Monday - October 20, 2008

GERMFREE LABORATORIES BACK FROM ATHENS – Germfree Laboratories, Ormond Beach, recently returned from the Defendory International Trade Show in Athens, Greece, as part of trade mission sponsored by the U.S. Commercial Service and the Volusia County Department of Economic Development. The trade show provided Germfree Laboratories access to more than 2,500 potential buyers and one-on-one sales appointments with 16 buyers, including the Greek and Turkish governments. For more information on Volusia County’s international trade program, contact Paul Mitchell at (386) 248-8048 or via e-mail at pmitchell@co.volusia.fl.us.

2,900 JOBS LOST IN VOLUSIA COUNTY OVER PAST 12 MONTHS – The latest employment data concerning the local job market shows a decline of 2,900 jobs over the same period a year ago. While some industry sectors – like healthcare – continued to grow by 300 jobs, others posted significant losses. During the past 12 months, Volusia County lost an estimated 1,000 workers employed in business and professional services, more than 900 in local retail and 1,000 additional jobs in construction. Volusia County’s workforce in September showed 256,000 workers available for work with 238,375 gainfully employed. In September, unemployment was 7.2 percent (roughly 18,500 workers).

COLOMBIA AND VENEZUELA MARKET BRIEFING – Area companies are invited to participate in a Nov. 4 trade market briefing about doing business in Colombia and Venezuela. In the briefing, which will be presented by Enterprise Florida, participants will learn more about current economic and business trends in the region. One-on-one appointments with local companies from the two countries will be possible for discussion of trade opportunities for particular products or services. The event will be at the Enterprise Florida offices, 800 N. Magnolia Ave., Suite 1100, Orlando. For more information, contact Malvina Gasco at (407) 956-5639 or via e-mail to mgasco@eflorida.com.

SALES TAX EXEMPTION – Florida recognizes that semiconductor, defense, and space technology companies make significant annual investments in high-tech replacement equipment to keep pace with rapid advances in technology. Industrial equipment used in these industries may be exempted from Florida sales tax. To learn whether your equipment may qualify, contact Doug Vimmerstedt, Volusia County Department of Economic Development, at (386) 248-8048 or dvimmerstedt@co.volusia.fl.us.

TRANSPORTATION PLANNING – The Volusia County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) board consists of elected officials representing local governments, including municipal and county entities. The members review local, regional, and statewide transportation issues and work cooperatively to determine appropriate policy to address transportation needs. For more information or to review MPO’s annual report, go online to www.volusiacountympo.com.

POSITIVE RESULTS FOR CHARTER HIGH SCHOOLS– A recent study conducted by the Rand Corporation found that study participants who attended charter high schools were 7 to 15 percent more likely to earn a standard diploma than students at public high schools. Similarly, those attending charter high schools were 8 to 10 percent more likely to attend college. To learn more about the study results, go online to www.rand.org/pubs/working_papers/WR610/.

EXPORT 101 NOV. 18 – Export University is a training program developed by the Florida District Export Council in cooperation with the Florida Trade Alliance Partners. The Export University 101 program is designed for new-to-export firms seeking expert advice on export basics. Locally, the program will be offered Nov. 18 at the Mori Hosseini Center at Daytona State College. A $45 fee will cover will cover all expenses, including lunch. To register for this program and see the full agenda, visit www.floridaexporter.com/Daytona101, or call Doris Bernal at (386) 506-3582 or bernald@DaytonaState.edu. If you’re beyond the basics of learning about exporting, are ready for export sales or want to learn about the county’s European initiative for export assistance, please contact Paul Mitchell, Volusia County Department of Economic Development, at (386) 248-8048 or pmitchell@co.volusia.fl.us.

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.