looking to hire in 2016? · n resume workshops 8:15-9:45am – every tuesday from 1/ 19 – 3 /8 n...

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IN THIS ISSUE About Town Page 2 Think Flagler First Luncheon Page 2 Business Tips Page 3 Vol. 3 Issue 1 | January 2016 CALENDAR OF EVENTS February 3 at 5:30PM YPG Social at New Europa 101 Palm Harbor Pkwy, Unit 102, Palm Coast February 15 Flagler County Chamber of Commerce office closed for President’s Day February 18 at 2:30PM Networking 9s Golf Outing followed by Business After Hours Palm Harbor Golf Club 20 Palm Harbor Dr, Palm Coast To register go to www.flaglerchamber.org February 18 at 5:30PM Business After Hours Palm Harbor Golf Club 20 Palm Harbor Dr, Palm Coast $5.00 entry includes two drinks February 23 at 5:30PM Entrepreneur Night at New Europa 101 Palm Harbor Pkwy, Unit 102, Palm Coast February 25 at 11:45AM Think Flagler First Luncheon Hilton Garden Inn 55 Town Center Blvd RSVP by February 21 at 5PM To register go to www.flaglerchamber.org CHAMBER RIBBON CUTTINGS & OPEN HOUSES February 3 at 4PM Ribbon Cutting/Grand Opening – Jackson Hewitt Tax Service 4601 E Moody Blvd F1, Bunnell February 10 at 4PM Ribbon Cutting – Darlene Montrose w/Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate 1 Hammock Beach Pkwy, Palm Coast February 17 at 4PM Ribbon Cutting/ Grand Opening – TeamWork Custom Art 306 S Railroad St, Unit C, Bunnell February 19 at 4PM Ribbon Cutting/ Grand Opening – New Europa 101 Palm Harbor Pkwy, Unit 102, Palm Coast February 24 at 4PM Ribbon Cutting/ Grand Opening – Flagler Sheriff’s Police Athletic League 160 Cypress Point Pkwy, Ste C217, Palm Coast Friday, January 29th, the Flagler County Chamber installed its 2016 Board of Directors at its annual Installation Gala. This year, Rich Stanfield will assume the role of Chairman. We asked Rich a few questions to give readers an idea of what’s in store with him at the helm. Tell us about your “journey” with the Chamber thus far and what encouraged you to assume this leadership role. I have had the pleasure of working with the Chamber since 2011 when I first moved to Palm Coast. I needed to learn more about the community and the Chamber gave me that opportunity. I joined the board of directors in 2013 under the direction of Chairman Scott Sowers as a voice for the golf and hospitality industry. I have both operational and corporate experience in these business segments, as well as an appreciation for the challenges that large companies and small businesses face. The golf and hospitality industries have gone through some tough times that have drastically changed the way the industries operate. Fortunately, my being part of the strategic planning process helped to mitigate some of the negative impact from these challenges. I learned to think outside of the box and in ways that I had not previously considered. I believe this experience will help me lead the Chamber in 2016. Tell us what being chairman of the Flagler County Chamber means to you. I am grateful for this opportunity. I want to thank the members of our board, who give their time and share their inspiration and expertise throughout the organization. To the past Chairs, thank you for building a foundation upon which the Chamber grows stronger every year. I’m grateful to all our members and particularly those who voluntarily take on additional roles as leaders of our vital committees and area councils. These individuals help to give the Chamber a stronger voice in sharing the concerns and challenges of the local business community, and spreading the word about the many ways that this Chamber can help businesses. In 2014, our former chairman, David Fowler, asked me to sit on the Chamber’s Executive Committee, which was a great learning experience. This past year, while serving as Vice Chairman under Sal Passalaqua, reaffirmed my belief that the Flagler County Chamber is a strong and viable resource to businesses of all sizes in the county. What’s Your Outlook for the Chamber in 2016? Our Chamber is only as good as our members, volunteers