEM programs and offers scholarships to students pursuing manufacturing and STEM education. Manufacturing provides jobs for approximately 60,000 people in approximately 2,500 facilities throughout Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Pasco counties.
