Monday - October 27, 2008

MANUFACTURER SEEKS SITE IN VOLUSIA COUNTY – A manufacturer of large metal containers is looking for 40,000 square feet of manufacturing, warehouse and office space in Volusia County. If you know of a facility or site that is properly zoned and shovel-ready that can be included in a proposal to be submitted to the company, please contact John Kizer, Volusia County Department of Economic Development, at (386) 248-8048, or by e-mail at jkizer@co.volusia.fl.us. Recommendations and supporting materials must be submitted by Nov. 2 to be included in the proposal package.

MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE – Effective Jan. 1, 2009, Florida's minimum wage will increase to $7.21 per hour from $6.79. If federal and state minimum wage rates are not the same, federal law directs businesses to pay the higher of the two wage rates. The Florida minimum wage rate will prevail over the federal rate until such a time as the federal minimum wage becomes higher. Federal and Florida minimum wage requirements will increase to $7.25 July 24, 2009.

RAYDON PRODUCTS A HIT IN EUROPE – Raydon Corporation of Daytona Beach recently participated as an exhibitor at the Defendory Trade Show in Athens, Greece. Raydon highlighted its computerized simulator training to a number of NATO countries in attendance. Already a primary supplier to the U.S. Department of Defense for convoy and other military trainers, Raydon is seeking to expand to other global markets. The trade show was part of an Enterprise Florida initiative that generated 18 one-on-one sales appointments arranged by the U.S. Commercial Service. Raydon’s participation in the trip was sponsored by the Volusia County Department of Economic Development’s International Trade Program. To learn more about this program, contact Paul Mitchell at (386) 248-8048 or e-mail pmitchell@co.volusia.fl.us.

OSHA FORKLIFT TRAINING – Employers who use forklifts in their workplaces have a new resource to help keep their employees safe on the job. The Powered Industrial Trucks (Forklift) e-Tool is the latest web-based training tool unveiled by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. To learn more go to osha.gov/dcsp/products/etools/pit/index.html.

SMALL BUSINESSES OPTIMISTIC – Although National Small Business Association (NSBA) members cited economic uncertainty and high health care costs as their biggest business challenges, business owners remain optimistic about their own prospects. Seventy-five percent were confident in the future of their businesses. Concerning banking, 60 percent plan to take action, such as spreading deposits across different institutions, to minimize financial risks. High energy costs also are a concern, with 87 percent of respondents noting that energy costs have negatively affected their businesses. To learn more or to access the NSBA 2008 Small Business Mid-Year Economic Report, go to nsba.biz/docs/trend6_indd.pdf. 

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW – The Presidential Election isn’t the only high-stakes political battle playing out in Florida this fall. On Nov. 4, voters will face a lineup of six ballot initiatives that cover everything from a hurricane and energy tax break, to creating tax breaks for marinas and conservation lands. Each measure will require 60 percent approval by voters to pass. Florida Trend magazine has compiled a guide to the proposed amendments which is available online at floridatrend.com/article.asp?aID=49809.

AREA MANUFACTURERS RECOGNIZED FOR ACHIEVEMENT – During its annual awards banquet recently, the Volusia Manufacturers Association (VMA) recognized the achievements and success of Hudson Technologies of Ormond Beach with the VMA Outstanding Manufacturers Award. Germfree Laboratories of Ormond Beach was recognized as the VMA Exporter of the Year. Germfree, which relocated to Volusia County from south Florida six years ago, generates more than 25 percent of its overall sales from international markets. Congratulations to Hudson and Germfree for their honors.

DAYTONA BEACH CONDOS MARKET OF YESTERYEAR – In 1962, condo housing was a new concept in Florida. Florida’s first project started in Daytona Beach and units were selling for and average of $18,000.

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.