and staff. I say “Our” because the Chamber belongs to all of us. The tradition of excellence in supporting our local businesses and our community will remain our focus for 2016. Our continued success requires a renewed dedication to improve the business climate in Flagler County. Through joint efforts with the County, cities and state governments, we will encourage activities, policies and laws that support our local businesses, while also attracting new business. Looking forward, it’s imperative for chamber staff and leadership to engage in meaningful conversations and to keep our minds open to opportunities that improve chamber operations and demonstrate value for our members. Similarly, we need to find ways to expand the resources we offer and help members drive their businesses. Helping Business Help Itself is our mantra for 2016. Tell Us Something about Yourself That People Might Not Know I have only one vice and that is motorcycles. I belong to, and ride with the largest club in world, Iron Order MC. We do a lot of charity work as part of our activities, most recently teaming up with Florida Hospital to support the Pink Army breast cancer ride. An average weekend includes a 300-mile ride to visit other chapters in our club, and to support their charities. Meet Our 2016 Chairman Rich Stanfield from Hammock Beach Resort Stanfield The Flagler County Department of Economic Opportunity is team- ing up once again with partners CareerSource Flagler/Volusia, Daytona State College and the Flagler County Chamber of Commerce for the 3rd annual Flagler County Job Fair. The job fair will offer businesses and job seekers opportunities to connect on March 11, 2016 from 12pm-6pm. Companies interested in participating in the 2016 Flagler County Job Fair are encouraged to reserve space free table space right away. Business Participation includes: n Table and chair set-up n Electricity (first come) n CareerSourceFV job postings n Access to Career- SourceFV job seeker database n Your company’s name listed on job fair mar- keting material. To expedite registra- tion for the job fair, job seekers are invited to pre-register through CareerSourceFV and will receive direct access to up-to-date listings on the Career- SourceFV’s employment database. To help job seekers put their best foot forward, free career readiness workshops will be available to increase their chances of being noticed by employers. Job seek- ers should register for workshops online at www.flaglercountyjob- fair.com. Career workshops and dates: n Resume Workshops 8:15-9:45am – every Tuesday from 1/19 – 3/8 n Employer Expectations 10-11am – Tuesday 1/19 & 2/16 n Interview Skills 10-11am – Tuesdays – 1/26, 2/9, 2/23 & 3/8 n Successful Applications 10-11am – Tuesday 2/2 & 3/1 For more information, contact Katrina Austin at 386-313- 4070 or kaustin@ flaglercountyedc. com. To register your business or for job seekers to pre- register, visit www. flaglercountyjobfair. com. Looking to hire in 2016? Flagler Connect: Delivering to Your Mailbox Now Diplomat Spotlight of the Month Page 4 The Flagler County Chamber of Com- merce is pleased to announce that the 2016 issue of Flagler Connect: Your Com- munity & Business Resource will be mailed to homes and businesses in Flagler County next month. Flagler Connect is a reputable and reli- able source of Flagler County information, as well a portal to connect businesses, consumers and the community. The publication delivers information residents and visitors want most: a directory of business services, school calendars and information, area attractions, listings of local parks, pre- serves and beaches, event calendars, a roster of clubs and organizations, government and local resources and a disaster preparedness section. On behalf of the Chamber, thank you to all of the businesses that advertised in the 2016 edition of Flagler Connect. For more information, call 386-437-0106. Need additional copies for family and friends? Stop by the Chamber at 20 Airport Road in Palm Coast or call today to have a copy delivered to you.

