Wednesday's Afternoon Update
Florida's income up slightly
Florida’s total personal income rose to $777 billion in the third quarter of 2012, an increase of 0.4 percent above the $773.5 billion recorded in the second quarter, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reported Dec. 19. The state ranked 35th nationwide in total personal income. More at the Orlando Business Journal and the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Don’t be a stranger: Many prefer face-to-face meetings
Holiday time can bring you in contact with customers or clients you may not see the rest of the year. But if you’re expecting to be greeted with cheer you may be surprised. Frustrated business owners and senior executives say they are turned off by being the customers of a service provider who communicates mostly by email. More at the Miami Herald.
Gov. Scott: Florida needs more early voting days
Florida Gov. Rick Scott says the state needs a longer early voting period after some voters waited up to eight hours to cast their ballots this year. Florida’s GOP-controlled legislature cut the number of early voting days from 14 to 8 in a sweeping election bill last year, despite long lines four years ago that prompted then-Gov. Charlie Crist to extend the hours of early voting. More at the Palm Beach Post and the Miami Herald.
Florida credit unions healthy, growing
Florida's credit unions are healthier than the U.S. average and growing steadily, two new reports show. Credit rating agency BauerFinancial of Coral Gables rated credit unions in Florida as 82 percent "recommended" and just 2.5 percent "troubled and problematic" as of Sept. 30. That's an improvement from 75 percent "recommended" and 4 percent "troubled and problematic" a year earlier. More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Alachua County’s landscape changing dramatically in 2013
If you thought that 2012 was a busy year for Alachua County economy, brace yourself for 2013. Business and government leaders see even more economic activity ahead in the next year than occurred in the past year. “There’s lots on the table that’s falling into place,” says Mitch Glaeser, the incoming chairman of the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce. More at the Gainesville Business Report.