January 25, 2010

FOURTH QUARTER ECONOMIC SUMMARY – The Volusia County Department of Economic Development will conduct its quarterly briefing of economic trends for October through December 2009, in the Volusia Room at Daytona Beach International Airport Friday, Feb. 5. Volusia County Chair Frank Bruno will welcome the crowd at 8 a.m. Breakfast will be served beginning at 7:45 a.m. For reservations, call (386) 248-8048 by Monday, Feb. 1. Seating is limited, so call today!

VOICE OF THE CUSTOMER – Sam Walton once said, "There is only one boss: the customer, and he can fire everybody in the company from the chairman on down simply by spending his money somewhere else." Customer Service Administrator Dorrie Sawyer of FloMet LLC, will share her experience in satisfying customers at the Volusia Manufacturers Association breakfast meeting at 7:45 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3. For more information or to make reservations, call Jayne Fifer at (386) 673-0505 or e-mail jayne.fifer@vmaonline.com.

CYBER THREATS – Recent headlines about corporate computer attacks have reminded us of the business risks associated with electronic data systems and networks. Protecting such systems from theft and corruption, while allowing them to remain accessible to users, is a concern for corporate and national security. Interested businesses can access timely information from the federal National Cyber Alert System on security topics and cyber threats. For more information, visit the U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team’s web site at www.us-cert.gov.

BUSINESS BOOTCAMP – In partnership with the Stetson University Family Enterprise Center, Florida Trend magazine is presenting a series of four webinars about managing businesses in challenging economic times. Presenters will include recognized experts in business management and finance and experienced business owners. Topics of the series will include building revenue and retaining customers, improving performance, reducing costs, banking relationships and financing, and the economy in 2010: building a position of strength. If you’re interested, send your e-mail address to mnelson@floridatrend.com.

LITTLE BEIGE BOOK – The Federal Reserve Board (FRB) has released its Summary of Commentary on Current Economic Conditions by Federal Reserve District called the Beige Book. Eight times per year, the 12 FRB districts gather anecdotal information on economic conditions from bank directors, key business contacts, economists, market experts and other contacts outside the FRB. According to the report for Florida's district (the sixth district – Atlanta), the overall economic conditions improved from late November through December 2009. For more information on economic conditions and outlook by industry sector, visit www.federalreserve.gov/fomc/beigebook/2010.

RAIN BARREL WORKSHOP – Participants of upcoming rain barrel workshops will learn how to conserve water at home by using rain barrels, including how to build a simple and inexpensive rain water collection system that can be used for watering landscapes. Supplies will not be included the informative sessions. However, one rain barrel per session will be given away during the workshops, which will be at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, at the Rinker Environmental Center, Stetson University, 234 E. Michigan Ave., DeLand. To register for one of the workshops, call (386) 736-5927 ext. 5823 or send an e-mail to WAVVolusia@sjrwmd.com.

NEW DRIVER’S LICENSE & ID REQUIREMENTS – As of Jan. 1, those wishing to obtain a new Florida driver’s license, legally change their name prior to their renewal date, or immediately replace a lost or stolen license or ID card, are required to visit a driver’s license office and show proof of identification, Social Security number and two items that demonstrate residential address. Citizens simply renewing may do so by a convenience method. For details, go to http://tinyurl.com/licenseid.

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