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Page 1: Looking to hire in 2016? · n Resume Workshops 8:15-9:45am – every Tuesday from 1/ 19 – 3 /8 n Employer Expectations 10-11am – Tuesday 1 /19 & 2/ 16 n Interview Skills 10-11am

IN THIS ISSUEAbout Town Page 2

Think Flagler First Luncheon Page 2

Business Tips

Page 3

Vol. 3 Issue 1 | January 2016

CALENDARoF EVENTS

February 3 at 5:30PMYPG Social at New Europa101 Palm Harbor Pkwy, Unit 102, Palm Coast February 15Flagler County Chamber of Commerce office closed for President’s Day February 18 at 2:30PMNetworking 9s Golf Outing followed by Business After HoursPalm Harbor Golf Club20 Palm Harbor Dr, Palm CoastTo register go to www.flaglerchamber.org February 18 at 5:30PMBusiness After HoursPalm Harbor Golf Club20 Palm Harbor Dr, Palm Coast$5.00 entry includes two drinks February 23 at 5:30PMEntrepreneur Night at New Europa101 Palm Harbor Pkwy, Unit 102, Palm Coast February 25 at 11:45AMThink Flagler First LuncheonHilton Garden Inn55 Town Center BlvdRSVP by February 21 at 5PMTo register go to www.flaglerchamber.org

CHAMBER RIBBoN CUTTINGS & oPEN HoUSES

February 3 at 4PMRibbon Cutting/Grand Opening – Jackson Hewitt Tax Service4601 E Moody Blvd F1, Bunnell

February 10 at 4PMRibbon Cutting – Darlene Montrose w/Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate1 Hammock Beach Pkwy, Palm Coast

February 17 at 4PMRibbon Cutting/ Grand Opening – TeamWork Custom Art306 S Railroad St, Unit C, Bunnell February 19 at 4PMRibbon Cutting/ Grand Opening – New Europa101 Palm Harbor Pkwy, Unit 102, Palm Coast

February 24 at 4PMRibbon Cutting/ Grand Opening – Flagler Sheriff’s Police Athletic League160 Cypress Point Pkwy, Ste C217, Palm Coast

Friday, January 29th, the Flagler County Chamber installed its 2016 Board of Directors at its annual Installation Gala. This year, Rich

Stanfield will assume the role of Chairman. We asked Rich a few questions to give

readers an idea of what’s in store with him at the helm.

Tell us about your “journey” with the Chamber thus far and what encouraged you to assume this leadership role.

I have had the pleasure of working with the Chamber since 2011 when I first moved to Palm Coast. I needed to learn more about the community and the Chamber gave me that opportunity. I joined the board of directors in 2013 under the direction of Chairman Scott Sowers as a voice for the golf and hospitality industry. I have both operational and corporate experience in these business segments, as well as an appreciation for the challenges that large companies

and small businesses face. The golf and hospitality industries have gone through some tough times that have drastically changed the way the industries operate. Fortunately, my being part of the strategic planning process helped to mitigate some of the negative impact from these challenges. I learned to think outside of the box and in ways that I had not previously considered. I believe this experience will help me lead the Chamber in 2016.

Tell us what being chairman of the Flagler County Chamber means to you.

I am grateful for this opportunity. I want to thank the members of our board, who give their time and share their inspiration and expertise throughout the organization. To the past Chairs, thank you for building a foundation upon which the Chamber grows stronger every year.

I’m grateful to all our members and particularly those who voluntarily take on additional roles as leaders of our vital committees and area councils. These

individuals help to give the Chamber a stronger voice in sharing the concerns and challenges of the local business community, and spreading the word about the many ways that this Chamber can help businesses.

In 2014, our former chairman, David Fowler, asked me to sit on the Chamber’s Executive Committee, which was a great learning experience. This past year, while serving as Vice Chairman under Sal Passalaqua, reaffirmed my belief that the Flagler County Chamber is a strong and viable resource to businesses of all sizes in the county.

What’s Your outlook for the Chamber in 2016?

Our Chamber is only as good as our members, volunteers and staff. I say “Our” because the Chamber belongs to all of us. The tradition of excellence in supporting our local businesses and our community will remain our focus for 2016.

Our continued success requires a renewed dedication to improve the business climate in Flagler County. Through joint efforts with the

County, cities and state governments, we will encourage activities, policies and laws that support our local businesses, while also attracting new business.

Looking forward, it’s imperative for chamber staff and leadership to engage in meaningful conversations and to keep our minds open to opportunities that improve chamber operations and demonstrate value for our members. Similarly, we need to find ways to expand the resources we offer and help members drive their businesses. Helping Business Help Itself is our mantra for 2016.

