The First Coast Manufacturers Association mission is to be the regional authority and resource for manufacturers, encouraging streamlined processes, eliminating unnecessary barriers to manufacturers, creating pathways for skilled workforce, and promoting public awareness of manufacturing’s significance, FCMA has been advocating on behalf of the North Florida manufacturing industry. Having a unified voice makes a difference in local, state and federal affairs. Our advocacy was instrumental in making the sales tax exemption on manufacturing equipment permanent. This was a major initiative pushed forward by FCMA for many years.