Matthew R. Rocco, President, South Florida Manufacturers Association (SFMA) accepts EDC Board Position

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The Economic Development Council of South Miami-Dade (EDC), the local economic development organization for the southern region of Miami-Dade County, is proud to announce the expansion of its Board of Directors. Mr. Matthew R. Rocco, President, South Florida Manufacturers Association (SFMA) has accepted the position as Board of Director member

Mr. Rocco’s addition to the EDC’s Board furthers its commitment to growth and innovation in the manufacturing industry, as he will provide valuable insight and strategic guidance to the organization ongoing efforts in executing the Strategic Economic Development Plan for South Dade (Strat Plan). The strategies developed include the expansion of the manufacturing industry by bringing new manufacturing businesses to South Miami-Dade and the creation of new jobs.

Lisa Greer, Chair of the EDC says, “It is with great delight and pride that we welcome Mr. Matthew Rocco to the Board of Directors of the EDC. Matt’s experience, insight and guidance in the manufacturing industry aligns very well with the EDC’s mission for job creation and retention.”

Mr. Rocco showed great enthusiasm in joining the EDC, by saying, “I am excited to join the Board of Directors forthe Economic Development Council for South Miami-Dade. Manufacturing is so vital to the growth of our economy and with Miami-Dade County being an important county in Florida for manufacturing, we truly can make an impact on manufacturing in South Miami Dade county for resources, advocacy, and advisory services. It is an honor to be part of the Board of Directors and I look forward to the great collaboration and work that can be done together.”

The EDC’s goal is to be at the forefront of supporting emerging and targeted industries, including manufacturing.Mr. Rocco’s will assist in guiding the EDC’s effort to promote growth and innovation in this sector. Manufacturing has been identified as a key driver of economic growth as noted in the Strat Plan. This includes the creation of jobs and contributing to local and national economies as economic indicators have shown. The SFMA, in partnership with FloridaMakes, has provided an economic impact of $2 Billion dollars to the South Florida manufacturing industry. This data is through the fourth quarter of 2022. EDC’s commitment to expanding the manufacturing industry in South Miami-Dade will be bolstered by Mr. Rocco’s knowledge and ability, as the organization continues to identify and support emerging opportunities in this field.

Matthew joins the current Board of Directors, from a wide range of industry sectors:

  • Tania Acosta, Miami-Dade College | Education
  • Wilbur Bell, Miami-Dade Councilman | EDC Founder
  • Richard Candia, Avanti Way | Real Estate
  • Sioux dePass, Marketing, Apparel & Premiums | Advertising
  • Baldwyn English, Florida Power and Light | Utility
  • Lisa Greer, SouthState Bank | Financial
  • Michelle Mejia, Baptist Health South Florida | Healthcare
  • Richard Miller, South Florida Defense Alliance | Military & Defense

About the Economic Development Council of South Miami-Dade

The EDC of South Miami-Dade, originally called the Perrine-Cutler Ridge Council, was formed in 1993 soon after Hurricane Andrew devastated the southern part of our county. Community leaders and local business owners began working together to bring a cohesive voice to our area to bring back its vital economy. Today, the EDC’s Mission is to provide support and advocacy to existing and prospective businesses and promote initiatives which bolster the vibrancy and sustainability of the South Miami-Dade region. The Vision of the EDC seeks to improve and advance quality of life, expansion of businesses and job creation through the implementation of projects that harness sustainability and resiliency through economic development, infrastructure improvements, education, and skilled workforce. The EDC continues its efforts in growing our communities together by collaborating with Private, Municipal, County, State and Federal agencies to assist in acquiring funding for the economic development efforts in South Miami-Dade. Further, the EDC is relied upon by its residents and community businesses as a vital link to resources, our government officials, and their offices to voice critical needs, quality of life issues and future economic development opportunities in our communities. https://edcsouthmiamidade.com/

About the South Florida Manufacturers Association

The South Florida Manufacturers Association (SFMA) has held the distinction of being the #1 resource for manufacturers in South Florida
since 1961 – saving its members time and money through advocacy, networking and resources. SFMA prides itself on being member
driven – creating new products and services as members’ needs change. Founded by a group of realtors who understood the importance
of manufacturing to a strong economy, the SFMA has served manufacturers and related industries for over 60 years. As a non-profit trade
association, the mission of the SFMA has remained constant though out its history: To Serve Manufacturers. https://sfma.org/

Economic Development Council of South Miami-Dade Adds Pivotal Member to Board of Directors: Kenneth Spell, CEO of Homestead Hospital

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The Economic Development Council (EDC) of South Miami-Dade is proud to announce the appointment of Kenneth Spell, CEO of Homestead Hospital, to its esteemed board of directors. This strategic addition marks a significant milestone for the EDC as it continues its mission to foster economic growth, attract investment and enhance the overall quality of life in the vibrant South Miami-Dade region.

