Feb. 23, 2009

RAYDON GROWTH INCENTIVE APPROVED – The Florida Governor’s office has approved a $1.2 million tax refund incentive for Raydon Corporation to encourage the continued creation of new jobs in Volusia County. The incentive, under the Qualified Space and Defense Contractors Program, provides for refunds of taxes paid by Raydon over a six-year period, assuming specified employment goals are met. Volusia County Government will provide 20 percent of the total incentive.

MANUFACTURING SPACE NEEDED – A manufacturer is looking for 20,000 square feet of office, warehouse and production space in southwest Volusia County. The company will consider purchasing an existing building or leasing space short term and buying a site for construction. If you know of a location that meets these general guidelines, please submit your information to John Kizer, Volusia County Department of Economic Development, at jkizer@co.volusia.fl.us or at (386) 248-8048.

SOLAR ROOF SHINGLES – Dow Chemical Co. says it is aiming to start selling power-generating roof shingles by 2011. The chemical giant has been at work for the past year on a $50 million project called Dow Solar Solutions. The company's scientists and engineers are developing a product to sell thermoplastic solar roof shingles throughout North America. Dow Chemical is collaborating with home builders in Florida and working with Tucson-based Global Solar Energy Inc., a maker of flexible materials.

SMALL BUSINESSES GROW – Despite the tough economy, small businesses were able to add new employees in January. Data released by SurePayroll shows that, as of Jan. 31, the number of Florida employees increased by about three-fourths of one percent, though wages declined by nine-tenths of one percent. What the headlines don't read is that most unemployment is a result of layoffs at large companies. Small companies are generally less likely to downsize because the value of a small business employee to a small business owner is generally higher than the value of a large business employee to the shareholder.

SUPPORT FLORIDA FARMERS – A new Internet page launched by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will help consumers quickly learn which Florida products are in season. The web page, http://www.florida-agriculture.com/shopping_list.htm, features a list of popular Florida fruits, vegetables and seafood that currently are being harvested.

DELAND’S ATHENS THEATRE SEASON STARTS – The Athens Theatre, whose name represents Henry DeLand’s view of his namesake town (the “Athens of Florida”), will kick off its 2009 season March 20 with the “Sound of Music.” The theater first opened in 1922 and for several decades remained one of the area’s grandest entertainment venues. Saved from demolition, restoration started in 1997. The result is a magnificent blend of 1920’s aesthetics with 21st century functionality. The theater is at 124 N. Florida Ave., and the box office is at 600 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand. For more information, please call the Athens Theatre at (386) 736-7456.

THE ROMANCE CONTINUES – Even though living in the Sunshine State may not be inexpensive for retirees, it hasn’t changed their demographics. In 1982, about 17 percent of Floridians were 65 or older. Today, it’s 16 percent.

DAYTONA STATE COLLEGE (DSC) OFFERS CNC PROGRAMMING – In an introductory course, participants will learn the development of CNC programming methods, set-up and operation of drilling and milling machines. The course, scheduled from March 18 through May 20, will be taught in DSC’s CNC machining lab at the Advanced Technology College. To reserve a seat, please call (386) 506-4224 or e-mail parkerj@daytonastate.edu.

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.