Tell Us Something about Yourself That People Might Not Know

I have only one vice and that is motorcycles. I belong to, and ride with the largest club in world, Iron Order MC. We do a lot of charity work as part of our activities, most recently teaming up with Florida Hospital to support the Pink Army breast cancer ride. An average weekend includes a 300-mile ride to visit other chapters in our club, and to support their charities.

Meet our 2016 ChairmanRich Stanfield from Hammock Beach Resort

Stanfield

The Flagler County Department of Economic Opportunity is team-ing up once again with partners CareerSource Flagler/Volusia, Daytona State College and the Flagler County Chamber of Commerce for the 3rd annual Flagler County Job Fair. The job fair will offer businesses and job seekers opportunities to connect on March 11, 2016 from 12pm-6pm.

Companies interested in participating in the 2016 Flagler County Job Fair are encouraged to reserve space free table space right away.

Business Participation includes:n Table and chair set-up

n Electricity (first come)n CareerSourceFV job postingsn Access to Career-SourceFV job seeker databasen Your company’s name listed on job fair mar-keting material.

To expedite registra-tion for the job fair, job seekers are invited to pre-register through CareerSourceFV and will receive direct

access to up-to-date listings on the Career-SourceFV’s employment database. To help job seekers put their best foot forward, free career readiness workshops will be available to increase their chances of being noticed by employers. Job seek-ers should register for workshops online at www.flaglercountyjob-fair.com.

Career workshops and dates:n Resume Workshops 8:15-9:45am – every Tuesday from 1/ 19 – 3 /8n Employer Expectations 10-11am –Tuesday 1 /19 & 2/ 16n Interview Skills 10-11am – Tuesdays – 1/ 26, 2 /9, 2 /23 & 3/ 8n Successful Applications 10-11am – Tuesday 2/ 2 & 3/ 1

For more information, contact Katrina Austin at 386-313-4070 or [email protected]. To register your business or for job seekers to pre-register, visit www.flaglercountyjobfair.com.

Looking to hire in 2016?

Flagler Connect: Delivering to Your Mailbox Now

Diplomat Spotlight of the Month

Page 4

The Flagler County Chamber of Com-merce is pleased to announce that the 2016 issue of Flagler Connect: Your Com-munity & Business Resource will be mailed to homes and businesses in Flagler County next month.

Flagler Connect is a reputable and reli-able source of Flagler County information, as well a portal to connect businesses,

consumers and the community. The publication delivers information residents and visitors want most: a directory of business services, school calendars and information, area attractions, listings of local parks, pre-serves and beaches, event calendars, a roster of clubs and organizations, government and local resources and a

disaster preparedness section.

On behalf of the Chamber, thank you to all of the businesses that advertised in the 2016 edition of Flagler Connect. For more information, call 386-437-0106. Need additional copies for family and friends? Stop by the Chamber at 20 Airport Road in Palm Coast or call today to have a copy delivered to you.

Page 2: Looking to hire in 2016? · n Resume Workshops 8:15-9:45am – every Tuesday from 1/ 19 – 3 /8 n Employer Expectations 10-11am – Tuesday 1 /19 & 2/ 16 n Interview Skills 10-11am

C2 Saturday, January 30, 2016 | The Flagler / Palm Coast News-Tribune

Please join the Chamber for ribbon cuttings typically held Wednesdays from 4 to 6pm. Visit business/flaglerchamber.org/events for dates and locations as well as listings of other community events. Thank you for supporting local businesses!

ABOUT TOWN

Hope (Helping Others Provide Encouragement) Garden Ribbon Cutting, Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd, Bunnell

A1A Beverages Ribbon Cutting, 1842A S Oceanshore Blvd, Flagler Beach

ViaPure Wellness Ribbon Cutting, 31 Lupi Ct, Ste 140, Palm Coast

Holiday Business After Hours, Flagler County Chamber

JetBlue Inaugural Flight into Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Interna-tional Airport

YPG New Year’s Eve pARTy at Salvo Art Project, 313 Old Brick Rd, Bunnell

Voters of every political affili-ation will enjoy hearing from one of Florida’s leading experts at the Flagler County Chamber’s Think Flagler First luncheon on Thursday, February 25 at 12pm at the Hilton Garden Inn in Palm Coast.

