On the Economic Scene

VOLUSIA COUNTY QUARTERLY ECONOMIC BRIEFING COMING FEB. 7 – Mark your calendars to attend the Volusia County Economic Development Division’s quarterly economic development briefing to be held at 7:45 a.m. Friday, Feb. 7, in the Dennis R. McGee Room at Daytona Beach International Airport. These free community briefings present the most recent economic indicators and trends that impact our county. This quarter’s briefing will feature Rachel Rutledge, career and technical education coordinator for Volusia County Schools (VCS); she will present a comprehensive update on the VCS program. Reservations are not required. For information, call 386-248-8048.

2020 INNOVATION CHALLENGE FINAL PITCH – The Cairns Foundation and the Volusia County UCF Business Incubator present the 7th Annual Cairns Foundation Innovation Challenge. The final pitch will be held at the UCF Daytona Beach Campus from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 26. The challenge’s goal is to promote commercialization of innovations spawned by local undergraduate and graduate students from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Bethune-Cookman University, Daytona State College and Stetson University. Finalists will present their innovative ideas to a group of local investors for a chance at a $10K first prize. Deadline for entry and full details about the Innovation Challenge are available via this link.

VOTE FOR DAYTONA BEACH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – While large airports can often dominate the travel scene, the U.S. is home to many smaller airports that excel with commercial flight service, easy access and amenities for their travelers. Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) is in the running for Best Small Airport in the country for the “2020 USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards. The ballots are open, but not for long. Voters can cast ballots once daily until voting ends at noon Jan. 13.

PLAN NOW FOR ENTERPRISE FLORIDA’S EXPORT SALES MISSION TO THAILAND AND PHILIPPINES – Enterprise Florida will lead an Export Sales Mission to Bangkok, Thailand, and Manila, Philippines from May 29 to June 6. There are a number of industry sectors with excellent export opportunities for this mission, such as aviation, defense and security, medical equipment, food processing, personal care and beauty products, and agricultural sectors. Enterprise Florida is collaborating with the U.S. Commercial Service for one-on-one appointments with pre-screened companies. Gold Key Trade Grants are available from Enterprise Florida for qualified companies. For details, contact either John Diep or call 561-832-8339 or Andrea Moore or call 850-469-8989.

SALUTE TO WOMEN IN VOLUSIA MANUFACTURING – Meet the Volusia Manufacturing Association’s (VMA) Women in Manufacturing Award Winners at a Roaring ’20s themed event. During the 1920s, manufacturing hit its stride and women emerged as an impactful force as they won the right to vote and pushed further into the workplace. The event will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.  Jan. 28 at Copper Bottom Distillery in Holly Hill. All those wishing to attend should register at VMA’s webpage.

THE GIG ECONOMY AND FLORIDA'S WORKFORCE SYSTEM – CareerSource Florida commissioned a comprehensive study, which began in 2019 to explore the impact of today’s emerging gig economy on Florida’s workforce system. The report synthesizes the results of the research undertaken to further CareerSource Florida’s understanding of the gig economy and the potential workforce, education and economic development implications for Florida. The report provides a roadmap for CareerSource Florida and partners across the state to engage in the gig economy. Read the full Gig Economy report via this link.

FLORIDA LEADS U.S. IN THE MIGRATION OF MONEY – As reported, migration is providing Florida an economic boost. The state netted $16 billion in adjusted gross income from people moving to the Sunshine State in 2018, making it the country’s top beneficiary for the sixth straight year, according to recently released Internal Revenue Service data. The net economic benefit from migration increased 3% from $15.5 billion in 2017. The IRS figures are the first to reflect the net migration of personal income since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act 2017 law went into effect. The biggest losers were New York and California, which bled $9.62 billion and $7.98 billion, respectively. Read the full Bloomberg article via this link.

GRANT MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP IN DAYTONA BEACH – Grant Writing USA^® will present a two-day grants management workshop Jan. 30 and 31 at the offices of the River to Sea TPO in Daytona Beach. In this class, you will learn how to administer government grants and stay in compliance with applicable rules and regulations. This training is recommended for grant recipient organizations across all disciplines. Details regarding the grant management workshop and online registration are available via this link.

MADE IN AMERICA 2020 MANUFACTURING SHOWCASE – The Showcasing American Made trade show will occur in Detroit, Michigan, from Oct. 1 to 4. Consider exhibiting your company in this second annual event along with hundreds of manufacturers from across the country showcasing high-quality, U.S. made machines and products. The showcase will also offer high-level presentations and panels featuring manufacturing professionals. Go to the Made in America 2020 Trade Show webpage for more information.

NEWS ITEMS WANTED! – Please send your business news items to Joanne Magley at jmagley@volusia.org.