Monday - Nov. 17, 2008

2008 THIRD QUARTER BRIEFING – The Volusia County Department of Economic Development presented a briefing about economic data from July, August and September to more than 100 community leaders Nov. 14. Officials said the county’s workforce increased by 1 percent over the past 12 months, while the number of workers employed posted a 2-percent decline for the same period. The strongest employment sectors for the third quarter included healthcare and hospitality, though all other sectors showed slight declines. Unemployment hovered at 7.2 percent. Residential construction declined from $99 million in the second quarter to $75 million in the third, but remained higher than the low of $69 million experienced during the first quarter of 2008. The county’s commercial construction activity posted $79 million for the third quarter. Pending any major changes in these trends, officials said Volusia County is expected to post approximately $700 million in new permitted construction in 2008.

MANUFACTURER SEEKS SITE IN VOLUSIA COUNTY – A medical products manufacturer is looking for 16,000 square feet of Class A office space for its headquarters facility. The prospect is seeking either existing or build-to-suit options. If you know of a space that meets these general guidelines, please submit your proposal via e-mail to John Kizer, Volusia County Department of Economic Development, at jkizer@co.volusia.fl.us. 

VOLUSIA AGRICULTURE WORTH $780 MILLION ANNUALLY – The Volusia County Council sponsored a report issued by the University of Florida that credits the area’s agricultural community with an annual economic impact of $780 million on the Volusia County economy. The details of the report were presented at a joint meeting of the County Council last week by Robert Clouser, professor and Extension Public Policy specialist, and representatives of the Volusia County agricultural community. For more details, contact David Griffis, Volusia County Agricultural Extension, at (386) 822-5778.

WINN-DIXIE DONATES $400K – Winn-Dixie Stores Inc. has donated $400,000 to fight breast cancer. The National Breast Cancer Foundation received a $300,000 donation from Winn-Dixie to help fund mammograms for those who can’t afford them. The Donna Foundation received a $100,000 as part of Winn-Dixie’s sponsorship of the second National Marathon to Fight Breast Cancer, also known at the “26.2 with Donna.” Winn-Dixie raised the funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation with the help of its vendor partners during a month-long campaign called “Touching Lives for a Better Tomorrow.”

BANK LOANS CRITICAL TO STARTUPS – Bank loans are a more important source of startup capital than are investments by friends and family members, according to a new report by the Kauffman Foundation. Researchers surveyed nearly 5,000 businesses founded in 2004 and found that 75 percent of the funding used in the businesses’ first year of operation came from investments by owners, bank loans and/or credit card debt. According to the study’s authors, this finding highlights how important credit markets are to startups, not just existing businesses. For more information about the study, go to www.kauffman.org/Capital-Structure-Decisions-Report.aspx. 

SUNSHINE SAVES MONEY – The Florida Energy Incentives Program allows businesses and homeowners to receive rebates for installing solar equipment. Solar thermal systems, used as alternative water heaters, have a maximum rebate of $500 for residential structures and $5,000 for commercial. Solar photovoltaic electricity systems will have a maximum rebate of $20,000 for residential and $100,000 for commercial structures. Solar pool heaters have a $100 maximum rebate for residential and commercial buildings.

AGRICULTURAL CARBON CREDITS – Attention farmers with pasture, hay and timber: Did you know that you may be eligible for payments from the carbon trading credit program? Call Dana Venrick, Volusia County Extension Services, at (386) 822-5778 to learn more.

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.