As CEO of Homestead Hospital, a part of Baptist Health South Florida – the largest not-for-profit healthcare organization in the region – Spell has demonstrated exceptional commitment to improving the health and well-being of area residents. Having distinguished himself as a leader in the healthcare industry, Spell will now bring his wealth of knowledge and experience to the EDC board.

Specifically, the quality of his leadership and expertise in healthcare management, community engagement and expanding job opportunities were key factors for his joining the EDC’s board, which looks to benefit from these attributes in its pursuit of sustainable economic growth, attracting investment and creating a more prosperous future as stated in the EDC’s Strategic Economic Development Plan for South Dade.

“Kenneth Spell’s appointment to our board of directors underscores our commitment to excellence and our dedication to serving the diverse needs of South Miami-Dade,” said Lisa Greer, EDC chair. “His extensive background in healthcare administration, along with his profound understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in our region will be invaluable as we work together to drive economic growth, job creation and prosperity.”

With its many internationally renowned hospital systems and pharmaceutical headquarters, South Miami-Dade is recognized as a world-class healthcare destination while healthcare remains one of the leading employment growth areas for South Florida. The EDC of South Miami-Dade underscores this region’s unique advantage in fostering healthcare sector growth.

To maximize the healthcare industry’s full potential in the region, it is vital for major healthcare providers to engage regional advocates who can champion the industry’s goals and objectives. The EDC stands at the forefront of this advocacy, committed to propelling the region’s healthcare sector towards unprecedented success.

“I am truly honored and eagerly anticipate the remarkable collaboration and impactful work that we will accomplish together as I join the board of directors for the Economic Development Council of South Miami-Dade,” said Spell. “I look forward to collaborating with this incredible team to continue bolstering the local businesses and prospective firms, reinforcing the South Dade business community now and into the future.”

Dedicated to advancing the economic prosperity of South Miami-Dade, uniting public and private sectors, the EDC works to stimulate job creation, infrastructure development and the expansion of local businesses. With a focus on innovation, sustainability and community engagement, the EDC plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of South Miami-Dade.

Spell joins the current board of directors, with members from a wide range of industry sectors:

  • Tania Acosta, Miami-Dade College | Education
  • Wilbur Bell, Miami-Dade councilman | EDC Founder
  • Richard Candia, Avanti Way | Real Estate
  • Sioux dePass, Marketing, Apparel & Premiums | Advertising
  • Baldwyn English, Florida Power and Light | Utility
  • Lisa Greer, SouthState Bank | Financial
  • Michelle Mejia, Baptist Health South Florida | Healthcare
  • Richard Miller, South Florida Defense Alliance | Military & Defense
  • Matthew Rocco | South Florida Manufacturers Assoc | Manufacturing

For more information about the Economic Development Council of South Miami-Dade and its mission, please visit https://edcsouthmiamidade.com/.

About the Economic Development Council of South Miami-Dade

The EDC of South Miami-Dade, originally called the Perrine-Cutler Ridge Council, was formed in 1993 soon after Hurricane Andrew devastated the southern part of our county. Community leaders and local business owners began working together to bring a cohesive voice to our area to bring back its vital economy. Today, the EDC’s Mission is to provide support and advocacy to existing and prospective businesses and promote initiatives which bolster the vibrancy and sustainability of the South Miami-Dade region. The Vision of the EDC seeks to improve and advance quality of life, expansion of businesses and job creation through the implementation of projects that harness sustainability and resiliency through economic development, infrastructure improvements, education, and skilled workforce. The EDC continues its efforts in growing our communities together by collaborating with Private, Municipal, County, State and Federal agencies to assist in acquiring funding for the economic development efforts in South Miami-Dade. Further, the EDC is relied upon by its residents and community businesses as a vital link to resources, our government officials, and their offices to voice critical needs, quality of life issues and future economic development opportunities in our communities.

Kimre, Inc. Named Manufacturer of the Year at the 44th Annual South Florida Manufacturers Association Ceremony

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The Economic Development Council of South Miami-Dade (EDC) and the South Florida Manufacturers Association (SFMA) today announced that Kimre, Inc.has been honored as the 2023 Manufacturer of the Year by the SFMA. The prestigious award highlights Kimre’s contributions to the manufacturing industry and its commitment to excellence.

Presented on June 22nd at the Signature Grand in Davie, FL, 44th Annual Recognition of Excellence awards ceremony was attended by prominent industry leaders, community stakeholders, and dignitaries. Each year, the ceremony recognizes outstanding operational excellence for both corporations and individual employees in the manufacturing industry. Out of nearly 100 nominations, Kimre Inc., a global organization with a rich history of over 50 years in South Miami-Dade, was honored in the 31-65 employees category.

The well-deserved honor underscores South Miami-Dade’s standing as an ideal destination for manufacturing, as well as the standard for innovation and quality established by Kimre, Inc.”We are deeply honored to receive the prestigious Manufacturer of the Year award from the South Florida Manufacturers Association,” said George Chris Pederson, founder, SFMA, “This award reaffirms our commitment to innovation and quality and highlights the incredible potential that South Miami-Dade offers manufacturing firms. We look forward to a future filled with continued growth and development in the region.”

