Monday – September 1, 2008

LABOR DAY HISTORY – Did you know? The Knights of Labor organized the original parade Tuesday, Sept. 5, 1882, in New York City. Labor Day is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well being of our country.

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION LOANS – Homeowners, renters and business owners affected by Tropical Storm Fay can seek assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available for homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Businesses and nonprofit organizations can borrow up to $2 million to replace or repair damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. SBA also can lend additional funds to help with the cost of making improvements that protect, prevent or minimize the same type of disaster damage in the future. To be considered for all forms of disaster assistance, victims must first call the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at (800) 621-FEMA (3362). Additional details about the loan application process can be obtained by through the SBA Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955, via
e-mail disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or apply online at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.

DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE – Funding for Disaster Unemployment benefits have been provided by the U.S. Department of Labor through Florida’s Agency for Workforce Innovation. Funding has been provided for employees who have lost jobs or businesses as a result of Tropical Storm Fay. The program covers individual workers, self-employed individuals, owners and workers of farms and ranches, fisheries, and others not normally covered by state unemployment compensation. Applications for Disaster Unemployment benefits may be filed online at www.fluidnow.com, at (800) 204-2418 (from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.), or by fax at (850) 921-3938. Applications must be filed no later than Sept. 27.

HAVE A PET PLAN? – The best way to protect your family from the effects of a disaster is to have a disaster plan. If you are a pet owner, that plan must include your pets. If you evacuate your home, don’t leave your pets behind. Assemble a portable pet supply kit. If you evacuate, have a place to go and take your pets with you. For more information concerning preparing a plan for pet evacuation, visit http://www.floridadisaster.org/petplan.htm.

ADMIRAL HIGHLIGHTS EXPORTING – The Volusia Manufacturers Association’s (VMA) general membership meeting Aug. 28 highlighted exporting. Sponsored by the Volusia County Department of Economic Development, the featured speaker was Rear Admiral William G. Sutton CAE. U.S. Navy (Ret.), Assistant Secretary of the Department of Commerce, who discussed how free trade agreements create opportunities for Volusia County companies to export to the European Union. The meeting also served as the kickoff for the VMA’s Exporter of the Year Award. For information on exporting or applying for the VMA Exporter of the Year Award, please contact Paul Mitchell at (386) 248-8048.

SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR THE GREEN INDUSTRY – The University of Florida Volusia County Agricultural Extension is hosting a workshop on how to survive difficult times in the agricultural/green industry from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, at the Pierson Lions Club. If your business climate is deteriorating and you’re worried about your business’s future, this workshop may be for you. A complimentary lunch will be provided. Register at (386) 822-5778 by Sept. 5.

VMA SMALL MANUFACTURER EXPO – Local companies will have an opportunity to showcase their products and capabilities, meet new customers, vendors, and suppliers during the second Small Manufacturers Expo from 3 - 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, at the Advanced Technology College in Daytona Beach. Tables are available for businesses to showcase products, and speakers will cover various topics from 3 - 6 p.m. More information and registration can be found at www.vmaonline.com, or call Jayne Fifer at (386) 673-0505. Registrations are required by Aug. 31.

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.