In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred, Regional Director of the Small Business Development Center at Indian River State College, speaks with Kevin Carr, CEO of FloridaMakes, at the 2024 Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum. The discussion centers on the rapid growth and evolving landscape of Florida’s manufacturing sector.

Kevin shares his extensive background in manufacturing, from working with the Navy and the National Institute of Standards and Technology to establishing Florida’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) center. He highlights how Florida’s manufacturing industry has outpaced traditional manufacturing states in GDP growth and job creation, with a strong focus on high-tech and advanced manufacturing.

The conversation also explores how FloridaMakes partners with regional manufacturing associations to provide business advisory services and support to manufacturers statewide. Kevin emphasizes the critical role manufacturing plays in Florida’s economy and the need to continue fostering innovation and workforce development in this sector. This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2024 Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum hosted at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando, Florida. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest: Learn more about FloridaMakes

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred takes a deep dive into Florida’s affordable housing crisis with Heather Kasten, President and CEO of the Greater Sarasota Chamber, and Ashon Nesbitt, CEO of the Florida Housing Coalition. Recorded at the 2024 Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum, this discussion sheds light on the growing burden of housing costs and its direct impact on businesses, particularly in employee recruitment and retention.

Heather and Ashon explore potential solutions, including zoning law changes to increase housing density, public-private partnerships, and innovative housing approaches such as container homes and 3D-printed houses. Both guests emphasize the need for creative thinking and collaboration to ensure Florida’s workforce has access to affordable, sustainable housing options. This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2024 Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum hosted at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando, Florida. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guests: Learn more about the Greater Sarasota Chamber Learn more about the Florida Housing Coalition

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred explores the transformative role of artificial intelligence in higher education and small business at the 2024 Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum in Orlando. He is joined by Liane Sippin, Program Director at Florida International University (FIU), and Dr. Bruce Fraser, Director of the Institute for Academic Excellence at Indian River State College (IRSC).

The discussion highlights how AI is being integrated into educational institutions to foster innovation and better prepare students for the workforce. Liane and Dr. Fraser address AI’s disruptive potential, the importance of building strong partnerships between academia and private industry, and the critical need for small businesses to embrace AI to stay competitive. This insightful conversation provides valuable takeaways for educators, business leaders, and entrepreneurs looking to navigate the evolving AI landscape. This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2024 Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum hosted at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando, Florida. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guests: Learn more about Florida International University Learn more about Indian River State College