Ep. 388 | Why Manufacturing Careers Matter: FEDC Chair Casey Barnes on Advocacy, Perception & Florida’s Economic Future

Recorded live at the 2025 MakeMore Manufacturing Summit, this episode of Small Biz Florida features a compelling conversation with Casey Barnes, Chair of the Florida Economic Development Council (FEDC) and economic development executive at BRPH. Host Tom Kindred dives into Barnes’s extensive background and his mission to elevate the role of economic developers through proactive advocacy and community engagement. Barnes discusses the FEDC’s three pillars: educate, advocate, and connect, and calls for a rebranding of manufacturing careers as “life-changing” opportunities. He emphasizes reshoring, modern workforce strategies, and the importance of involving elected officials early in economic development conversations. This episode delivers both strategic insight and a powerful message of optimism for Florida’s economic growth. This podcast episode was recorded live at the MakeMore Manufacturing Summit hosted at the Embassy Suites Downtown Orlando. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital. Connect with Our Guest: https://www.fedconline.org