The Flagler Chamber is delighted to host Marian Johnson, Senior Vice President of Political Strategy for the Florida Chamber of Com-merce at this lunch event. Marian, described by many as Florida’s most seasoned political advisor, has 50 years of experience in Florida poli-tics and also serves as the Executive Director of the Florida Chamber Political Institute, a powerful research organization that provides vital detailed demographic and political analysis to its members. Johnson has been involved in an impressive number of presidential, state and local campaigns, starting in 1964 as a high school volunteer

for Barry Goldwater’s presiden-tial campaign. Since then, she has gained experience in every facet of political operations, from cam-paigning to research and polling to administration. Her presidential campaign experience as a volunteer and consultant spans from 1964 through 1984, including Ronald Reagan’s 1980 and 1984 elec-tions. She is listed in Who’s Who in American Politics and Prominent People in Florida Government, and Marian’s Tallahassee office is an important first stop on the campaign trail for many potential candidates.

Cost to attend the Think Flagler First luncheon is $25 with advance payment for chamber members or $30 at the door. Future members pay $35 with advance reservations or $40 the day of the event. Seat-ing is limited; reservations are requested by February 21 at 5 PM.

Political Guru Marian Johnson to Headline Think Flagler First Luncheon

Marian Johnson with incoming Flagler Chamber Vice Chairman Jimmy Millhollin of Re/Max Flagstaff

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• During the event inserted in Select Single Copy Issues. Description:Endorsed by the Daytona Regional Chamber, as the offi cial Biker's Guide! This handy full color Pocket Guide will serve as a convenient guide forall bikers/tourists to carry along with them during this exciting event.

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Page 3: Looking to hire in 2016? · n Resume Workshops 8:15-9:45am – every Tuesday from 1/ 19 – 3 /8 n Employer Expectations 10-11am – Tuesday 1 /19 & 2/ 16 n Interview Skills 10-11am

C4 Saturday, January 30, 2016 | The Flagler / Palm Coast News-Tribune

The Chamber’s diplomat of the month for February is Greg Feldman, co-owner of Fun Coast Vapors LLC in Bunnell. Greg and his business partner Frank Cutruz opened their doors in 2015 after several months of discussion. According to Greg,"Our two pronged approach was simple; open a small business and provide a valuable service. While we are in business to make money, we are also committed to helping people stop smoking tobacco products. ‘Vaping’ offers an alternative way to deliver nicotine without the thousands of carcinogens found in traditional tobacco-based products. It also satisfies the hand-to-mouth craving affiliated with smoking. We are always pleased when customers return for e-juice products with lower, and, in some cases, no nicotine after breaking that habit. Our liquid products are made in pharmaceutical grade labs, giving customers high quality products at reasonable prices. Our extensive line of vaping devices and a casual, lounge atmosphere have made Fun Coast Vapors a destination

in Bunnell for our local and regional customers."

Greg joined the Chamber as a trustee member in 2014, and became an active member of the Flagler Votes Committee shortly thereafter. Greg became a Diplomat in November of 2014 and enjoys attending Chamber events, as well as the socialization, exchange of ideas and business support that the Chamber offers.

Congratulations to Greg for being selected as February’s Diplomat of the Month! Call Greg at 386-263-7940, email him at [email protected] or visit the store at 604-6 Moody Dr in Bunnell.

