Tuesday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 1/28/2014

Floridians’ confidence in economy bumps up a bit

Consumer confidence among Floridians as measured by an index rose one point in January to 78, according to a new University of Florida survey. According to the new survey, respondents’ overall view that they are better off financially now than a year ago fell one point to 68. However, their expectations of being more prosperous this time next year remained unchanged at 78. More at UF News.

Starter Space opens GatorLab business incubator

GatorLab, a business incubator of a different stripe, will begin in early February at Starter Space in downtown Gainesville. GatorLab is described by Starter Space member Eric Pheterson as an easier way to get into the startup community. “Instead of an incubator where people come in with an idea, GatorLab finds raw talent and forms a team around the project,” he said. More at the Gainesville Business Report.

Funding, talent still challenges for Miami’s entrepreneurial ecosystem

Business Profile

Ultimate Software

With its relaxed culture and enviable employee benefits, Weston-based human resources and payroll software developer Ultimate Software Group could be the Google of South Florida.

The company says it puts "people first" — the motto is stamped on the headquarters entrance — and that results in employee satisfaction and shows up in the bottom line.

» Full story from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Miami’s entrepreneurial ecosystem has a number of strengths but significant challenges remain, found a report released Tuesday by Endeavor Miami, a nonprofit that selects, mentors and accelerates high-impact entrepreneurs. More at the Miami Herald.

Study helps researchers better estimate citrus crop yields

Citrus crop-yield estimates may be more accurate, thus ensuring higher productivity and more revenue, if an algorithm proves as successful as it did in a recent University of Florida study. Wonsuk “Daniel” Lee’s study, published in the January issue of the journal Biosystems Engineering, could eventually help Florida’s $9 billion-a-year citrus industry. More at UF News.

Venezuela curbs tourist dollars to Florida

The Venezuelan tourists frequenting Florida malls will have less to spend thanks to currency restrictions by their country — assuming they can book a flight here in the first place. The government of Venezuela reduced the limit its citizens can charge on their credit cards in Florida to $700 annually, down from $2,500. More at the South Florida Business Journal.

Music Business
New conference blends music, technology

Timed to coincide with the Winter Music Conference and Ultra Music Festival, a new technology conference aims to converge the traditional music industry with emerging technologies. The first MIA Music Summit is planned for March 24 at New World Center in Miami Beach. The event will include 30 to 40 keynote speakers from around the world, panel discussions, demos and musical performances, and will explore trends in digital music and audio hardware.