Gov. Scott making strong push for tax break

Florida lawmakers supporting a tax break for manufacturers say Gov. Rick Scott is making a strong push for an issue that represents one of his top priorities for the legislative session. Sen. Dorothy Hukill said Monday the Republican governor is meeting one-on-one with lawmakers to pitch his idea of giving manufacturers a blanket exemption from paying the 6 percent sales tax on equipment purchases. More at the AP.

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Sales and Marketing Advice
Video Q & A with business coach Ron Stein

Business coach Ron Stein visited Florida Trend recently and talked with us on video. Stein chatted about generating sales, creating effective marketing and bringing attention to your business. The questions and answers with Stein are the first of a three-part series. Here are the first video installments. His written column will return soon.

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"Mad Men" writers mull show about 1960s Cocoa Beach

Profile Idea man's latest inspiration: prison Frederick Hutson has always been an entrepreneur. But his ingenuity led him to prison. Now, a year-and-a-half out of prison, 29-year-old Hutson leads a technology company he conceived behind bars. This month, he is in Silicon Valley, pitching his products to industry leaders and venture capitalists. » Full story from the Tampa Bay Times

Think of it as Madison Avenue meets State Road A1A. Writers from the hit TV series “Mad Men” are working on a potential TV series that would focus on the space program of the 1960s and the journalists who covered it. The working title of the program is “Cocoa Beach.” If it comes to fruition, the series could debut as early as this fall. More at Florida Today.

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Checking in with the "retired" chiefs of big South Florida companies

What is it like to have your foot pressed hard on the accelerator for decades at work and then one day completely release it? Many CEOs across America and in South Florida are experiencing the jolt. Without doubt, kicking back is an adjustment for the competitive typical Type A high achiever whose families don’t “snap to attention” like employees did when the boss walked into the room. More at the Miami Herald.

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Small Biz Advice
Prices reflect the worth of your products or services

Many people relate value with price and, if prices are too cheap, people sometimes assume the service is cheap as well. Balancing customer base and revenue stream is a trick, but important, business. Read Dr. Jerry Osteryoung's full column.

Home Economy Garage sales: Are they worth it? Through her Pembroke Pines-based company, Sandy Tavarez advises people on spring cleaning with a financial finish: garage and estate sales. Her job has challenges but chief among them, she says, is helping people become realistic about the dollars their belongings will fetch. In addition to designer brands and high-end finishes, fond memories and an identity-attachment that can — in our minds — inflate an item’s value. » Full story at the Miami Herald

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