FEDERAL CONTRACTS TO LOCAL COMPANIES DOWN – According to the
most recent Consolidated Federal Funds Report issued by the U.S.
Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, the award of federal
procurement contracts to Volusia County companies and individuals
declined by $16,244,426 or 11.4 percent between FY2004 to FY2005. For
FY2005, Volusia County received $126,027,707, down from the FY2004 total
of $142,272,133. While federal government contracting to area companies
has been increasing, the loss of the General Dynamics facility in DeLand
caused the statistical decline in local values. General Dynamics
received on average about $75 million in annual contracts prior to
closing its DeLand facility in 2005.
NEW SMYRNA BEACH AMONG TOP BEACHES – More than 40,000 readers
from across Florida voted New Smyrna Beach as Florida’s Best Beach. The
designation was part of The Orlando Sentinel’s 101 Best contest
recognizing reader’s choice. New Smyrna Beach received top honors
followed by Clearwater Beach and Cocoa Beach.
MANUFACTURER SEEKING NEW FACILITY – The Volusia County Department
of Economic Development is in negotiations with a manufacturer of
hurricane shutters seeking 20,000 square feet of light manufacturing,
warehouse, and office space for lease or to own. If you know of an
existing available facility of this size, please contact John Kizer,
Business Specialist at 386/248-8048 or email your information to
jkizer@co.volusia.fl.us.
Your information will be forwarded to the company.
ANOTHER BUSINESS RESOURCE TO CONSIDER: SBA 8(A) PROGRAM -
Congress created the 8(a) program under the U.S. Small Business
Administration (SBA) in an effort to help small companies owned and
operated by socially and economically disadvantaged persons grow their
businesses. Under this program, SBA acts as a prime contractor and
enters into contracts with other Federal Government departments and
agencies. In its role as a prime contractor, SBA awards subcontracts for
their performance to certified companies. To learn more about this
program and to see if your company is eligible for participation, go
online to
www.sbda.com/sba_8(a).htm
SMALL BUSINESS FINANCING SEMINAR - The DBCC’s Small Business
Development Center and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are
co-sponsoring a workshop on "How to Finance Your Small Business" from 6
- 8 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 16. The seminar will be at the Advanced
Technology College (ATC) in the Multipurpose Room. For additional
information and to register for this workshop, please call 386/506-4723
or visit www.sbdc-dbcc.com.
FLORIDA APPROVED FOR A NEW CROP INSURANCE PROGRAM - Beginning in
the 2008 crop year, AGR-Lite insurance can provide protection against
low revenue due to unavoidable natural disasters and market fluctuations
that affect income during the insurance year. Unlike traditional crop
insurance, AGR-Lite covers the whole farm, with most farm-raised crops,
animals and animal products eligible for coverage. Hurricanes in 2004
and 2005 caused crop losses to Florida agriculture in excess of $4
billion. A list of agents who sell the crop coverage is available at
www.rma.usda.gov/tools/agents.html.
SEMINAR ON NAVIGATING THE CONSTRUCTION PROCESS – Florida Capital
Bank together with Underwood Construction and architect Bill Chapin will
be hosting a seminar on navigating the construction process from 3 - 5
p.m., Thursday, Nov. 8. Among the topics to be covered are construction
design, permitting, scheduling and financing for both new building
construction and renovation of existing facilities. The seminar will be
at Florida Capital Bank’s 1305 Beville Road facility in Daytona Beach.
Seating is limited. To reserve a seat for this hands-on seminar, contact
Susan Hively at 386/671-7166 or by email at
shively@flcb.com.
CORRECTION TO LAST WEEK’S NOTE ON THE EDUCATION CONSORTIUM – The
Volusia County Council awarded a contract to the Volusia County
Education Consortium to study future transportation programming and
funding. The members of the Volusia County Education Consortium should
also have included Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in addition to
Bethune-Cookman University, UCF, Stetson University and the Daytona
Beach Community College. Each of the colleges and universities will be
playing a participative role in this important review of the County’s
future transportation planning.
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
