INTERNATIONAL TRADE MISSION SUCCESSFUL - One of the highlights
for 2007 was the Team Florida mission in Brazil, Florida’s largest
trading partner with over $11 billion of trade volume. During the
mission, over $300 million in sales and anticipated sales were
generated, a record amount. This included $146 million in deals incident
to the trade mission, and a single contract in the amount of $182
million that will convert municipal trash to electricity and help to
decrease landfill and waste in the state. Volusia County’s own Karavan
Trailers landed a $500,000 distributorship deal. To find out how Volusia
County’s Department of Economic Development can help you launch or
increase international sales, call Paul Mitchell at 386-248-8048 or
email him at
pmitchell@co.volusia.fl.us.
GOING GREEN - The increase in oil and gasoline prices in 2007 has
heightened awareness of the economic impact of energy usage. Increased
energy efficiency in existing and new buildings can help lower costs and
sustain the natural environment. To learn more, visit the U.S. Green
Building Council web site www.usgbc.org
and learn about the standards for Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design (LEED). Another useful web site is the Sustainable Buildings
Industry Council at
www.sbicouncil.org.
BIGGER THAN DISNEY AND THE NFL? - Florida's hunters and anglers
pump $13-million a day into the state's economy. That's according to the
Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation, which just released a report:
"Hunting and Fishing: Bright Stars of the American Economy." According
to the report, sportsmen support more jobs in Florida than Disney World,
and their spending is triple the cash receipts of the state's orange
crops and twice the revenues of Miami-based Burger King. The two million
Florida residents who hunt and fish each year are more than the number
who attend all of the NFL games in the state (1.6 million).
INNOVATION FOR SMALL MANUFACTURERS - On January 23, 2008 from 8
AM to 4:30 PM, the SBDC at UCF Orlando and the FL Manufacturing
Extension Partnership will host a FREE one-day seminar focusing on
Innovation & Competitive Solutions for small to mid-sized Manufacturers.
Throughout the day, topics such as supply chain integration, risk
management, supply chain fraud detection, lean performance, and
identifying and responding to government opportunities will be
discussed. For more information or to register visit
www.sbdcorlando.com or call
407/420-4850.
CUSTOMER SERVICE FACILITY NEEDED - The County’s Department of
Economic Development is in contact with a consultant for a Canadian
based company that is looking for a US location for a customer service
facility. Immediate occupancy of 30,000 square feet of space with
parking for 200 employees is preferred, but they will consider a build
to suit alternative. Please contact John Kizer, Business Specialist
(call 386 - 248-8048, or email
jkizer@co.volusia.fl.us). Your information will be forwarded to the
consultant, and you will be kept updated on their response.
SPRUCE CREEK AT TOP OF CLASS - Newsweek Magazine's has ranked
Spruce Creek High School as one of the nation's best high schools in
2007. In fact, Spruce Creek has ranked within the Top 100 high schools
in the nation since the list of America's Top Public Schools was
initiated in 2003. In 2007 Spruce Creek ranked #57 a movement up from
the #85 slot in 2006.
EMPLOYEE RECRUITMENT OPPORTUNITY - Volusia and Flagler businesses
of all sizes and industries are welcome to register to participate in
the fourth annual “Making Connections” job fair event that will be held
on January 31 from 11am-3pm at Embry Riddle's ICI Center in Daytona
Beach. Booth space is limited and may be reserved on a first-come,
first-serve basis. Businesses interested in registering may call (386)
681-2365 or (386) 323-7088 for more information.
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.
Department of Economic Development
700 Catalina Drive, Suite 200,
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
Telephone:
386-248-8048
FAX: 386 238-4761 Toll Free: 800-554-3801