Diplomat of the Month: Greg Feldman

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Baruch HaShem Messianic CongregationPO Box 350944Palm Coast, FL 32135baruchhashemmessianic.org386-793-5116Churches & Religious Organizations Dove Chocolate DiscoveriesPalm Coast, FL 32164mydcdsite.com/dianewasney919-280-2763Candy & Confectionary

Military Officers Association of America-FlaglerPalm Coast, FL 32135-2495moaafl.org/chapters/flagler386-597-7122Clubs & Organizations PickleBall Crazy LLC200 Ocean Crest Dr, #1018Palm Coast , FL 32137PickleBallCrazy.com201-913-2103Sports & Recreation

Town & Country Mortgage Service Inc.Palm Coast, FL 32164tcmflorida.com/terri386-931-0088Mortgages Vessel Sandwich Co.213 S. 2nd St. Unit 4Flagler Beach, FL 32136vesselsandwichco.com386-693-5085Restaurants

THANK YOU RENEWING MEMBERS

BUSINESS MEMBER SINCE

Anytime Fitness ...........................................................2015386-445-4945anytimefitness.com/en-us/clubs/1809/Palm-Coast-FL-health-clubFitness Centers / Gyms / Health Clubs CareerSource Flagler Volusia ......................................1999386-323-7074careersourcefv.comRecruitment & Training Coastal Appliance Service Team, LLC .........................2014386-986-7675flaglerappliancerepair.comAppliances — Sales & Repairs Dermatology Associates of Northeast .........................1996386-446-4466palmcoastdermatologist.comPhysicians & Medical Professionals Elite Glass ....................................................................2011386-447-4740eliteglass.bizGlass

Fisherman's Net Restaurant & Bar ..............................2012386-439-1818thefishermansnet.comRestaurants Florida Agricultural Museum .......................................2014386-446-7630FloridaAgMuseum.orgMuseums Friends of the Library of Flagler Co. ............................1994386-446-7605flaglerlibrary.orgClubs & Organizations Geppner & Associates .................................................2010386-283-4943palmcoastaccountant.comAccountants — CPAs

Moscone Insurance Inc. ...............................................2010386-439-2520allstate.com/kenmosconeInsurance Plantation Bay Golf & Country Club ............................2014386-437-4844plantationbaygolf.comGolf Courses Spherion Staffing.........................................................2013904-808-1500spherion.com/firstcoastStaffing & Payroll Services

State Farm Insurance — Jeff Evans .............................2012386-446-9594jeffevanspalmcoast.comInsurance StoneWood Sales Inc ...................................................2015386-586-3540stonewoodsales.comCabinetry Sun And Surf Magazine ...............................................2015203-451-5080sunnsurfmagazine.comAdvertising Tilton & Unger Insurance & Financial ..........................2001386-447-4448tiltonunger.comInsurance Vanacore Homes ..........................................................2012386-437-6808vanacorehomes.comHome Builders Vitas Healthcare ..........................................................2010386-366-6135vitas.comHome Healthcare/Hospice Whispering Meadows Ranch .......................................2015386-503-6312whisperingmeadowsranch.orgHorse Farms & Equine Programs

Want to learn more about benefits of membership with the Flagler County Chamber of Commerce? Contact Brian Genk, Membership Director at 386-206-0954 or brian@flagler chamber.org

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Page 4: Looking to hire in 2016? · n Resume Workshops 8:15-9:45am – every Tuesday from 1/ 19 – 3 /8 n Employer Expectations 10-11am – Tuesday 1 /19 & 2/ 16 n Interview Skills 10-11am

The Flagler / Palm Coast News-Tribune | Saturday, January 30, 2016 C3

By Tom HellmanPresident & Counselor, Score Chapter 87

For any small business to succeed, achieving

product/market fit is among the most important goals. But verifying that your product

meets a strong market need and can stand up to competitors is not an exact science, nor does it typically happen in one grand a-ha moment. Likewise, building momentum in a market requires patience and comes with no guaran-tees as customers’ needs, regulatory landscapes and competitive pres-sures change over time.

Consider that your business will only suc-ceed if it adds real value for your customers. In this case, value means that your customers perceive your products or services as being worth the price you charge for them. Start by understanding your target market's need and then whether you offer a better solution than your competition.

Here are some actions

you can take to increase your success in accom-plishing a successful product/market fit:

Do your homework to understand your customers’ current needs and anticipate what they will need in the future.

