August 24, 2009

MANUFACTURER COMES TO VOLUSIA – Volusia County Department of Economic Development and Southeast Fabricators Inc. have announced the company will be relocating its operations to a 70,000-square-foot facility in DeBary to expand its manufacturing operations. Southeast manufactures steel structures and has developed a proprietary photo voltaic system for use by the telecommunication industry. The company anticipates hiring 250 employees over the next three years and is seeking county incentives for job growth.

DELAND MAYOR WINS STATE AWARD – DeLand Mayor Robert F. Apgar received the 2009 Florida League of Cities "E. Harris Drew Municipal Official Lifetime Achievement Award" recently. Apgar is the 31st recipient of the award, which was presented at the Florida League of Cities annual conference, and is the fourth municipal official from Volusia County to receive the honor. Congratulations, Bob!

SPANISH LANGUAGE FORECLOSURE HELP – The Florida Department of Financial Services has launched a Spanish-language Web site to help Hispanic homeowners who are facing foreclosure. The site offers resources for homeowners hoping to modify their mortgage or obtain tax-credit information. It also has information for military veterans seeking a low-interest home loan. To find the Web site, visit fldfs.convertlanguage.com, or call toll-free (877) 693-5236.

TURNING LAYOFF TO LIFTOFF – The Regional Aerospace Workforce Initiative Taskforce is bringing together all Central Florida counties, economic development agencies, workforce boards and educational institutions to map out a plan for the potential layoff of 7,000 workers at the Kennedy Space Center in 2010 when the space shuttle program is terminated. It is estimated that 4,000 of those workers reside in Volusia County. Volusia County's Department of Economic Development, the Center for Business Excellence and Volusia educational institutions are participating in the plan to find jobs in the region for those workers who lose their jobs at Cape Canaveral. An active program is being developed to inventory skills and match them with potential employers.

EXPORT SALES MISSION TO PANAMA AND COSTA RICA – Join Enterprise Florida for an export sales mission to Costa Rica and Panama Dec. 6 - 11. Panama and Costa Rica are among Florida’s top trading partners, with exports totaling $4.5 billion to these markets. Gold Key participants will receive one-on-one appointments with pre-screened buyers and are eligible for partial fee reimbursement under the Volusia County Department of Economic Development’s Gold Key program. Participation is limited. For information on the sales mission, contact Julie Balzano at jbalzano@eflorida.com or Lorrie Belovich at lbelovich@eflorida.com, or contact them at (305) 808-3660. For information on the county’s Gold Key program and available resources, contact Paul Mitchell, Department of Economic Development, at (386) 248-8048.

BUILDING GREEN – The Volusia Building Industry Association is hosting a panel discussion at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26, to discuss everything you need to know about building requirements and the financial advantages to using the latest technology. Continental breakfast will be provided and registration is free. RSVPs are required by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25, at Ronald.Wysocarski@enmcdirect.com or (386) 226-1414.

IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS – A “Seven Habits of Effective Leaders” program will be from 8 - 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25, at Daytona State College (bldg. 110, room 112). The program will be co-sponsored by the Small Business Development Center and The Chamber – Daytona Beach/Halifax Area. To register, please call Gail Miller at (386) 255-0981 ext. 229.

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