July 20, 2009

INTERNATIONAL TRADE REPORT – On July 16, the county’s Department of Economic Development (DOED) presented a report to the Volusia County Council on the department’s efforts to promote international trade. The report noted nonagricultural annual exports have increased 42 percent (approximately $80 million) from 2005 to 2007, reaching a new high of $273 million at the end of 2007. Annual exports of agricultural and natural resource products totaled $293 million in 2007. DOED is organizing the first trade mission for the horticultural industry. The mission will be in Amsterdam this October. For export assistance information, call Paul Mitchell at (386) 248-8048 or e-mail pmitchell@co.volusia.fl.us.

SELL TO THE GOVERNMENT – Florida’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership Center for Supply-Point® Integration Program will present a workshop to train manufacturing companies in Florida about how to submit quotes for government and prime contractor procurement. The workshop and networking session focuses on defense acquisition and will instruct attendees how to navigate various government web sites strategically. Through working with the government, companies can gain the competitive edge needed to achieve and sustain long-term growth. Register online at www.floridamep.org/events/upcomingevents.htm or contact Jayne Fifer at (386) 673-0505 or jayne.fifer@vmaonline.com.

WORK OPPORTUNITY TAX CREDIT (WOTC) EXTENDED – Employers can receive tax credits equal to 40 percent of the first year of qualified wages (up to $6,000) for a maximum allowable credit of $2,400 per employee. To qualify for a WOTC, employers must hire individuals from any of 11 target groups, including disabled veterans (a new category). For details, go to www.floridajobs.org/workforce/Wotc_info.html.

REACH BUSINESS PROSPECTS WITH EDQ ADVERTISING – The Economic Development Quarterly (EDQ) is a publication of Volusia County Economic Development and is one of the most valuable economic development news vehicles in our community. Place your marketing message in the EDQ and in the hands of thousands of local business owners, community leaders, elected officials, and business prospects looking to move or expand to Volusia County. Advertising in this targeted publication is an ideal way to raise awareness for your business and enhance your company’s strategic marketing plan. To be included in the upcoming third quarter edition, please respond before July 25. E-mail to ads@vfbr.com or call (386) 681-2457 for more information.

E-COMMERCE IS KEY TO COMPETING ONLINE – Does your business have a website? Does it need to create one? Do you want to sell on Internet? Do you understand what the most effective online tools are? The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Daytona State College is sponsoring a three-part seminar to assist small to mid-sized businesses in succeeding online. The seminar will be from 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Aug. 4, 11 and 18. To register, please call (386) 506-4723 or e-mail sbdc@daytonastate.edu.

ZERO ENERGY GREEN HOME – The University of Central Florida’s Florida Solar Energy Center is offering a 12-course webinar series on how to design, build and operate a “zero energy home” – a home that produces as much energy as it uses. These courses will show participants how to maximize energy-efficient design, make the best “green” choices, and optimize performance from solar and home energy management systems. For more information, go to http://blog.floridaenergycenter.org/echronicle/2009/05/energy-experts-offer-zero-energy-green-home-webinar-series/.

CONSUMER ALERT! – Beware: Compliance Services (not to be confused with the Florida corporation, Compliance Services Inc.) is mailing notices to new business entities requesting they send “annual minutes” and a $125 to the company for filing. These notices are not from the Department of State, Division of Corporations. (“Annual minutes” are not required to be filed with any agency.) Be careful not to confuse these notices with the messages sent by the Division of Corporations reminding each business entity to file its 2009 Annual Report.

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