Ep. 254 | Shaping Tomorrow: Lake Ray’s Insight into Florida’s Manufacturing Landscape

In this special episode, Tom engages in a dynamic conversation with Lake Ray, the President of the First Coast Manufacturers Association and a prominent figure in Florida's manufacturing and legislative scene. With a background as a professional engineer and 30 years of experience in engineering and small business ownership, Lake brings a wealth of knowledge to his role at FCMA.

Elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2008, Lake has played a pivotal role in shaping policies impacting the manufacturing sector. In this insightful conversation, Lake shares his unique perspective on the challenges facing Florida manufacturers today, from workforce dynamics to supply chain intricacies and evolving policy landscapes.

The spotlight of this year's summit is on "digital transformation," and Lake delves into the significance of embracing this revolution for sustained growth and success. Explore the diverse range of industries within Northeast Florida that FCMA represents, from manufacturing medical supplies and fragrances to recycling materials.

Discover the importance of Regional Manufacturing Associations (RMAs) like FCMA in bridging the gap between manufacturers, communities, and policymakers. Lake emphasizes the crucial role of networking and collaboration for a thriving manufacturing ecosystem.

Tom and Lake wrap up the conversation with a call to action—urging listeners to be part of the interconnected future of manufacturing. Whether you're in the industry or have valuable insights, the message is clear: Let's shape the future together.

Recorded live at the 2023 Make More Manufacturing Summit, hosted at the iconic Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. A special thanks to the conference hosts for having Small Biz Florida attend, and a shoutout to the Dr. Phillips Center for being an outstanding venue for this event.