March 16, 2009

SMALL MEETINGS ARE BIG SUCCESSES AT THE OCEAN CENTER – The 500,000-square-foot Ocean Center is a great place for an expo or convention, but it's also been designed to host local group meetings and events, too. With its recent expansion, the Ocean Center now can accommodate dozens of meetings simultaneously. There are small and large meeting rooms and dramatic reception areas. On-site catering by Ovations Food Services includes everything from light hors d'oeuvres to gourmet banquets. Call the Ocean Center at (386) 254-4500 for more information.

COVER FLORIDA HEALTH INSURANCE – Six private insurance companies have partnered with the State of Florida to offer health insurance coverage through a program called Cover Florida. The plans are available for Florida applicants ages 19 to 64 who have been without health insurance for at least six months or who are recently unemployed – even if they have pre-existing health conditions. Floridians also may be eligible if they have lost employer-sponsored health benefits or are no longer covered by a public health insurance program during the previous six months. Interested Floridians should visit www.CoverFloridaHealthCare.com to learn more.

DAYTONA STATE COLLEGE PRESENTS – The L. Gale Lemerand Center for Entrepreneurship has announced that Mori Hosseini, chairman and CEO of ICI Homes, will be the featured speaker 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 7, at the Mori Hosseini Center at Daytona State College. Hosseini has been the recipient of many honors, notably the Florida Entrepreneur of the Year. The presentation is free, but reservations are required. Call (386) 506-4723 for more information.

ADAPTING TO CHANGE – Money is tight, times are tough, but where does the change begin? How can you make something faster and less expensive without compromising integrity? The 17th Annual Sterling Conference offers more than 50 workshops, four keynote speakers, and the five 2008 Governor’s Sterling Award Recipients will help you become better, faster and cheaper. Get more information and register at www.floridasterling.com or call (850) 922-5316.

FLOOD INSURANCE FACTS – Floridians need to be aware that flood damage is not covered by homeowners’ policies. In fact, a Rand Corporation study showed one-third of all floods occurred outside standard flood hazard areas, but only 1 percent of people outside the flood plains buy flood insurance. In Florida, nearly one-third of all homes have flood insurance, leaving two-thirds of all Florida families without this coverage Information about the National Flood Insurance Program can be found on FEMA’s web site at www.floodsmart.gov or www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/info.shtm.

MEDICAL MANUFACTURERS SYMPOSIUM – The Florida Medical Manufacturer's Consortium is hosting the 2009 Florida Medical Device Symposium in Tampa April 7 - 8. The symposium will provide sessions relating to the medical device industry and industry panels on regulatory issues and outsourcing. There also will be opportunities for networking throughout this two-day event. For more information or to register, visit www.FlaMedMfg.org.

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE BUSINESS SUMMIT MAY 27 – The Center for Business Excellence is bringing the Disney Institute to the Daytona Beach Hilton Oceanfront Resort May 27. The theme for the 5th Annual Business Summit is “Motivating through the Tough Times.” Experience the business behind the Disney magic. Register at www.CenterForBusinessExcellence.net or call (386) 740-6959.

FREE TIPS CREDIT FOR CONSUMERS – Consumer education and protection partner organizations are offering tips on a wide range of credit topics, including getting a free credit report, spotting a telemarketing scam, dealing with debt, deterring and detecting identity theft, avoiding home and auto repair scams and reporting credit repair scams. Go to http://www.consumer.gov/ncpw to learn more.

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.