Manufacturing, Aerospace & Defense Council

As the state affiliate for the National Association of Manufacturers, AIF is committed to providing a member venue to discuss and advance the interests of Florida’s manufacturing community. The AIF Manufacturing, Aerospace, and Defense Council of Florida (MAD) was created in 2011 to serve that purpose.

Florida has about 325 thousand manufacturing jobs; and the sector creates an impressive three indirect jobs for each — the highest indirect job creator of any employment sector. Manufacturers perform half of all research and development in the US, driving more innovation than any other sector. Those economic dynamics are convincing, leading many to advocate that growing manufacturing output and jobs, and elevating the public policy focus, will promote getting the country’s economy back on track.

Council Priorities
The MAD’s 2012 legislative priorities are as follows:

• Support passage of the “Manufacturing Competitiveness Act,” to place manufacturers, processors, and fabricators locating or already located in Florida in a competitive position that is more equivalent to that offered by other states.

• Support the complete elimination of sales tax imposed on the purchase of manufacturing equipment.

• Support the re-tooling of the state’s economic development and tax incentives for manufacturers from a jobs-based incentives system to a capital investment-based system.

• Elevate the stature of the manufacturing sector within the newly created Department of Economic Opportunity.

• Create capital investment incentives for the sector.

• Increase import and export trade opportunities.

• Continue the state’s efforts to enhance the manufacturing workforce, and as a career choice for middle and high school students.