Friday's Daily Pulse
The growing number of older entrepreneurs
Leaders looking to promote entrepreneurship in their cities and regions may find an abundant source of business builders among people older than 50 -- they are one of the fastest growing groups of entrepreneurs in the U.S. Read more from Gallup and the Small Business Association.
Florida exports up 3.6% in November
The latest international trade numbers show that $5.15 billion worth of goods left Florida for international markets in November, an increase of 3.6 percent from October. The November data is the most recent available. [Source: Orlando Business Journal]
Does it cost more to keep illegal immigrants in the U.S. -- or deport them?
While the immigration debate revolves around politics, the root of the issue is economics. In other words, does it cost more to keep illegal immigrants in this country, or does it cost more to deport them? [Source: Fortune]
Businesses driving Medicaid expansion push
Florida's Legislature has twice turned down proposals to provide health insurance for nearly 1 million state residents. But still state business leaders – and some mayors – continue to rally and aim to take another swing at it when the Legislature convenes March 3. [Source: Health News Florida]
Agriculture Secretary says Cuba trade could grow by hundreds of millions
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack predicts U.S. trade with Cuba could rebound from its current $300 million to close to $500 million with Florida among the states capitalizing the most. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
See also:
» Investing in Cuba can be a risky business
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› State Department opens ‘media hub of the Americas’ at Freedom Tower [Miami Herald]
Miami’s iconic Freedom Tower, once a newspaper office and then a symbolic home for Cuban refugees, has a new purpose that’s rooted in its history as the “Ellis Island of the South.”
› South Florida construction contracts surge 52% in 2014 [South Florida Business Journal]
The construction cranes are popping up like daisies in South Florida, as a study by Dodge Data & Analytics found a 52 percent increase in construction contract awarded here in 2014.
› Florida hardest hit by Takata exploding airbags [WFLA]
Florida has the highest number of injuries and deaths caused by Takata exploding airbags than any other state. 18 of the combined 69 injuries and deaths caused by the exploding airbags happened in Florida.
› UM opens ‘clean room’ for nanotech research [Miami Herald]
Wearing a white haz-mat suit, a head-covering mask and goggles, University of Miami provost Thomas LeBlanc took a tour Wednesday of what is believed to be the cleanest room in South Florida — literally.
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› Employee handbooks don’t need to be boring [Gainesville Business Report]
Typically the first document handed to new employees and the main method for communication of operational standards, the Handbook needs to reflect who you truly are as an organization and set the tone for the work-life culture.
› Royal Caribbean posts higher profit, but earnings miss analysts' estimates [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. traded lower in early trading Thursday after the cruise operator reported fourth-quarter results that missed analysts' estimates.
› Florida winter cabbage in full swing [The Packer]
Florida cabbage grower-shippers are in the middle of harvesting winter production and approaching the start of their spring production.
› Name change to Florida's technical centers could lead to guns on campuses [Tampa Bay Times]
Florida Rep. Greg Steube's legislation to extend concealed carry weapons permits to colleges and universities could have a side effect that has school districts on edge. It might allow guns on campuses that serve large numbers of high school students.