September 21, 2009
IS YOUR BUSINESS PREPARED FOR A FLU OUTBREAK? – If
half your employees came down with flu this season, could you keep your
business running? That’s what local health officials are asking business
leaders as flu season begins, and the more unpredictable H1N1 swine flu
continues. Here are some proactive steps businesses can take: Provide
written guidance on flu, work closely with local and state public health
officials to provide the most up-to-date information to employees,
provide sufficient facilities in the workplace for hand washing and
alcohol-based hand sanitizers, reiterate to employees that they should
stay home if they are sick, establish sick leave policies to allow sick
employees to stay away from work and cross-train employees in different
roles. To find more online resources for businesses, including a
planning toolkit, visit
www.volusiahealth.com.
INCENTIVES APPROVED FOR MANUFACTURER – The Volusia County Council
approved $150,000 in performance-based job incentives for Southeast
Fabricators, which is establishing a manufacturing facility in DeBary.
Southeast Fabricators manufactures steel structures and has developed a
proprietary photo voltaic system for use by the telecommunication
industry. The company anticipates hiring at least of 250 employees over
the next three years.
ROAD RANGERS STILL ON PATROL – State Farm Mutual Auto Insurance Co.
has agreed to pay $307,000 to keep the Central Florida Road Ranger
program going. The new partnership between State Farm and the Central
Florida Regional Transportation Authority (Lynx) will maintain and
expand the motorist assistance program along Interstate 4 by adding
three Road Ranger vehicles and expanding the number of patrol hours. The
program faced an uncertain future because of budget cuts. The expanded
program will consist of 13 Road Rangers who will operate from 6 a.m. -
10:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Five trucks will operate during the
morning hours, eight during the midday hours and five during the late
afternoon through evening hours. Lynx Road Rangers make an average of 70
service stops per day.
SBA’S LOAN PROGRAM ENDING – The federal authorization for the
American Recovery Capital (ARC) Loan Program runs out Sept. 30. An ARC
loan is a deferred-payment loan of up to $35,000. Proceeds may be used
to pay mortgages, secured and unsecured loans, lines of credit and
credit cards. The ARC loan program is designed to give viable small
businesses facing financial hardship temporary financial relief so they
get their cash flow back on track and remain open. For more information,
go to http://tinyurl.com/phygb4.
CELEBRATE YOUR LAGOON – The Marine Discovery Center, 162 N. Causeway
in New Smyrna Beach, is hosting Estuary Day from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sept.
26, in celebration of the Indian River Lagoon. Indian River Lagoon is
considered by many to be the most biologically diverse estuarine system
in the continental United States. The celebration includes eco-tours,
kayaking and a cardboard boat race. Admission is free. For more
information, call (386) 428-4828.
IMPROVE CASH FLOW NOW! – Certain federal and state tax laws provide
opportunities for manufacturers to improve their cash flows or better
afford new equipment. Even with losses in 2009, tax strategies are
available that could provide a business with additional cash resources.
The Volusia Manufacturers Association is hosting a seminar from 7:45
a.m. to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29. Register at
www.VMAonline.com or call (386)
673-0505.
ECONOMIC GARDENING – Learn about “economic gardening” during a
half-day presentation hosted by Daytona State College from 8 - 11:30
a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7. Designed to harvest the potential of existing
local companies and entrepreneurs, economic gardening is quickly taking
root as a viable tool. This free seminar will be in building 110, room
112 of the college’s Daytona Beach campus, 1200 W. International
Speedway Blvd. Seating is limited and reservations are required. Call
(386) 506-4450 to make your reservation.
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.
