Florida homeowners get $3.6 billion in mortgage relief

Five of the nation’s largest banks have provided $3.6 billion in mortgage relief for Floridians as part of a nationwide foreclosure settlement, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Monday. An additional $1.3 billion in modification relief is "in the pipeline," Bondi said in a written statement. More at the Tampa Bay Times and the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

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Sales and Marketing Advice for Florida business
How to turn your emails into revenue

Profile Start-up creator has novel ideas Rudy Mazzocchi probably personifies many people’s image of an entrepreneur. He looks you directly in the eye. He’s confident in tone of voice. He has a mannerism that screams “team building,” an important trait when it comes to assembling experts, and those with money, to create a successful company. The silver-haired 53-year-old Mazzocchi, who lives in Viera and specializes in medical science and biotechnology start-up companies, has another resume booster: writing suspense novels. » More from Florida Today. » Mazzocchi's official site

Market segmentation -- who needs it! The argument goes something like this; “we’ve researched the demographics, firmographics, psychographics and know exactly who we are targeting.” Maybe, maybe not. Read Ron Stein's full column.

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Florida biotech firm lands $37.5M in venture capital funding

An Alachua-based biotechnology company has secured $37.5 million in venture capital funding in what is believed to be the largest private venture deal ever for an area company. Applied Genetic Technologies Corp. announced that a syndicate of three new investors has joined three existing investors in the funding round to move its genetic therapies through human clinical trials. More at the Gainesville Sun.

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Florida caterers serving up success

Though the genesis of three South Florida catering companies may be different, one thing the owners each have in common is the passion and drive to make their business a success. For Gil Riback of SOHO Catering in Hollywood, it's about confidence. "As entrepreneurs in this tough economy, you don't ask 'Is this a good time?' you just do," Ribak said. More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

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Entrepreneurship Tools
Focus on business, demand excellence

The South Florida business community will play a vital role in Miami’s transformation into the tech hub of the hemisphere, but quality control will be the key. Support for entrepreneurs includes everything a startup needs to assess feasibility, develop, pilot, structure, build and grow the business. More at the Miami Herald.

Holiday Business Florida guide to corporate gift giving Holiday gifts to clients and colleagues can help you strengthen both business relationships and your brand. While flashing your logo at holiday time seemed insensitive back when droves of people didn’t have jobs, manufacturers — several based in Florida — have responded with more creative ways to include branding on some very usable products that people can actually enjoy. » Full story from the Miami Herald

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