Friday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 2/7/2014

U.S. employers add 113K jobs

Hiring was surprisingly weak in January for a second straight month, likely renewing concern that the U.S. economy might be slowing after a strong finish last year. More at the AP.

Florida small business gets Olympic-sized boost

One making-it-in-the-USA small business owner has already scored an Olympics victory. Small business owner Kurt Walchle is the mom-and-pop behind the Survival Straps bracelets on the wrists of Team U.S.A. athletes in Sochi. More at FOX Business.

For the gun industry, women are the next big thing

Business Profile

Totally Bananas

Three years ago, Chuck Pheterson started a business with his wife, Mindy, making his favorite snack. Business is booming — sales were up 35 percent last year over 2012 — and the Phetersons are looking for even more growth this year from their Totally Bananas venture.

» Full story from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Nearly 80% of gun retailers reported an increase in female customers in 2012, the most recent figures. In Florida, 22% of the concealed carry permits are held by women. In Texas, women hold 28% of concealed carry permits, up sevenfold in the last 10 years. More at the CNNMoney.

UF launches veterans entrepreneurship program

The Veterans Entrepreneurship Program (VEP) is designed for veterans who are interested in starting a business or who have an existing business. The program consists of three phases that provides practical training in venture creation and growth, and is accompanied by a support structure for participants as they pursue their ventures. More at the Gainesville Business Report.

Pay growth for South Florida workers slows

The growth in wages and other compensation for South Florida employees slowed down in 2013, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Total compensation grew 1.9 percent in South Florida last year, down from 2 percent in 2012. More at the South Florida Business Journal.

Regulatory Trends
Red Tape in Outer Space?

It's a story almost as old as humanity: Braving unknown dangers, a team of explorers settles a wild frontier, and then — almost as quickly — bureaucrats tie it up with red tape. The FAA has so far been constrained by one major loophole: Once a spacecraft reaches orbit, it's largely free of regulation — a libertarian's final refuge. But that could change soon. This time, the frontier is outer space.