FloridaMakes, the official representative of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership National Network in Florida, has appointed manufacturing leaders Alan L. Garey and Blake Brown to its board of directors.
FloridaMakes is a statewide, industry-led, public-private partnership operated by an alliance of Florida’s regional manufacturers associations with the sole mission of strengthening and advancing Florida’s economy by improving the competitiveness, productivity and technological performance of its manufacturing sector, with an emphasis on small – and medium-sized firms. It accomplishes this by providing services focused on three principal value streams: technology adoption, talent development, and business growth. FloridaMakes is the representative of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) National Network in the state of Florida, a program of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Alan L. Garey
Alan L. Garey boasts over four decades of exemplary expertise in the metal manufacturing and fabrication sector. A native Floridian, he holds pivotal roles including board member for the South Florida Manufacturers Association (SFMA), where he previously served as chairman and has been a judge for SFMA’s prestigious “Manufacturer of the Year” award for 14 years.
Alan was appointed by former Gov. Rick Scott to the Prison Rehabilitation Industries board, where he currently serves as treasurer. He also advises the Federal Reserve Board on industry matters as part of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce Council of Economic Advisors.
In 1992, Alan assumed the role of CEO/president of Decimal Engineering, a family-owned precision sheet metal fabrication, CNC machining and metal stamping company he co-owns with his brothers. Under his guidance, Decimal has flourished by embracing advanced manufacturing technologies, growing from 29 to 150 employees.
“I am very grateful to be joining such an amazing team. FloridaMakes really cares about manufacturers and continues to make a big difference,” Alan Garey said.
Blake Brown
Blake Brown is president and CEO of PRIDE Enterprises of Florida, a statewide manufacturing and service organization. He has over 41 years of leadership experience across the defense, automotive and healthcare industries. Brown is tri-chairperson of the First Coast Manufacturers Association.
An innovator and efficiency expert, Brown has driven initiatives like manual-to-automated transformations. He is a lead inventor on two U.S. patents in aerospace and medical device manufacturing.
“I am excited to join the FloridaMakes Board of Directors,” Blake said. “FloridaMakes plays a critical role in advancing the agenda of manufacturers in the Florida economy.”
Kevin Carr, CEO of FloridaMakes, welcomes the new board members’ experience and accomplishments.
Kevin Carr
“We are beyond fortunate to have Alan Garey join as he has been instrumental at influencing state and local policy for manufacturing for many years,” said Carr. “Decimal Engineering is one of Florida’s premiere manufacturing establishments.” Carr adds, “Blake Brown has been instrumental at advancing Florida manufacturing and the success of First Coast Manufacturers Association for many years and for a variety of businesses. He now joins us as the leader of Pride Industries, which has production facilities throughout the state, bringing a unique understanding to the board of the various geographic challenges.”
As a statewide public-private partnership, FloridaMakes aims to strengthen and advance Florida’s economy by improving competitiveness and productivity of its manufacturing sector, with an emphasis on small- and medium-sized firms.
For more information about FloridaMakes, please visit FloridaMakes.com.