Florida Trend | Florida's Business Authority

Monday's Afternoon Update

Homebuilder confidence soars to 7-year high

For the first time in seven years, most U.S. homebuilders are optimistic about home sales, a sign that construction could help drive stronger economic growth in coming months. The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo builder sentiment index released Monday leaped to 52 this month from 44 in May. It was the largest monthly increase since 2002. More at the AP.


Sales and Marketing Advice for Florida business
Drive sales with customer-centered marketing

Your company has a website, Twitter feed, email newsletter, and a killer YouTube channel. Life as a digital marketer is good. Yet, you don't stop there. You've got slick brochures and a PowerPoint for any situation too. Read more advice from Ron Stein.


Harris announces $92M contract with Middle Eastern nation

Business Profile

CordaRoys: Bean-bag chairs and beds

cordaroys
Byron Young was looking for an inexpensive way to boost sales for his Gainesville-based CordaRoys, which makes bean-bag chairs that convert into foam-filled beds. He found the solution with “Shark Tank,” the ABC show that allows entrepreneurs to pitch to venture capitalists.

» Full story

Harris Corp. this morning announced it has received a $92 million contract from a Middle Eastern nation for an integrated command, control and communications system. The system will provide this customer with advanced capabilities for use in defense and security missions. More at Florida Today.


Small Business Advice
Make the most of those business conferences

Attending conferences is important not only for the knowledge you gather, but possibly even more so for the people that you meet. To maximize those benefits, you must plan how to attend any conference. If you should feel that a conference was not worthwhile, chances are you may not have spent enough time planning a strategy to make it a successful event. Read Jerry Osteryoung's full column.


International shoppers big spenders in South Florida malls

You don't need to walk around Sawgrass Mills mall for long to hear at least five different languages spoken by shoppers. And Sawgrass is listening. Sawgrass is one of several South Florida shopping centers currently partnering with MasterCard to attract international visitors and their dollars to their stores. More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Event
National Small Business Week

The SBA is marking the 50th Anniversary of Small Business Week this week with live streaming seminars every day. The schedule of speakers is here. In Florida, networking and consulting events to help small businesses are being held. Below are some of these events.

  • National Small Business Week: How To Grow Your Business
    Date: June 19, 2013 | 9:00 am EST - June 19, 2013 | 3:00 pm EST
    Location: The Epicenter, 13805 58th St N #1, Clearwater, Florida 33760
  • National Small Business Week: Ask The Expert Speed Consulting
    Date: June 18, 2013 | 8:30 am EST - June 18, 2013 | 10:30 am EST
    Location: SBDC at the University of South Florida, Tampa Port Authority Building, Tampa, 1101 Channelside Dr, 2nd Floor, Tampa, Florida 33602
  • National Small Business Week: Speed Consulting
    Date: June 19, 2013 | 7:30 am EST - June 19, 2013 | 10:30 am EST
    Location: Florida Southern College
    111 Lake Hollingsworth, Lakeland, Florida, 33801
  • National Small Business Week Celebration With Indian River State College SBDC
    Date: June 20, 2013 | 9:00 am EST - June 20, 2013 | 12:30 pm EST
    Location: Indian River State College
    3209 Virginia Ave., Fort Pierce, Florida 34981
  • National Small Business Week: Growth Strategies for Small Businesses
    Date: June 19, 2013 | 8:30 am EST - June 19, 2013 | 9:30 am EST
    Location: Broward Bank of Commerce - Coral Ridge Branch
    2601 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33306