Florida Trend | Florida's Business Authority

Thursday's Afternoon Update

State shifts approach on land buys

Long heralded for spending billions to secure green space and create wildlife preserves and corridors, Florida is in the midst of an about-face on the conservation front, with some elected officials saying the state has too much public land and some should be sold to the private sector. More at the Fort Myers News-Press.


Florida approves cap on physician-dispensed drugs for workers’ compensation

After years of struggling to rein in the cost of physician-dispensed drugs, Florida workers’ compensation insurers finally reached a compromise with physicians and drug companies that is projected to reduce costs by some $20 million. Florida lawmakers today approved the compromise (SB662) that for the first time will place a cap on what physicians can charge for prescription drugs they provide to injured workers. More at the Insurance Journal.


Marco resident spreads business wings overseas

Health Technology

Physical by smartphone

ecosystem
It's not a "Star Trek" tricorder, but by hooking a variety of gadgets onto a smartphone you could almost get a complete physical - without the paper gown or even a visit to the doctor's office.

» Full story from the AP

With a vision born of extensive worldwide travel, interior designer Kira Krumm recently opened a satellite office in China as part of a broad company expansion strategy. Krumm also has bolstered her Kira Krumm International Design company by appointing a team of young, multi-cultural designers to cement that strategy. More at the Marco Island Sun Times.


Employers strive to keep valued workers as job market improves

With more job opportunities available, South Florida companies are growing more concerned about retaining employees so they're beefing up their benefits and perks to keep valued workers. Of chief financial officers recently surveyed in the Fort Lauderdale-Miami metropolitan market, nearly 40 percent said they are concerned about retaining valuable staff members. More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.


World Trade Month celebrates global ties

World Trade Month kicked off Wednesday with a reminder of the impact that international trade has on the Florida economy. A record $124.7 billion worth of products moved through South Florida airports and seaports in 2012. More at the Miami Herald.

Milestone
Disney marks 30 years of volunteering

voluntearThirty years ago -- long before community engagement was a corporate buzzword -- Disney launched a volunteer program for its employees to encourage them to make a difference in the well-being of kids, families and the environment. On Wednesday, the company celebrated that milestone at its various theme parks around the globe, including a pep rally in Central Florida to salute the most industrious of its "VoluntEARS."

» Full story from the Orlando Sentinel and Disney.