Sarasota Manatee Area Manufacturers Association (SAMA) Serves Five Counties
Manatee, Sarasota, DeSoto, Hardee, and Highlands Counties.
In 2024, the Sarasota Manatee Manufacturers Association (SAMA) expanded its reach to encompass Hardee and Highlands counties alongside Manatee, Sarasota, and DeSoto counties. This growth marked a significant step in SAMA's mission to support and connect the manufacturing community across the region.
"We see manufacturing expanding to the Heartland from both coasts," said Rob Harris, Executive Director of SAMA. "Several Economic Development offices have approached us to engage with their manufacturing companies and provide our services and networking opportunities."
This expansion aligns with SAMA's work in the region. SAMA's Business Advisor recently spearheaded a process improvement project with a Hardee County manufacturer, garnering attention from The Development Group (TDG) of Hardee County. The project yielded impressive results, prompting further collaboration.
The expansion also fits within the revised structure of FloridaMakes, a statewide organization that partners with SAMA. As part of the Southwest Region, SAMA and the Southwest Regional Manufacturing Association (SRMA), collaborate to support manufacturers in both urban and rural areas.
Manufacturers in the five county territory are encouraged to reach out to SAMA for assistance and to take advantage of the association's resources.
