Friday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 12/5/2014

U.S. adds 321,000 jobs, the most in nearly 3 years

U.S. employers added 321,000 jobs in November, the biggest burst of hiring in nearly three years and the latest sign that the United States is outperforming other economies throughout the developed world. More at the AP.

Nautique named Florida manufacturer of the year

In a State with 18,200 manufacturers, Nautique Boat Company has been selected as Florida’s 2014 Manufacturer of the Year. This award, presented annually by the Manufacturer’s Association of Florida (MAF), is given to a manufacturer who demonstrates leadership in all areas of its business. More at Boating Industry.

Florida's foreclosure rate continues decline, but remains above national average

Arts Business
China becoming a major player in international art world

As China has opened up to the world and mushroomed into one of its richest and most influential countries, its art world has exploded as well. That expansion will be evident during Miami Art Week, from Chinese artists, collectors, galleries and more.

» More from the Miami Herald

Florida’s foreclosure inventory rate fell to 4.1 percent in October, the lowest it’s been in several years, according to a report from CoreLogic, a real estate tracking firm. More at the Florida Times-Union.

Three Chinese proverbs expose gaps in U.S. business education

Most Western business students have little insight into the mindset of an economic power that is on a path to surpass the U.S. in the near future. Here are three Chinese proverbs that may help the next generation of business leaders better understand what they will face in the marketplace. More at Bloomberg Businessweek.

Dawn of Orion: NASA launch opens new era in space

NASA's new Orion spacecraft zoomed toward a high point of 3,600 miles on an orbital test flight Friday, ushering in a new era of exploration that could one day put people on Mars. More at the Miami Herald.

Out of the Box
Monster trucks take to the road

Grind those gears and ready the mud pit: America's latest entertainment export is monster trucks. "We're monster trucking the world," said Kenneth Feld, CEO of Feld Entertainment, the company that owns the giant vehicles and the trademark Monster Jam events. "We're building the business globally. It's got a lot of traction."