On the morning of April 16, approximately 350 high school students will descend upon downtown Fort Myers to enjoy a packed schedule of learning fun at the “Made in SWFL” event. The Southwest Regional Manufacturers Association (SRMA) has dedicated a large portion of the day-long programming to students engaged in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education. The students represent a potential pool of qualified employees in this diverse industry sector that is becoming increasingly vital to the economic health of our region.
From 8 a.m. until 9:30 a.m., students from all 13 Lee County high schools, plus Fort Myers and Cape Coral Technical Institutes, will embark on a digital scavenger hunt that will enable them to engage in the historic River District of Fort Myers. The students will make recordings and take pictures while they work to discover the stories behind important local landmarks and the many activities that take place in Lee’s county seat.
The students will then join the hundreds of manufacturers, employees and job seekers expected to attend the “Made in SWFL” morning programming at Harborside Event Center. Betsy Allen, CEO & President of SRMA, will present “What Manufacturing Means to Me.” Other presentations by local manufacturing leaders will include “How and Why to Find a Job in Manufacturing” by Brian Rist from Smart Industries, the show’s Title Sponsor, and “Innovation, Technology and Upward Mobility” by Peter Bagwell of Polygon Solutions, the Platinum Sponsor.
Students will also take part in a fun STEM Challenge, in which they will build something they can proud of out of materials that will be a surprise, but will be very colorful and make for some great photographs.
Suzanne Roshon, Adult and Career Education Director for the Lee County Schools, is coordinating the student programming for the “Made in SWFL” showcase. She said, “The presentations, STEM Challenge and scavenger hunt will add up to a memorable experience that allows students to interface with potential employers, the manufacturing industry and the physical features of their community in a way most have never done.”
The “Made in SWFL” trade show will take place 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. at Harborside Event Center in downtown Fort Myers. The STEM student programming takes place from 8:30 a.m. until noon. From noon until 5 p.m., the public is invited to attend the “Made in Southwest Florida Showcase.” Admission to the Showcase is $5 and FREE with a business card. An SRMA reception begins at 5 p.m., with a red carpet awards dinner to recognize the 2014 Manufacturer of the Year and 2014 Manufacturing Employee of the Year beginning at 6.
The full program agenda is available at madeinswfl.com. To purchase tickets for the awards dinner, become a sponsor or reserve an exhibitor’s booth, contact Axol Ojeda 239-628-5850, axol@srma.net or Dan Allen at dan@srma.net or 239-898-1623.
If you are a manufacturer, employee, job seeker, student or business professional, the SRMA’s “Made in SWFL” show is your best opportunity to connect and network with local manufacturers.
About the Southwest Regional Manufacturers Association
The purpose and objective of the Southwest Regional Manufacturers Association is to bring together manufacturers to encourage the economic development of Southwest Florida through manufacturing, and to act as a forum for the expression and exchange of ideas and information among its members. The SRMA provides the platform to promote the general welfare of our members in relation to economic, civic, and educational challenges. We encourage the cooperative interchange of information and assistance in all matters of mutual interest, fostering social relationships and community involvement among our membership. Learn more at http://www.srma.net.
