Monday – July 2, 2007

VOLUSIA GETS ROAD GRANT – The county Department of Economic Development has received a transportation grant of $755,000 for road infrastructure for the retention and expansion of EdgeWater Power Boats. The grant is part of a state and county initiative to keep the company in Florida against an aggressive effort by the Carolinas to recruit the local manufacturer of commercial and recreational marine craft. EdgeWater Power Boats employs 98 fulltime workers.

PARKER BOATS SAILS INTO DAYTONA BEACH – Some 80 years after it was founded, Parker Boats is establishing a second location in Daytona Beach at 872 N. Tomoka Farms Road. The family-owned marine dealership and service center is building a 22,000-square-foot facility on six acres at a cost in excess of $1 million. The Daytona Beach dealership, expected to open in August, initially will employ 14 people. It will sell and service Sea Ray, Boston Whaler and Triton boats.

U.S. GAINS THREE MILLION PEOPLE ANNUALLY -- According to the U.S. Census, the U.S. gained 14.9 million people from 2000 - 2005. The 10 fastest growing states gained 7.4 million persons, 49 percent of the total. Nevada grew 21 percent; Arizona 16 percent, and Florida 11 percent, garnering approximately three million residents as a group. The remaining top 10 states were Georgia 11 percent; Utah 11 percent; Idaho 10 percent; Texas 10 percent; Colorado 8 percent; North Carolina 8 percent, and Delaware 8 percent.

VALUE OF VOLUSIA MEDIAN HOME SALES DECLINES – According to the May report from the Florida Association of Realtors, the median sale price of existing single family homes in Volusia declined 14 percent over the past 12 months -- from $228,600 in May 2006 to $196,800 in May this year. During this period, the sale price of condominiums declined 16 percent from $247,900 in May 2006 to $208,300 in May this year. Statewide, the median sale price in May was $237,000 for a single family home and $202,500 for a condo.

VMA MEETING TO COVER INTERNATIONAL TRADE – How to establish a strategy and sell locally produced products internationally will be the subject of the July 26 meeting of the Volusia Manufacturers Association (VMA). Sponsored by the county Department of Economic Development, the presentation will include examples of how area manufacturers have planned and implemented their entry into the international market. An international trade specialist with the state will be in attendance to meet with companies that want to explore new opportunities. For more information on local international trade funding opportunities, contact Paul Mitchell, Business Specialist, at 386-248-8048.

DISCUSSION TO FOCUS ON EXPORTING TO BRAZIL -- Brazil constitutes about one half of South America's economy. In 2006, U.S. exports to Brazil reached $19.3 billion, up 25 percent over 2005. Among the leading industry sectors for exporting are medical equipment, aircraft parts/equipment and pollution control equipment. The Florida District Export Council and the Oxford Group are having a panel discussion July 25 on how to export to Brazil. The cost is $45. To register go to http://www.flordiaexporter.com/brazilorlando.

DELTONA CONTINUES TO TOP VOLUSIA POPULATION – According to the U.S. Census’s Annual Estimates of Population for Incorporated Places in Florida, Deltona remains the most populated city in Volusia County with 84,273 residents. Daytona Beach ranks second with 64,183 residents, followed by Port Orange with 54,851 residents. For additional information on area population, contact Doug Vimmerstedt, Special Projects Coordinator, at 386/274-3438.

TEXAS SITE SELECTOR SEEKS OFFICE SPACE – The county Department of Economic Development is working with a Dallas business site selection company that is seeking office facilities in excess of 50,000 square feet. If you have or know of an existing office building with a minimum of 50,000 square feet please contact John Kizer at 386/248-8048.

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.