August 17, 2009

INTERESTED IN RECEIVING THE ‘SCENE’? – If you know someone who’d like to receive the Economic Scene by fax every Monday, call the Volusia County Department of Economic Development (DOED) at (386) 248-8048 with the recipient’s name and fax number they’ll be added to the list. Prefer an e-mail version of the Scene? If so, let us know.

VOLUSIA EXPORTS CONTINUE TO INCREASE – During the first six months of 2008, the U.S. Department of Commerce International Trade Administration reports that the value of exports from businesses in Volusia County was $149,737,297. This represents 9-percent increase in exports over the same time period in 2007. To learn whether your business can benefit from exporting, call Paul Mitchell at (DOED) at (386) 248-8048.

VOLUSIA MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL AWARDS – The Volusia Manufacturers’ Association Annual Awards are designed to recognize the world-class levels of manufacturing excellence being achieved in Volusia and Flagler counties. “Manufacturer of the Year” recognizes the area’s top manufacturing company. The award for “Best Practices” is presented to a manufacturer with exceptional practices in a particular business area. The “Exporter of the Year,” sponsored by DOED, is presented to a Volusia County firm that has demonstrated outstanding export performance. Call VMA at (386) 673-0505 to nominate a company for any of these awards. The closing date for entries is Sept. 8.

BEGINNING SPANISH – Daytona State College’s department of Community and Professional Education is offering Beginning Conversational Spanish courses in Daytona Beach and in DeLand. These classes are not for credit; there are no tests, no grade. Classes will be in Daytona Beach from 6 - 8 p.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 16 - Nov. 4; and in DeLand from 6 - 8 p.m. Tuesdays, Sept 29. - Nov. 17. Registration is quick and easy. Call Lynn Rued at (386) 506-3858 or e-mail ruedl@DaytonaState.edu to sign up or for more information.

ENERGY TAX DEDUCTIONS – The Energy Policy Act includes a tax deduction for investments in “energy-efficient commercial building property” (new or existing commercial buildings) that runs through Dec. 31, 2013. Establish the energy use of your building(s) and set a savings goal. You can receive a full tax deduction of up to $1.80 per square foot for reduction of energy costs by at least 50 percent. Even more likely to qualify is a partial deduction of up to $0.60 per square foot for one of three systems: lighting, heating and cooling or building envelope-designed to reduce energy costs by 16 and two-third percent (one-third of the 50-percent requirement).

VMA HOSTING JOHN MICA – On Tuesday, Aug. 25, Congressman John Mica will address the Volusia Manufacturers Association’s General Membership Dinner Meeting and will discuss the impact of the new administration on Volusia Manufacturers. The event will be in the Volusia Room at the Daytona Beach International Airport. Cost is $25 per person and parking is free. To RSVP, please call (386) 673-0505 or visit www.VMAonline.com/events.

EDUCATIONAL TAX CREDIT – The Hope Credit has been expanded and renamed the American Opportunity Tax Credit for 2009 and 2010. In general, taxpayers can claim up to $2,500 per student per year for the first four years of post-secondary education. This can be an improvement over the Lifetime Learning Credit, which is limited to $2,000 per return per year for all eligible students. For more information, see IRS Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education at http://tinyurl.com/3e3pk, or consult your tax professional.

TINY URL’S – Are you sick of posting long web addresses (URL’s) in e-mails, only to have it split when sent causing the recipient to have to cut and paste it back together? Then you need to go to www.tinyurl.com. When you enter a URL, the site will create a tiny URL that won’t break in e-mail postings and never expires. You can even make a custom address. (See the address in the “Educational Tax Credit” item above? It was originally 47 characters.)

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.