EVOLVE Business and Professional Magazine April 2017 | Page 14

Digital technology has certainly changed the job descriptions in
manufacturing, but the demand for human workers is robust, and
a career in manufacturing is lucrative and filled with opportunity.
Boats similar to the ones seen here on the Halifax River in South Daytona benefit from the
local manufacturing companies that specialize in boat making.
struggles to fill their classrooms. The VMA believes negative is the central goal of the VMA’s “We Make It Here” Campaign.
enrollment. Manufacturing’s reputation in society is often and others to spread the news about what is going on in the
perceptions about the viability of a manufacturing career hinder
focused on the loss of jobs to machines or the instability of jobs
moving overseas. But this simply is not predominant anymore.
Digital technology has certainly changed the job descriptions in
manufacturing, but the demand for human workers is robust, and
a career in manufacturing is lucrative and filled with opportunity.
The average salary of manufacturing employees in Volusia
County is $49,000, above the county and even the state household
average. Many of these individuals do not need to incur the
burden of higher education debt to accomplish such a career goal.
Most importantly, these are cool careers. Manufacturers in Volusia
County create parachutes, mattresses, fireworks, boats, pumps,
and suntan lotions. The county is home to one of the most iconic
sunglass companies in the world. Manufacturing workers create
boats strapped with giant water cannons for the United States
Coast Guard. There is even a firm that builds theme park rides
used by hundreds of millions of people.
Raising awareness of the innovative and unique local
manufacturing firms and the career opportunities they provide
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The “We Make It Here” Campaign asks local manufacturers
manufacturing sector in Volusia County. The goal is for every
one (including you) to be aware of what is going on and spread
information to others willing to listen (kind of like pay it
forward). Increasing awareness may not seem like a serious step
in the inevitable march to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, but it
is an important part of beginning a new conversation regarding
manufacturing in Volusia County. VMA feels that if the public
knows that “We Make It Here” then Volusia County will be on its
way to being more prepared for the Fourth Industrial Revolution
and will play a vital role in it.
Jayne Fifer is the President and CEO of Volusia
Manufacturers Association (VMA), the area’s
manufacturing alliance serving Flagler, Volusia and
surrounding counties. She is considered the voice
of Florida manufacturers in Volusia and Flagler
Counties. For more information contact jayne.fifer@
VMAonline.com.