June 1, 2009

SBA LAUNCHES ARC LOANS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES – On June 15, the Small Business Administration (SBA) will begin to issue 100-percent guarantees on America’s Recovery Capital (ARC) loans of up to $35,000 to provide short-term help for small business owners struggling to make their principal and interest payments on existing qualifying debt. ARC loans will be interest-free to borrowers, 100-percent guaranteed by the SBA, and will have no SBA fees associated with them. The deferred-payment loans will be available to established, viable, for-profit small businesses with a good performance history. ARC loans will be made by commercial lenders, not the SBA. Repayment will not begin until 12 months after the final disbursement. Borrowers don’t have to pay interest on ARC loans. After the 12-month deferral period, borrowers pay back the loan principal over a five-year period. For more information on ARC loans, visit www.sba.gov.

MIDWAY/D-DAY REMEMBRANCE – The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) will hold a remembrance celebration June 6 and 7 at the DeLand Municipal Airport to salute America’s heroes who participated in some of our world-changing battles. Organizers will offer aircraft rides in former military aircraft and tours of the CAF hangar and library/museum. Guests also can enjoy food and 1940s-era tunes all day. Gates will open at 8:30 a.m. For more information, e-mail info@caffl.org. Directions to the CAF hangar and more information can be found at www.caffl.org.

ROUGH ROADS AHEAD – One-third of the nation's major highways, including interstates, freeways and major roads, are in poor or mediocre condition, according to recent report by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. Roads in urban areas, which carry 66 percent of the traffic, are in much worse shape, experts say. Driving on rough roads costs the average American motorist about $400 a year in extra vehicle operating costs. Drivers living in urban areas with populations over 250,000 are paying $750 or more annually because of accelerated vehicle deterioration, increased maintenance, additional fuel consumption, and tire wear caused by poor road conditions. With regard to Florida's pavement conditions on interstates, freeways, and major urban routes, 76 percent were ranked in the “good” category in this report. Learn more online at www.tripnet.org/RoughRoadsReport_May2009.pdf.

FLEET MANAGEMENT SAVINGS – ArcLogistics is a complete desktop solution for creating optimized routes and solving scheduling problems. The program can help businesses cut fuel use, lower their overall carbon footprint, and help ensure their staff is moving efficiently. Outcomes can include managing fuel, payroll, and vehicle maintenance costs more effectively; implementing green initiatives that minimize carbon emissions; and delivering better service. For more information, go to www.esri.com/software/arclogistics/index.html.

QUICKBOOKS II CLASS – The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Daytona State College is offering a four-night class geared toward those familiar with, but not experts at, Quickbooks. Taught by a Certified QuickBooks Pro Advisor, the class will give real-life examples and further instruction using Quickbooks, including payroll programs. Students will work in a computer lab and have the opportunity to ask questions. For more information, please contact the SBDC at (386) 506-4723 or visit www.sbdcdaytona.com.

AUTO/TRUCK TAX BREAK – If your business buys a new passenger car or light truck that is subject to luxury auto depreciation limitations, (and most are, with the exception of big SUVs and pick-up trucks), the bonus depreciation tax break increases your maximum first-year depreciation deduction by $8,000 for vehicles placed in service by Dec. 31. For new cars, the estimated maximum first-year depreciation deduction for 2009 is $10,960 (assuming 100-percent business use). For new light trucks, the estimated maximum first-year deduction for 2009 is $11,060 (assuming 100-percent business use).

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