Thursday's Daily Pulse
U.S. economic outlook brightens during summer
Economic activity largely picked up during the summer after hitting a soft patch at the start of the year, though the Federal Reserve's latest survey of regional conditions showed few signs of pressure on wages. More from the Wall Street Journal and the AP.
 UCF professor Greg Welch with a RoboThespian. Story. [Photo: Steve Williams] |
Florida Trend Exclusive
Computer simulation firms in Florida are playing doctor
With future defense-related spending unsure, many Florida simulation firms are turning to commercial markets -- with a particular focus on the health care field. Interviewed in this story: Carol Wideman, CEO of VCom3D; UCF professor Greg Welch; Beverly Seay, UCF trustee, and others. Access full story.
Gas could sink below $3 a gallon this year
Remember $2.99 gas? How about, $2.50? Or $2.47? That last number comes from July 27, 2009, during the summer, when prices traditionally spike with travel. But as a result of the United States' booming oil production, a drop below $3 could become a reality this year. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
Are women as business savvy as men?
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), women are rated as highly as men, sometimes higher, when it comes to being effective leaders. “When all leadership contexts are considered, men and women do not differ in perceived leadership effectiveness,” said lead researcher Samantha C. Paustian-Underdahl, PhD, of Florida International University. [Source: ZDNet]
Florida wins federal grant for small business exports
Florida won a $311,000 federal grant Wednesday to help small businesses increase their foreign exports. The Small Business Administration doled out $8 million to 24 states out of 49 that applied for the grant money. [Source: South Florida Business Journal]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Florida TaxWatch and FSU’s Learning Systems Institute name Florida’s top six principals [Press Release]
The Florida TaxWatch Center for Educational Performance & Accountability and the Learning Systems Institute at Florida State University announced the top six performing principals in Florida’s high-risk public schools.
The honorees are:
- Susan Cavinee, Mill Creek Elementary School – Osceola
- Deborah Crotty, Rutledge H. Pearson Elementary School – Duval
- Kelli Hunter-Sheppard, Leisure City K-8 Center – Miami-Dade
- Sheila Windom, Memorial Middle School – Orange
- Cassandra Robinson, Dillard High School – Broward
- Benny Valdes, Miami Senior High School – Miami-Dade
› Tampa Bay Times Forum has a new name: Amalie Arena [Tampa Bay Times]
After a dozen years as the Tampa Bay Times Forum, the Tampa Bay Lightning's home arena has a new name. Amalie Oil Co. is assuming naming rights of the downtown Tampa entertainment arena and concert venue.
› As Sarasota has grown, so has number of high rises [Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
They stand as symbols of growth and prosperity — high-rise buildings which silhouette the skyline, as if announcing: “All is well here, at least financially.”
› New CEO named for Silver Airways [Miami Herald]
The Fort Lauderdale-based airline’s board of directors announced Wednesday that Sami T. Teittinen, Silver’s chief financial officer, has been named to the CEO position effective Friday. He will also join the board.
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› Miami-Dade College strengthens China ties [Miami Today]
Miami Dade College continues to strengthen its relationship with China through the arts and study-abroad programs.
› Florida tomato growers get 'fresh' with partnership [The Grower]
The Maitland-based Florida Tomato Committee has partnered with the state-run Fresh from Florida program. What form the arrangement ultimately will take is still being discussed, says Reggie Brown, committee manager.
› Laser Spine Institute plans new HQ in Westshore, will add 100 jobs [Tampa Bay Times]
The Laser Spine Institute is about to get bigger: the company said it plans to add 100 new jobs in the coming year and build a new facility to accommodate that growth.
› Planning for Unretirement and Why It Pays Dividends to Work Longer [TIME]
Unretirement will change not only how an aging population thinks about old age but also how it plans the elder years. Over the past three decades the baby boom generation has been taught to equate planning for retirement with savvy investing.