Tuesday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 4/7/2015

Small-business hiring picking up

Small-business hiring is picking up and could account for most new jobs this year as large companies pull back amid global economic troubles. The heavy lifting by firms with fewer than 50 employees is likely to prop up a labor market that some economists expect to slow. More at USA Today.

Westgate loses suit over 'high-pressure' sales tactics

Orlando-based Westgate Resorts’ loss in a recent Tennessee lawsuit could have broader implications for the company. The case, filed by timeshare buyers Nathan and Patricia Overton, was specifically about Tennessee law and a sale in Gatlinburg, Tenn. More at the Orlando Sentinel.

Why women and young people don't want the top job

Business Profile
Kairos

On Monday, Miami-based Kairos announced it acquired the New York-based emotion analysis startup IMRSV for $2.7 million.

With this acquisition, Kairos becomes the only facial biometrics company offering both facial recognition and emotion analysis tools for developers.

» More from the Miami Herald and Forbes.

Inside the cubicles at many workplaces, there's a strange trend taking place. Young people are comfortable and really don't want to upgrade their cubicle for the corner office. A new survey calls it the "Aspiration Gap". More at the Miami Herald.

Inventive Florida excels at more than suntans, spring breaks

Want proof that Florida can be celebrated for more than suntans and spring breaks? Consider the seven innovators for 2015 just announced as inductees into the fledgling Florida Inventors Hall of Fame. More at the Tampa Bay Times.

How interest rate changes could stem the tide (a little) in Florida's shrinking bank lineup

While the number of Florida-based banks continues to dwindle, there’s a potential game-changer in the wings. Rising interest rates may lead to an uptick in de novo, or new banks, being formed — something that hasn’t happened in Florida since 2009. More at the Tampa Bay Business Journal.

2015 Economic Yearbook - Miami-Dade
Tourism and Construction Drive the Region

Construction employment, up 8.9% from November 2013 through November 2014, has been growing faster than any other segment of the economy. Companies are making plans to take advantage of existing ties to Cuba as trade possibilities seem higher than in decades.