Research your target demographic by spend-ing time with prospective customers, read industry blogs and print publica-tions, attend industry tradeshows and webi-nars, and seek out a professional in your industry who might serve as a mentor to you as you evaluate your products and services.

Focus on one primary and critical value proposition.

It’s impossible to be all things to all custom-ers. By focusing on what’s most important to your target custom-ers, analyzing significant trends in your industry, and identifying where competitors are falling short in solving cus-tomers’ problems, you will maximize the value you provide to your customers.

Listen. Learn. Adapt.Have a business plan,

but be open to change as you listen to feedback and ideas from your customers. Learn from what they’re telling you about how you can improve your prod-ucts or services. Finally, be prepared to adapt your systems and processes to make your business more viable and sustainable.

Good planning and research will pay off in costs avoided and a far better marketing strat-egy and tactics that will resound in your custom-er’s minds. It is critically important that the ben-efits of your products or services be presented in the language the customer understands.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about developing a market-ing plan for your small business contact SCORE “Mentors to America’s Small Business”. SCORE is a nonprofit organi-zation serving Flagler County, which provides free, confidential busi-ness mentoring and training workshops to small business owners. Visit www.SCORE87.org or call our office at 386-899-5221 for more information on our work-shops or to schedule a free counseling appointment.

Understanding Your Market For Success

Hellman

In 1962, the Flagler County Chamber of Commerce was created to support the growth and prosperity of its business community. In the 53 years since its establishment, the Chamber has remained committed to the mis-sion of helping local businesses thrive and expanding resources to serve 800 members and the community.

By advocating for pro-business and smart growth initiatives, the Flagler Chamber has become a strong and active voice for local businesses, with a focus on public policy initiatives that will help Flagler County and the region pros-per today and set the stage for future suc-cess. Accordingly, the chamber supports pro-growth and pro-jobs practices, policy and regulation that drive the local economy and position Flagler as an even more attractive destination for busi-ness start-up, growth and relocation.

Earlier this month, Rebecca DeLorenzo, Gretchen Smith, Lea Stokes (Chair of the Business Issues Com-mittee) and Helga van Eckert, executive director of the Flagler County Department

of Economic Oppor-tunity, traveled to Tallahassee to attend Florida Chamber Capi-tol Days and to meet with legislators. The group had face-to-face meetings with Senator Travis Hutson, Repre-sentative Paul Renner, Representative Fred Costello (who recently announced his candi-dacy for US Congress District 24) and Colin Kirkland, legislative aide to Representa-tive Cyndi Stevenson. During these meetings, they asked legisla-tors to consider the Chamber’s government affairs and priorities during 2016:

1. Phase out the busi-ness rent tax, as Florida is the only state that collects one. (Senate Bill 116, House Bill 247.)

2. Streamline licens-ing and permitting processes to reduce overall regulatory burden.

3. Support fund-ing for local, state and federal measures to increase access to capi-tal for small businesses.

4. Advocate for the funding and creation of a best practices toolbox for the Flagler County Department of Eco-nomic Opportunity and local government plan-ning, zoning and future

land use initiatives.5. Oppose rising

workers’ compensation insurance rates that harm small businesses.

6. Support efforts to permanently eliminate sales tax on manufac-turing machinery and equipment. (Florida Senate Bill 98, House Bill 115.)

7. Work with the Florida Chamber and U.S. Chamber to oppose the Department of Labor’s proposal to raise the salary limit for employees eligible for overtime pay from $23,660 per year to $50,400 annually.

8. Support legislation that seeks to identify a new formula to ade-quately fund Florida schools no matter the size or location of their district.

Chamber staff will monitor develop-ments in Tallahassee throughout the legisla-tive session and have invited both Repre-sentative Renner and Senator Hutson to speak at a Chamber breakfast meeting this spring. If you have any questions or need help with any legisla-tive or government related issues of your own, please contact Gretchen Smith at 386-206-0953 or [email protected].

Eight Government Affairs & Legislative Priorities for 2016

Tune in Saturday Mornings at 11am on WNZF News Radio 106.3FM or 1150AM.

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