September 14, 2009

VMA SMALL MANUFACTURERS EXPO – The Volusia Manufacturer’s Association is sponsoring a reverse trade show to allow small manufacturers to showcase their products and capabilities to other Volusia manufacturers, vendors and suppliers. The show will be from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, in the Volusia Room of Daytona Beach International Airport. Ken Roberts of Dale Carnegie will speak at 5 p.m. about effective networking. For more information or to register, please call Jayne Fifer at (386) 673-0505 or e-mail jayne.fifer@VMAonline.com.

IDEAS TO CREATE ONLINE SALES – Small businesses are using search-engine optimization to steer customers to home pages, but how do they – and how can you – get customers to make purchases? Here are some ideas. First, install a "click-to-call" widget where customers click the link and insert a phone numbers and staff returns the call to close the sale. Second, add a "chat" feature to converse with customers about your products or services. Next, offer a "try before you buy" program to overcome buyer's regret by allowing them to try high-end products for an upfront fee. Allow 14 days for the customer to either return the item or purchase it (minus the fee).

GRATITUDE CAMPAIGN – Have you ever walked past one of our military personnel, wanted to convey to them your thanks, but weren't sure how to do so without feeling awkward? A Seattle man has created a gesture you can use to express your thanks. Watch The Gratitude Campaign online at www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSfFYxSdKdo.

ATTENTION BUSINESS OWNERS – Time may be running out for businesses to access fee-free business loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA) that are guaranteed up to 90 percent. As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the SBA set aside $375 million to eliminate temporarily loan fees and increase the agency's loan guarantee to 90 percent for certain loans. An SBA spokesman recently stated the SBA has used about 55 percent of those funds in approving $6 billion in loans under the 7(a) and 504 programs. However, barring another act of Congress, SBA-backed loans will revert to their pre-Recovery Act status by the end of November or December 2009. This translates to loan fees of 2 to 3 percent and guarantees of only 75 to 85 percent. The decrease could make it tougher to get approved for a loan because lower guarantees raise a bank's risk.

SILVER LINING? – The Commerce Department said that orders for goods expected to last at least three years increased 4.9 percent in July – the third rise in the past four months. Analysts expected a 3-percent increase.

TRAILS AND THE GREEN – Learn how trails can boost property values and provide opportunities for eco-tourism at a workshop from 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, at DeBary Hall, 210 Sunrise Blvd., DeBary. For more information or to register, contact Tara McCue at tara@ecfrpc.org or (407) 262-7772.

EXPORT SALES MISSION TO COSTA RICA AND PANAMA – In 2008, Costa Rica and Panama remained among Florida’s top trading partners, with exports to these markets totaling almost $4.5 billion. Join Enterprise Florida for an export sales mission to these potential markets from Dec. 6 - 11. Participation is limited to 15 Florida manufacturers, distributors, exporters and service companies who best meet the participation criteria. Openings are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. To register or for more information, please contact Julie Balzano or Lorrie Belovich at (305) 808-3660 or e-mail jbalzano@eflorida.com or lbelovich@eflorida.com.

FLORIDA TREND BEST COMPANY– Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) has been selected by Florida Trend as one of the 2009 Florida's Best Companies to work for. ERAU, based in Daytona Beach, came in at number 20 in the “large company” category and was the only education organization chosen for this list.

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.