September 7, 2009

SAVE WITH SOLAR – According to the U.S. Department of Energy, consumers who install solar energy systems (including solar water heating and solar electric systems), small wind systems, geothermal heat pumps, and residential fuel cell/microturbine systems can receive a 30-percent tax credit for systems placed in service before Dec. 31, 2016. See www.energy.gov/taxbreaks.htm for more details.

COMMAND MEDICAL AWARDED TRAINING GRANT – Command Medical Products Inc. of Ormond Beach has been awarded a $49,860 Incumbent Worker Training Grant by Workforce Florida. The grant, awarded through the efforts of the local Center for Business Excellence (CBE)/Workforce Development Board, will be used to train 40 of its current fulltime employees. For more information and to find out if your company is eligible for training funds, contact Lori Maushund, CBE, at (386) 323-7087.

MANAGING HARD TIMES – Stetson University’s Family Enterprise Center, in partnership with the Turnaround Management Association - Florida Chapter, is presenting a “Business Renewal” seminar series. The first session of the series will be at 8 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, at Stetson’s Lynn Business Center. For more information about the series or to register, please contact coordinator Diane Morgan at (386) 822-8994 or e-mail her at dmorgan@stetson.edu.

ROBOCALLS – A new federal rule is in effect that’s designed to stop telemarketers from hounding consumers with prerecorded sales pitches and malicious marketing ploys, unless consumers agree – in writing – to receive them. There’s no opt-out necessary. Politicians, banks, telephone carriers and most charitable organizations also are exempt from the prohibition. Telemarketers who violate the prohibition face penalties of up to $16,000 per call.

THE NEW CLUNKERS? – In May, Gov. Charlie Crist signed a measure to implement a rebate program to help Floridians buy appliances at discount rates, lower utility costs and benefit Florida businesses by stimulating sales of energy-efficient appliances. The Department of Energy estimates the $300 million will be awarded by the end of November; consumers should start to see the rebate programs in stores later this year or early next year. Watch for program the announcement and apply early! See the complete information at http://tinyurl.com/mfxghl.

DUELING TIGERS – Are you interested in accessing the fast-paced, growing markets of China and India? Would you like to export to China and India? An Oct. 15 seminar sponsored by the U.S. Commercial Service at the Inter-Continental Hotel in Miami will help you reach these challenging markets. For registration and more information, go to http://tinyurl.com/duelingtigers. For information on exporting assistance and financial sponsorship, call Paul Mitchell, Volusia County Department of Economic Development, at (386) 248-8048 or e-mail him at pmitchell@co.volusia.fl.us.

BOUNCE BACK – The Small Business Development Center and The Chamber – Daytona Beach/Halifax Area will present “Business turnaround: Seven bounce-back points” from 8 - 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15. The program will be led by nationally known speaker, author, consultant and Bounce Back Guru Zelda Greenberg. The event will be at Daytona State College, bldg. 110, room 112. To register, please contact Gail Miller at (386) 255-0981, ext. 229.

WEIRD CAR FUELS – Scientists are hunting for fuels of the future. Many seem quite strange, but our favorite is… chocolate! A team from the University of Warwick in Britain has built and is track-testing a Formula 3 racecar that runs on 30-percent biodiesel derived from chocolate waste. The steering wheel is made partly of carrots, and the mirrors and front wing are formed with potato starch and flax fiber. Watch out NASCAR!

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.