Monday – September 8, 2008

DEFENDORY TRADE SHOW – Defendory® International 2008 is the world's leading defense exhibition and showcase for defense products and technologies. More than 32,000 professionals from 84 countries, and 98 official governmental and armed forces delegations from 51 countries, are expected to participate in the bi-annual event this October in Athens, Greece. The Volusia County Department of Economic Development is sponsoring at least two Volusia County companies to participate in Defendory. If you would like to participate in the exhibition, or learn of other opportunities associated with the DOED's International Trade Development Program, please contact Paul Mitchell at (386) 248-8048. Defendory space is limited; businesses are encouraged to call as soon as possible.

SHORT-TERM SPACE NEEDED – A manufacturer is looking for 30,000 square feet of manufacturing space for a 12 to 18 month lease. Persons who have or know of a building that meets these requirements should contact John Kizer, Volusia County Department of Economic Development, at (386) 248-8048 or via e-mail at jkizer@co.volusia.fl.us.

WORKMEN COMPENSATION RATES DECLINE AGAIN – Proposed rates for Florida's workers' compensation call for a 14.1-percent decrease statewide, producing a savings of more than $465 million for state employers. The proposal is the sixth consecutive drop since the Florida Legislature passed sweeping reforms to the state's workers' comp system in 2003. The rate decline is due primarily to a significant drop in frequency of claims and a reduction in claims costs.

RAYDON AWARDED $20 MILLION CONTRACT – Raydon Corporation, Daytona Beach, has been awarded a contract for critical Virtual Route Clearance Trainers for the U.S. Army. The initial contract valued at $20 million has three options which could bring the total contract value to $53 million if exercised. Route clearance trainers relate to vehicles designed to remove mines and other hazards. For more information on these simulators, visit www.raydon.com.

COULD YOUR COMPANY BE EXPORTER OF THE YEAR? – The Volusia Manufacturers Association is accepting nominations for Exporter of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year and a Best Practices award. The Volusia County Department of Economic Development is sponsoring the 2008 Exporter of the Year award in association with a state-funded grant designed to promote the expansion of international trade development in Volusia County. Call Paul Mitchell (386) 248-8048 to nominate your company or a manufacturer that has exported over the last year.

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 at (800) 621-3362. Additional details about the loan application process is available through the SBA Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or by e-mailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Applications also are online at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.

DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE – Funding for Disaster Unemployment benefits has been provided by the U.S. Department of Labor through Florida’s Agency for Workforce Innovation. Funding is 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 who are not normally covered by state unemployment compensation. Applications for Disaster Unemployment benefits may be filed online at www.fluidnow.com; at (800) 204-2418, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.; or via fax at (850) 921-3938. Applications must be filed by Sept. 27.

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.