One Okaloosa News

Economic Development Council of Okaloosa County Announces Strategic Partnership with FloridaMakes

Posted July 07, 2020

The Economic Development Council of Okaloosa County (“EDC”) announced today that it has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with FloridaMakes which will add immediate value to the EDC’s long-standing Technology Coast Manufacturing & Engineering Network (TeCMEN). 

With a stated goal of maximizing the level of operational resources available to the EDC’s TeCMEN and its members, the agreement will result in TeCMEN being integrated into FloridaMakes’ statewide manufacturing workforce development activities and monthly best practice calls.  In addition, FloridaMakes will assist the EDC with promotional activities and content associated with the organization’s TeCMEN Industry Day – an event that has become the Gulf Coast region’s premier one day technical expo.  Held annually since 2017, the 2020 TeCMEN Industry Day is scheduled for August 27 in Fort Walton Beach.

“I could not be happier to see a cooperative partnership signed between the EDC and FloridaMakes.  Not only does FloridaMakes have a well-reputation of service and dedication to the growth of manufacturing across the state, but they also bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our table,” said David Haines, FY 2020 TeCMEN Chairman and President of Precision Measurement, Inc. “Such co-aligned missions make the sharing of information and resources invaluable in establishing Okaloosa County as a hub for world-class design and manufacturing.  I am very excited to see where this collaborative effort leads.”

“We are pleased to forge a new partnership with TeCMEN at the Okaloosa EDC,” said Kevin Carr, FloridaMakes CEO. “As the recognized voice for the manufacturing industry in the region, TeCMEN expands not only the reach but the capabilities of the FloridaMakes network directed at strengthening our state’s manufacturing economy.”