First-time home buyers snapping up houses

U.S. home resales surged to a 5-1/2-year high in May as first-time buyers stepped into the market. The National Association of Realtors said existing home sales increased 5.1 percent, the highest level since November 2009. First-time buyers accounted for 32 percent of transactions. More at Reuters.

Gov. Scott on 7-city tax cut 'victory tour'

Today, Florida Governor Rick Scott is visiting seven Florida cities on his “Keep Florida Working” Tax Cut Victory Tour to celebrate more than $400 million in tax cuts. The Governor will be visiting Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, Pensacola, St. Petersburg and West Palm Beach. More at the Naples News and the Governor's website.

Dynamic flying non-stop between Fort Lauderdale and Caracas

Dynamic International Airways will begin operating its new daily service between Fort Lauderdale/ Hollywood International Airport and Caracas Simon Bolivar International Airport on July 17th. This will be the airline's first daily service to Venezuela from FLL and the only nonstop flight connecting Fort Lauderdale and Caracas. More information here.

Natural food store wars

On Florida's central Atlantic coast, independent grocery stores, bakeries and retail food outlets are bracing for competition from national chains. Joe Mannarino, economic development director for Ormond Beach, said he knows national grocery chains, including Trader Joe’s, have been considering sites in the area. More at the Daytona Beach News-Journal.

Small Business Advice
How do you recognize that your business has outgrown your skills?

Running a business requires the ability to manage the company through various growth cycles -- something most owners and managers just do not have. So how can a manager tell if the company has outgrown his/her skills? At this column by Jerry Osteryoung, there are four critical questions a manager can ask themselves to see if they are holding the company back.