March 30, 2009
GREEN VOLUSIA – One year ago June 5,
the Green Volusia program was adopted by the Volusia County Council as a
long-term initiative intended to promote the sustainable use of county
resources and to educate citizens. Green Volusia is creating a green
practices program that will become a “greenprint” for the way we do
business. For more information, visit
www.greenvolusia.org.
BENEFITS OF SPENDING IN FLORIDA – It is estimated 100,000 Florida
jobs are either not created or lost because of Floridians spending out
of the state. Florida consumers are being offered a spending benefit
that could boost the local economy. The backyard card, which can be
found at
www.floridabackyardcard.com, can be printed out from the website or
picked up wherever Florida Lottery tickets are sold. So far, 500 state
businesses are participating and officials hope more soon will follow.
Visit the web site for more information and details on participating
businesses.
MANUFACTURING SPACE NEEDED – An out-of-state manufacturer is
looking for 12,000 square feet of office, warehouse and production space
with room for future expansion to 20,000 square feet. The company
prefers leasing with option to purchase. 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.
GPS SAVES MONEY – GPS technology undoubtedly is an effective tool
for providing real-time mapping and location-based services. Aside from
helping businesses move their assets from point A to point B without
getting lost, they also can help save gas money – to the tune of $53
billion for the trucking industry alone! For more information on a study
by Motorola, go to
www.informationweek.com/blog/main/archives/2008/07/study_gps_could.html.
ARE YOUR PRODUCTS ON THE MUNITIONS LIST? – Are your munitions
governed by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)? The
U.S. government views the sale, export, and retransfers of hardware,
technical data or defense services as an integral part of safeguarding
U.S. national security. Penalties for ITAR violations or non-compliance
include export privilege denial, and civil and criminal charges of up to
$1 million per violation and 10 years of jail time. To find out if your
export is covered by the United State Munitions List (USML), visit
www.pmddtc.state.gov or
contact Business Specialist Paul Mitchell, Volusia County Department of
Economic Development, at (386) 248-8048.
PRACTICE DILIGENCE IN THESE DRY CONDITIONS – Carelessness and
arson cause two out of three wildfires in Florida. Due to the continued
dry conditions throughout Volusia County, Fire Services officials are
maintaining an outdoor burn ban for the county’s unincorporated area as
well as for the cities of DeBary, Oak Hill, Lake Helen, and the Town of
Pierson. Violators can be fine up to $500 and/or have a 60-day stay in
the county jail. Other cities in the county also have instituted their
own burn bans. Learn more about the current brush fire activity in
Volusia County at
www.volusia.org/pin.
DELTONA-OSTEEN JOINT PLANNING MAKING PROGRESS – Volusia County
and City of Deltona’s continuing effort concerning the future
development of the Deltona-Osteen joint planning area recently
culminated in a Joint Planning Agreement. A key feature in the proposed
mix of residential and non-residential land uses is the 147-acre Tech
Center. The Tech Center would help diversify the area’s economy and
provide employment center site alternatives for office, research,
warehouse and light manufacturing uses. Next up for this proposed
large-scale comprehensive plan amendment are city and county public
hearings.
FINANCING OPTIONS – When access to funding is vital, the business
owner must make a critical determination as to who and what option
serves him or her the best. Options include owner financing, a loan, a
joint venture, a private placement, mezzanine financing or other
vehicles. A seminar at the Sheraton Downtown Orlando from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Wednesday, April 15, explores these options. Go to
www.ACG.org/Orlando for
information and registration.
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
