Monday – November 6, 2006

BE CHARTER SMARTER – For detailed information on the seven proposed amendments to the Volusia County Home Rule Charter that will be on the ballot Tuesday, please access volusia.org and click on the Be Charter Smarter icon.

VOLUSIA’S AVERAGE WAGE TOPS $30,000 – Volusia’s average wage climbed to $30,180 during the first quarter. Since 2001, average wages have improved from just above $24,000. While modest, this increase of $247 over the previous quarter adds more than $40.1 million in new payroll for the area’s workforce. When combined with an estimated $157.7 million in new payroll due to additional workers being added to the economy during the same quarter, the Volusia market benefited from $198 million in new wages. Volusia’s workforce generates an overall annual payroll $5 billion.

GOVERNOR RECOGNIZES LOCAL MEDICAL CENTER -- Governor Jeb Bush recently presented Gold Seal Nursing Home Awards to 11 of the state's top longterm healthcare facilities. The Gold Seal Award was implemented as a way to recognize Florida nursing homes that demonstrate excellence in care management and quality of life for their residents. John Knox Village Medical Center, Orange City, was recognized as one of the top 11 nursing homes in Florida.

CUBA TOPS FOR FLORIDA IMMIGRANTS -- According to a report recently released by the National Association of Realtors, 75,644 legal immigrants arrived in Florida in 2004. Most came from Cuba (14,992). Other countries of origin include Haiti (6,745); Colombia (6,086); Jamaica (4,074); Venezuela (2,916); and Mexico (2,704). For more research data, go to www.realtor.org

TANNING RESEARCH LABORATORIES RECOGNIZED AS EXPORTER OF THE YEAR – Tanning Research Laboratories, Ormond Beach, received the Volusia Manufacturers Association’s Exporter of the Year award during the group’s recent annual awards banquet. Tanning Research Laboratories exports more than 200 products to 64 international markets including a recent entry into the Peoples Republic of China. The Exporter of the Year award is sponsored by the county’s Department of Economic Development.

VOLUSIA TOURIST INDUSTRY THANKS RESIDENTS -- More than eight million guests visit Volusia County each year and pump billions of dollars into our local economy. The Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Hotel Motel Association of Volusia County again have teamed to thank Volusia County residents for their support of tourism throughout the year. The Thanks 2 You, Volusia! program runs November 1 - January 31 and offers residents discounts on accommodations, attractions, restaurants and more. Log on to daytonabeachcvb.org for details.

NO COST BUT A BIG IMPACT -- SATOP, an alliance between NASA and major technology firms, offers 40 hours of free engineering services to any business with a technical problem. An independent study showed SATOP responsible for generating more than $106 million in economic impact in 2005 and creating or retaining 220 jobs as a result of solving 523 requests for assistance. If you have an engineering or technical problem, don't overlook this free technical resource. Please contact Paul Mitchell, Business Specialist, at 386/274-3439 for further information.

BANKRUPTCY RATES INCREASING -- The personal bankruptcy rate, including Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings, in the United States has increased from 4.32 per 1,000 population in 2000 to 6.88 per 1,000 population in 2005. In Volusia County, the bankruptcy rates increased from 5.19 to 7.57 per 1,000 population during the same period. Volusia County has the third highest ranking in terms of personal bankruptcy filings within Florida.

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.