October 19, 2009

MICA HOSTING SMALL BUSINESS SEMINAR – Rep. John L. Mica (R – 7th district, Fla.) is sponsoring a Small Business Forum in the Volusia Room at the Daytona Beach International Airport from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19. This free business-development forum will provide information on federal, state and local programs and initiatives that support small businesses and future entrepreneurial activities. Speakers from the U.S. Small Business Administration, Internal Revenue Service, Enterprise Florida, the Volusia County Department of Economic Development and others will address participants, discussing specific agency programs and provide an overview of government contracting, procurement, loan assistance and counseling available to the local business community.

MANUFACTURING SPACE NEEDED – An out-of-state manufacturer is looking for a 25,000-square-foot manufacturing facility with room for expansion to 50,000 square feet. A requirement is 440-volt, 3-phase power. The manufacturer will consider purchase or lease-to-purchase. If you know of a location that meets these requirements, please send the details to John Kizer, Volusia County Dept. of Economic Development, at jkizer@co.volusia.fl.us or (386) 248-8048.

DELAND INDUSTRIAL PARK RIBBON CUTTING – The public is invited to the ribbon cutting of the DeLand Northwest Industrial Park, at Kitty Hawk Court, at 5:15 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22. The shovel-ready industrial park, which is more than 100 acres, has been funded by the City of DeLand with assistance from the Volusia County Government and an FDOT grant. The new industrial acreage is timed to take advantage of the increased economic growth expected in the near future. The City of DeLand has the ability to offer Tax Abatement on real and business personal property. This tax abatement is based on the number of jobs created and the wage scales of those jobs.

BUY VOLUSIA! – In this down economy, local businesses are challenged every day to stay afloat, keep the doors open, and our neighbors employed. To that end, we offer this simple encouragement and basic economic strategy: Buy Volusia goods and services and support our local business community. Volusia County’s business base is one of our best economic assets. Local businesses and service providers create local jobs, use local supply chains and have a natural interest in charitable endeavors and the community's long-term health. So the next time you’re thinking about a purchase, we recommend that you think local and Buy Volusia! When you do, all of us win.

IT’S IN YOUR HANDS – Census data will affect how more than $400 billion in federal funds will be distributed to state and local governments each year. It also will be used to draw state legislative districts and determine the number of seats each state has in the House of Representatives. In 2000, 67 percent of households in Volusia County returned their census forms. Volusia County could lose millions of dollars if our census figures do not include everyone. It’s not a one-time loss; it’s a loss every time state or federal money is divvied up for the next 10 years, and can affect the amount of taxes every individual pays. Census forms will be mailed in February, due April 1. Learn more at www.volusiacounts.com.

AT-A-GLANCE COUNTY DATA – Did you know that the Florida Legislature offers individual county data profiles that include summary information on population, wages, housing and related categories at its web site? The legislature’s Office of Economic and Demographic Research, or EDR, collects and makes available numerous data sets, not the least of which are these County Profiles. To access the profiles, go to http://edr.state.fl.us/county%20profiles.htm and select the county of your choice or select all counties and review them in sequence.

PROTECTING THE COMMUNITY OF ENTERPRISE – An overlay zone is being incorporated into Volusia County’s zoning code, setting standards for future development within this historic West Volusia community. The standards will carry out policies of an Enterprise land plan that has been crafted in recent years to protect the area’s cultural and aesthetic character. Similar plans have been adopted for Samsula, Cassadaga and Osteen.

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