Monday – October 30, 2006

UNITED OFFERS CHICAGO FLIGHT FROM DAYTONA BEACH -- Beginning November 4 United Airlines will offer nonstop Saturday service between Daytona Beach International Airport and Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. The Saturday flight will leave Chicago at 10:50 a.m. and arrive in Daytona Beach at 2:04 p.m. The return flight to Chicago will leave Daytona Beach at 2:50 p.m. and arrive at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport at 4:04 p.m. United will use the 50-passenger Canadair Regional Jet to provide this service. United also offers two daily nonstop flights between Daytona Beach and Washington Dulles International Airport.

RAYDON MAKES IT EASIER FOR TROOPS TO TRAIN -- Raydon Corporation, Daytona Beach, a leader in military training simulation and technology, recently created a new program which expedites the acquisition and implementation of critical convoy operations training systems for U.S. troops. Raydon's Convoy Training Services/Rental Program allows the military to rent the company's convoy training assistance when and where it’s most needed, bypassing the sometimes lengthy procurement process required for purchasing the training system. Raydon has three convoy trainer configurations -- the Virtual Combat Convoy Trainers, Virtual Convoy Operations Trainers and Virtual Tabletop Convoy Trainers. The newest element in Raydon's interoperable convoy training package is the Virtual Warrior Interactive. Through VWI, for the first time ever, dismounted soldiers can train and interact in real time with soldiers in networked convoy, tank, armored fighting vehicle, and helicopter trainers. Raydon has been at the leading edge of simulation training technology for nearly 20 years.

HEALTH SERVICES FAIR SET -- The third annual Health Services Career Fair is set for November 1 at the Holiday Inn, 350 E. International Speedway Boulevard, DeLand. More than 20 area businesses from the health services industry will be recruiting at the event. CEU/CME training for healthcare professionals also will be offered. Attendance for health service professionals is free. Area businesses interested in participating may contact Amy Workowski at 386/681-2365. Health service professionals may register at www.onestops.com/register.htm. The event is sponsored through the partnership efforts of the Daytona Beach News-Journal and the Center for Business Excellence.

EXPORTING GRANTS AWARDED TO SIX AREA COMPANIES – The Volusia Manufacturers Association in partnership with the county Department of Economic Development awarded six International Gold Key grants to area manufacturers as part of the annual VMA awards banquet held last week at the Sunset Harbor Yacht Club. The grant recipients produce goods that were shipped to 84 countries worldwide and accounted for more than $62 million in product sales. The International Gold Key grant provides for the identification of potential international sales opportunities by the U.S. Foreign and Commercial Service in 150 foreign markets. The grant awards were made to the Homac Company, Ormond Beach; Florida Gourmet Foods International, DeLand; Brunswick Commercial and Government Products, Edgewater; Tanning Research Laboratories, Ormond Beach; Thompson Pump and Manufacturing Company, Port Orange, and Complete Parachute Solutions, DeLand.

DBCC TO HOST BUSINESS STARTUP SEMINAR -- The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Daytona Beach Community College has scheduled a seminar on how to start a business in Florida. The session will be November 1 from 6 - 9 p.m. on the Daytona Beach campus, building 110, room 250. The cost for this seminar is $30 and can be paid by check or cash at the door. Please call 386/506-4723 to register.

BE CHARTER SMARTER – For detailed information on the seven proposed amendments to the Volusia County Home Rule Charter that will be on the ballot November 7, click here.

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