NCMA General Meeting Thursday, Nov 19, 2026

GENERAL MEETING • EMPLOYER FORUM

National Workforce Report

Latest Workforce Trends and Solutions • How You Can Benefit
The Future of Manufacturing in Florida

Economic Development and Manufacturers Benefit by Working Together
THURSDAY • Nov 19, 2026 8:30–9:45 AM

Wilton Simpson Technical College
Continental breakfast included

17050 Spring Hill Dr., Brooksville, FL 34604

FEATURED SPEAKERS:

James Justiniano, Spherion – Will review the Spherion National and Regional Workforce Report
showing you the latest trends and what it might mean for your business.

James Justiniano is a workforce strategist and business leader who specializes in helping organizations build robust, sustainable hiring platforms. Currently driving recruitment and placement initiatives at Spherion, James brings nearly two decades of executive experience to the Nature Coast business community. During his 19-year tenure at QS Capital Partners—including nine years as President of Operations—he managed a $30 million annual enterprise, overseeing more than 400 employees across four distinct industries.

As a John Maxwell Certified Leader, James is known for cultivating exceptional team cultures, having achieved historically low turnover and high retention rates throughout his career. He pairs this people-first leadership style with a certification in U.S. Government and Policy from Harvard University, allowing him to help businesses navigate the critical intersection of policy, operations, and workforce management.

Today, James leverages his extensive operational background to perform deep workforce analyses for local manufacturers, government municipalities, and private businesses. Passionate about regional workforce development, he serves on the advisory boards for PHSC’s Advanced Engineering Department, Keiser University’s Business Department, and the Pasco EDC. Originally from Ewa Beach, Hawaii, James prides himself on bringing the spirit of Aloha to every meeting, partnership, and strategic challenge.

James Justiniano
Business Development Manager
Spherion Nature Coast
Empowering Businesses & Impacting Lives in Pasco, Hernando & Citrus Counties
33 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Brooksville, FL 34601  C:352-225-9334 spherion.com/brooksville

Destin Wells, FloridaMakes and Tim Johns, Florida Commerce – You will learn about the
“Made In Florida” initiative and how economic development can benefit manufacturers.

Destin Wells serves as Vice President of Strategic Growth & Partnerships at FloridaMakes, where he leads initiatives to strengthen Florida’s manufacturing ecosystem, expand strategic partnerships, and drive statewide business growth. In this role, he works closely with economic development organizations, government partners, and industry leaders to align resources, enhance competitiveness, and deliver meaningful results for manufacturers across the state.

Wells brings extensive experience in economic development, site selection, and industry-driven growth strategy, with a proven ability to translate opportunities into real-world investment, job creation, and long-term economic impact. His work has consistently focused on advancing innovation, attracting global investment, and aligning workforce and infrastructure assets to support business expansion.

Prior to joining FloridaMakes, Wells served as Senior Vice President of Economic Development at the Orlando Economic Partnership, where he led regional efforts to attract, expand, and retain businesses while strengthening Central Florida’s competitive position. He previously served as Senior Vice President of Business Development at Enterprise Florida, Inc., where he led statewide business recruitment and expansion efforts, working with domestic and international companies across key sectors to secure significant capital investment and job creation. Earlier in his tenure, he served as Director of Aviation and Aerospace Business Development, helping to grow one of Florida’s most strategic and globally competitive industries.

Wells holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Central Florida. Having worked across local, regional, and state-level economic development, he understands both the distinct challenges at each level and the importance of aligning them to drive meaningful, sustained growth and results.

 

WHAT YOU’LL TAKE AWAY
✓ What are the latest workforce strategies
✓ How the “Made in Florida” brand works and why it can help your business
✓ Why manufactures should participate in economic development and how you can benefit
PLUS: MANUFACTURERS ROUNDTABLE
A candid discussion of the hiring and workforce issues facing Nature Coast manufacturers.
FREE BREAKFAST • NETWORKING • DOOR PRIZES • BUSINESS RESOURCES
SAVE YOUR SEAT —

 

RSVP TODAY HERE

Email: NatureCoastMfg@gmail.com | Phone: (352) 428-4220
Website: www.NatureCoastMfg.com
Nature Coast Manufacturers’ Association | Duane Chichester, Executive Director