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Friday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Small-business owners' optimism highest since 2008
U.S. small-business owners are the most optimistic they have been in seven years, according to the latest Wells Fargo/Gallup Small Business Index. The index, at +71, has increased significantly for two consecutive quarters, and reflects optimism in small-business owners' views of both their current situation and their expectations for the future. More from Gallup and Inc.
See also:
» Here’s where it pays the most to be a small business owner
» Why 2015 Might Be The Best Year Yet To Sell A Small Business
Windfall from low gas prices not as big as you’d expect
The U.S. average drop of $1.31 per gallon for regular unleaded over that time has shifted that money from the gas pump to other retail outlets at the individual level, but government and business leaders say that rather than producing a major budget windfall, the savings have been offset by higher costs in other areas. [Source: Gainesville Sun]
The evolution of Facebook for business
With the growth of local business pages now over 16 million, it has become harder for Facebook to define the line between social and business use and to regulate self-promotion. Over the past few years, Facebook has undergone some significant algorithm revisions to help preserve their social quality and reign in the business sales abuse. [Source: Gainesville Business Report]
U.S. trade deficit shoots up to 2-year high
The U.S. trade deficit soared 17.1% in December to a two-year high, mostly because of a surprising reversal in the flow of oil that raises questions about whether companies are stockpiling petroleum to wait out the plunge in prices. More from Reuters and MarketWatch.
Franchising: An opportunity for veteran entrepreneurs
Industry magazine Franchising USA suggests that having a business model based on a set of standard operating procedures is one of the features that makes franchise ownership appealing to veterans, who are accustomed to rules and order. [Source: Forbes]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Visit Jacksonville given state grant to promote 'medical tourism'
Visit Jacksonville announced Thursday that the tourism bureau received $99,200 in a matching grant from Visit Florida, the state’s tourism agency, to promote the medical facilities to to new patients and medical convention planners.
› Roper Industries buys two medical-software companies
Sarasota-based Roper Industries Inc. is acquiring two medical software companies, Data Innovations LLC and SoftWriters Inc., for $450 million.
› Four precious metal businesses banned from trading
Two Fort Lauderdale companies and two in Delray Beach have been banned from trading after their top executives agreed to pay restitution to customers who suffered a total of $7.8 million in losses in precious metal purchases.
› Disney executive Tom Staggs named COO
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Tom Staggs has been named Chief Operating Officer of The Walt Disney Co. He will assume the new role immediately, while continuing to lead parks and resorts until a successor is named.
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