Florida Trend | Florida's Business Authority

Monday's Afternoon Update

Pandemic-fueled lottery sales generate record $2 billion for Florida education fund

The Florida Lottery has recorded double-digit increases in sales and revenues since June 2020 and that trend is not slackening – May’s state lottery sales were up by 23%, or $1.52 billion, compared to May 2020. As a result, for the first time in the Florida Lottery’s 33-year history, its contributions to the state's Educational Enhancement Trust Fund (EETF) during Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) exceeded $2 billion, more than $300 million above forecasts. More from the Center Square.

Sales and Marketing Advice

Are you a doctor of sales?

It’s been drilled into you time and time again, sell to the pain. The idea is that if you find and “exaggerate” the buyer’s issue or hurdle to getting what they want, you’ll be well on your way to closing the deal. Well, yes and no. Too many sales reps ask a few predicable surface-level questions and proceed to rattle off their canned pitch. There’s a presumption of knowing what their prospect needs. There’s no engaging the buyer in a real discussion – nothing that approaches a dialog about their business challenges. Read Ron Stein's full column here.

With cleanup ahead, Jacksonville mulls development deal for Talleyrand Superfund site

After sitting idle more than 40 years, a badly polluted part of Jacksonville’s Talleyrand waterfront could become a working dock again once a long-awaited cleanup is finished. The former site of a Kerr-McGee Chemical Corp. factory and warehouse has become the subject of a development agreement city officials are pursuing to reopen the property at 1611 Talleyrand Ave. More from the Florida Times-Union.

Air conditioner shortage could mean a long wait to cool down

Just like cars and other manufactured items, air conditioning equipment is in short supply because of the pandemic. Closed factories, a lack of delivery drivers and more people working from home are putting the squeeze on getting new units in Florida and around the country, leaving some customers sweltering. More from the Orlando Sentinel .

Florida plastic recycling firm to build $440M Georgia plant

A Florida-based plastic recycling company has announced plans to build a $440 million plant in Augusta. The project is among the largest investments ever in the city, Augusta Economic Development Authority President Cal Wray told the Augusta Chronicle. The plant is expected to create more than 80 manufacturing jobs. Construction is expected to start early next year, according to the Chronicle. More from the AP.

Business Profile
Main Squeeze Juice opening first Florida location in Jacksonville Beach

 The Louisiana-based Main Squeeze Juice Co. juice and smoothie bar franchise announced July 29 that it will open in early August in Jacksonville Beach, which is its first store in Florida. Restaurantnews.com announced the opening. Main Squeeze will open at 544 Marsh Landing Parkway near the Target-anchored South Beach Parkway at Butler Boulevard and Florida A1A. Cody O’Hara, director of PR and communications with Franchise Elevator PR, said Aug. 1 that Main Squeeze’s grand opening is Aug. 6-8.

» More from the Jacksonville Daily Record.

 

Legal Trends
Masks back on in Tampa Bay courts as COVID-19 cases surge

floridaVisitors to local courthouses in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties once again must wear masks. Citing worsening health conditions in recent weeks, chief judges in the 6th and 13th judicial circuits issued administrative orders requiring that people wear masks in courtrooms and other public areas of local court facilities starting today. The judges also recommend courthouse visitors adhere to social distancing, though it is not required.

» Read more from the Tampa Bay Times.