Wednesday's Daily Pulse
More Americans quit jobs, a sign of confidence
More Americans are quitting their jobs, suggesting many are growing more confident in the job market. Most workers quit their jobs when they have a new position or feel confident that they can find one quickly. And when they do, it opens up more opportunities for other Americans, including the unemployed. [Source: Associated Press]
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Commercial space companies expect to increase Brevard activity
Three companies competing to fly NASA astronauts to the International Space Station expect to increase their local activity in the second half of this year, executives said Tuesday. NASA last year awarded the companies a combined $1.1 billion to complete designs of commercial transportation systems that could fly NASA astronauts to the station by 2017. [Source: Florida Today]
STEM jobs more than engineering and computers
While South Florida can't compete on STEM jobs with tech hubs like Seattle and Silicon Valley, more STEM skills are being required in manufacturing and construction, said Jonathan Rockwell, senior research fellow and author of the report, "The Hidden STEM Economy." [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Universal exec next Visit Florida chairman
Universal Orlando's director of national and group sales is the 2013-14 chairman of Visit Florida, the state's tourism-marketing arm. Tammy Gustafson, who joined Universal in 1997 as part of the marketing team for its Universal Studios theme park, succeeds Glenn Hastings, executive director of the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council, as chairman of the organization. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Lee County hiring forecast weakest in the nation [Fort Myers News-Press]
Hiring prospects in Lee County are expected to be the weakest in the nation from July to September as seasonal job losses in stores and hotels offset gains in health care and construction, according to a national survey.
› Broward schools working to boost success of black male students [Miami Herald]
In the Broward school district’s quest to improve minority student achievement, Dillard High School’s graduation ceremony last week was more than just another annual event — it was a taste of what success feels like.
› Bed tax revenue shows efforts to market Hernando to visitors are paying off [Tampa Bay Times]
During the past year, a record 89.3 million visitors arrived in Florida, stayed in hotels and motels, visited attractions and spent lots of cash while they were here. Hernando County, it seems, got a fairly sizable slice of the action.
› BCC, port establish internship program [Florida Today]
Brevard Community College President James Richey on Tuesday announced an agreement with Port Canaveral to establish an internship program with the port, with students focusing on marketing, tourism and business development.
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› Fishkind Commentary: Impact of Major Storms on Florida's Economy [WMFE]
Hurricane season is upon us, and Florida has already seen its first tropical storm. Although Andrea was just a warning shot compared a devastating hurricane like 1992's Andrew, economic analyst Dr. Hank Fishkind says a major storm can have a dramatic effect on insurance markets, property values and the state's overall economy.
› The Galleria mall seeks young entrepreneurs [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Now that school's out, it's time to get down to business. The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale is inviting young entrepreneurs, from 6 to 15 years old, to submit business plans via Facebook or in person for a chance to set up a shop for a day at the mall.
› Celebrity Cruises cancels another Galapagos cruise [Miami Herald]
Celebrity Cruises has canceled another sailing on the 98-passenger Celebrity Xpedition as it tries to get its license to cruise in Galapagos National Park reinstated sooner rather than later. After canceling the June 2 and 9 voyages, the cruise operator has also called off the June 16 sailing.
› Officer with company seeking lease at Hernando airport declared bankruptcy last year [Tampa Bay Times]
Hernando County officials have said they don't know if they have enough financial information about one of the two companies hoping to lease the former Brooksville Air Center property at Brooksville-Tampa Bay Regional Airport.