Monday – July 7, 2008

NEW FIRMS BRING LOWER INSURANCE RATES – Nearly 20 Florida-based property and casualty insurers have started covering homeowners and businesses in Florida, creating something residents may not see elsewhere this year: lower rates. As larger, national insurers have either slowed writing policies in the state or left completely after the 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons, other insurers have picked up the business. Rates have decreased by a statewide average of 15 percent for homeowners' insurance, largely due to a bill passed by the Florida Legislature during the January 2007 special session that required all insurers to lower their rates.

U.S. MANUFACTURING MOVES INTO GROWTH MODE – The Institute for Supply Management is reporting good news on the national manufacturing front. U.S. manufacturing activity grew in June for the first time in five months, mostly thanks to strong export figures. The small growth came as inventories climbed and prices rose for every commodity except copper. For the previous four months, the overall index hovered near its lowest level in five years.

VMA’S SMALL MANUFACTURER’S EXPO – The Volusia Manufacturer’s Association is hosting its second Small Manufacturer’s Expo from 3 - 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, at the Advanced Technology College. Local companies have the opportunity to showcase their products and capabilities, meet new customers, vendors and suppliers. Contact Jayne Fifer at (386) 673-0505 or email jayne.fifer@VMAonline.com for more information.

MANY WATCHING FLORIDA’S EDUCATION POLICY – Florida is No. 1 in the nation in vouchers, No. 2 in charter school enrollment and No. 4 in the percentage of high school students passing college-level exams. Numbers like these have made Florida the nation's most-watched laboratory for education policy. But, the state's graduation rate remains one of the nation's worst. Florida's graduation rate hovers between 60 to 70 percent (though some calculations show it rising sharply). Per-pupil spending ranks in the bottom tier and teachers are paid below the national average. On the other hand, Florida elementary students have made the most dramatic gains in the nation on well-respected reading and math tests. And, Florida leads the nation in the percentage of high school seniors taking advanced placement exams.

LOOKING TO SAVE ENERGY? – Florida Statute Chapter 163.04 provides that a deed or lease restriction, or other binding agreement may not prohibit solar collectors or other energy devices based on renewable resources from being installed on buildings covered by the restrictions. And, condominium owners cannot be denied the right to install solar collectors or other energy devices in a condominium unit.

RAYDON CELEBRATES 20TH BIRTHDAY – Raydon Corporation, a hometown startup resulting from the departure of General Electric from Daytona Beach, recently celebrated more than 20 years as a leader in simulation technology. Now employing more than 250 people, Raydon has been working with the City of Daytona Beach and the Volusia County Department of Economic Development to find a new home to consolidate its operations. Don Ariel, one of Raydon’s founders, recently addressed the Volusia Manufacturers Association on planning for growth. Congratulations Raydon!

MANUFACTURERS OF THE YEAR – Nominations for Manufacturer of the Year, Best Practices, and Exporter of the Year are now being accepted by the Volusia Manufacturer’s Association. The awards banquet is scheduled for Oct. 23 and all nominations must be in by Aug.15 in order to be considered. Nominate members or your own company by calling Jayne Fifer, at (386) 673-0505, or email jayne.fifer@VMAonline.com.

AVOID SALES TAX – Planning to buy production equipment in 2008? You could be exempt from paying sales tax. And if you bought in 2007, you can apply for a refund. According to http://dor.myflorida.com/dor/tips/tip06a01-06.html, qualified, expanding businesses can receive a tax exemption permit and instructions on how to apply for a tax refund of previously paid taxes on qualifying machinery and equipment.

NEWS ITEMS WANTED! – Please send your business news items to Dave Byron, Volusia County Community Information Director, 123 W. Indiana Ave., DeLand, 32720-4612, by fax at (386) 822-5072 or by e-mail at dbyron@co.volusia.fl.us