“Kimre has been a longstanding member of SFMA and is a great example of excellence in manufacturing,” said Matthew Rocco, president of SFMA. “We are proud to honor them with this year’s Manufacturer of the Year Award.”

“Kimre exemplifies the spirit of innovation that defines the South Miami-Dade community,” said Lisa Greer, chair of the EDC. We are immensely proud of Kimre’s achievements and look forward to fostering further growth and collaboration within our dynamic manufacturing ecosystem of South Dade.”

Along with strong incentives and tax benefits, the South Miami-Dade region has the ideal mix of real estate, a strong water and power infrastructure, great logistics with easy transportation and distribution, a sizable workforce, year-round good weather and high-quality of life with an abundance of affordable housing. These factors make it a prime destination for a wide array of industries, including manufacturing. The EDC and SFMA are committed to continuing their support for the manufacturing sector, fostering growth, and celebrating the achievements of local businesses.

For more information about South Miami-Dade’s thriving manufacturing community and the exceptional opportunities it presents, please visit https://edcsouthmiamidade.com/.

About Kimre, Inc.

With a vision to clean the world and create a better environment for future generations, Kimre was founded in 1973 by MIT Graduate and Florida native, George C. Pedersen. For more than 40 years, Kimre has been proud to locally manufacture our products in the United States. Fueled with passion and determination, Kimre grew from a small local business with a big vision to being a global leader in the battle against pollution.

About the South Florida Manufacturers Association

The South Florida Manufacturers Association (SFMA) has held the distinction of being the #1 resource for manufacturers in South Florida since 1961 – saving its members time and money through advocacy, networking and resources. SFMA prides itself on being member driven – creating new products and services as members’ needs change. Founded by a group of realtors who understood the importance of manufacturing to a strong economy, the SFMA has served manufacturers and related industries for over 60 years. The SFMA, in partnership with FloridaMakes, have been the driving force of $2 billion in economic impact in South Florida since 2016. As a non-profit trade association, the mission of the SFMA has remained constant throughout its history: To Serve Manufacturers. https://sfma.org/

About the Economic Development Council of South Miami-Dade

The EDC of South Miami-Dade, originally called the Perrine-Cutler Ridge Council, was formed in 1993 soon after Hurricane Andrew devastated the southern part of our county. Community leaders and local business owners began working together to bring a cohesive voice to our area to bring back its vital economy. Today, the EDC’s Mission is to provide support and advocacy to existing and prospective businesses and promote initiatives which bolster the vibrancy and sustainability of the South Miami-Dade region. The Vision of the EDC seeks to improve and advance quality of life, expansion of businesses and job creation through the implementation of projects that harness sustainability and resiliency through economic development, infrastructure improvements, education, and skilled workforce. The EDC continues its efforts in growing our communities together by collaborating with Private, Municipal, County, State and Federal agencies to assist in acquiring funding for the economic development efforts in South Miami-Dade. Further, the EDC is relied upon by its residents and community businesses as a vital link to resources, our government officials, and their offices to voice critical needs, quality of life issues and future economic development opportunities in our communities. https://edcsouthmiamidade.com

Why Business Retention Is Important to the EDC in Miami-Dade

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One way to know if a community is thriving is to look at its business community. It is important to retain businesses in Miami-Dade because it keeps the economy and the community strong. With approximately 20,000 businesses in the South Miami-Dade region, the objective of an EDC in Miami-Dade is to make sure these businesses have the ideal conditions to stay, grow, and flourish.

But First, What Exactly Is Business Retention?

One way the Economic Development Council (EDC) of South Miami-Dade is working to build a more vibrant community is to ensure the businesses that are here stay here. By working with the existing businesses to understand and respond to their needs, together we build a stronger business community through quality job opportunities and a stable economy. 

Why Is Business Retention Important?

In alignment with the EDC’s mission to create and attract well-paying jobs for residents, the climate needs to be such that businesses remain open and operating. The South Miami economy is composed primarily of small businesses which creates an environment where there can be healthy competition, diversity, and opportunity. These businesses employ residents and become invested in the community. Business retention is critical to the Economic Development Council.

For More Information, Turn to Our EDC in Miami-Dade Supporting Southern Communities Including Homestead, Palmetto Bay, and More

The EDC is a council of business members with a vested interest in supporting the business community.  The funding for EDC comes directly from businesses. In order to continue the mission of EDC and ensure that Miami-Dade continues to be an excellent spot for living, working, and relaxing, retaining business to keep the economy bustling is a top priority. Small and mid-sized local businesses will only improve the economy over time.  The Economic Development Council of South Miami-Dade will make sure that this area continues to see growth and development through sustainable and resilient business opportunities. 

Contact us today for more information!