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Government Relations
E-News
July 1, 2019
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Each week, the Daytona Regional Chamber meets with elected officials and attends numerous City, County and School Board meetings. Below is a recap of our recent activity along with information for upcoming events.
The Chamber is constantly working to build relations with our state agencies in Tallahassee as well as Volusia County entities.
To learn more about the Chamber’s Government Relations activities,
call Jim Cameron at 386.566.2140.
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Free Leadership Program to Prepare Area Business Leaders
for Political Engagement
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The Flagler Volusia Public Leadership Institute (FVPLI), a joint program of the Daytona Regional and Flagler County Chambers, is seeking applicants for a nonpartisan, free training program to teach local PRO-BUSINESS individuals how to become involved in the political process and promote a robust local economy.
It will coach participants how to use their business experience, skills and talent to advocate for pro-business policies, engage in political campaigns, land appointments to government boards or explore a future run for elected office.
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Applicants will undergo a competitive selection process and only a limited number will be invited to participate. A full scholarship is provided to all members, thanks to our program sponsors.
Sessions will be held 9 am – 4 pm on Friday, September 6 and Saturday, September 7 at the Daytona Regional Chamber and Friday, September 13 and Saturday, September 14 at the Flagler County Chamber. A kick-off reception will be held Thursday, September 5 at 5:30 pm at the Daytona Regional Chamber.
The curriculum will use an active-learning format of simulation and small group exercises to cover topics in public leadership, policy and advocacy. Course titles include:
Preparing for Opportunities in Public Leadership; Understanding the Political Process and Political Environment; Strategies for Engagement; Advocacy and Policy Objectives for the Business Community; Political and Advocacy Fundraising; Building a Grassroots Coalition: Keys to Advocacy and Political Messaging
and others.
Several elected leaders will also share their insights and experiences. Mark Mills will facilitate the program.
The Flagler County and Daytona Regional Chambers are nonpartisan organizations that do not endorse or support candidates for office.
For more information or to receive an application for the program, call
Jim Cameron, Daytona Regional Chamber, at 566-2140
or email
jim@daytonachamber.com
Click here
for an application. Applications must be returned by August 2.
We would like to thank our sponsors -
- AT&T
- Ghyabi Consulting & Management
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Legislative Action Committee begins drafting 2020 Priorities
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Legislative Action Committee members discuss issues for 2020 Session
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The Legislative Committee (
Phil Maroney - Chair, Root Company
) met June 11 to begin prioritizing business-related issues for the for the 2020 legislative session.
Topics will include education, economic development, insurance (property, health), capital projects, employer issues, business regulation, taxes as well so other issues.
Some of the issues likely to be addressed include funding for Visit Florida and Enterprise Florida. Both of these agencies are critically important to our local economy. Visit Florida markets the State in order to bring tourists to our community that spend their dollars in our hotels, restaurants as well as other amenities. Enterprise Florida seeks to recruit new business i.e. "new jobs producers" to our community.
Last month, a survey was sent to get your input on these matters. If you were not able to complete this survey, you can still provide your input by calling Jim Cameron at 566-2140 (cell).
Once the committee completes their recommendations, they go to the Chamber’s Board. Upon their approval, they will then be presented at the Volusia legislative delegation hearing later this year.
Note – the 2020 legislative session begins January 14. Volusia Days at the Capitol will be January 15-16, where business leaders and community officials will meet with legislators and other State officials in support of projects that benefit our community.
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Volusia Real Estate Values Increase
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Volusia Property Appraiser Larry Bartlett discusses real estate values
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O
n June 7, attendees at the Volusia County Real Estate Values Forum heard
County Property Appraiser Larry Bartlett
tout that property values increased in each city in Volusia County for the sixth consecutive year. The 'just value' increased 8% countywide. Daytona Beach's taxable value increased 12.3%, Port Orange increased 6.8% and Ormond Beach increased 5.6%.
The current median price of existing single-family homes in Volusia County is $220,250 (vs $205,000 in 2018). The latest Volusia County construction figures totaled $696.7 million with Daytona Beach at $160.5 million.
2019 new construction is:
- 79.5 % residential
- 17.2 % commercial
- 3.2 % government/institutional
Click here
for the Slide Show presentation at the VCARD Real Estate Values Forum.
These tax estimates will be released by July 1 and will assist local governments in calculating tax rates for their FY 2019-20 budgets.
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Need for Affordable Housing is a Major Concern..
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On June 10,
Daytona Beach Housing Authority Terril Bates
explained the backlog for affordable housing for this area's workers that make between $11,000 - $14,000 annually.
However, it was pointed out that the average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is $1,000 per month. A major factor is the overhead costs including land, building material, impact fees....thus it costs approximately $180,000 to build a single apartment unit.
The Daytona Regional Chamber is working with the Housing Authority to help provide housing that is affordable for our front-line workers that is in close proximity to the workplace.
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Chamber Tallahassee Speaker Series
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There is wide-ranging talk of the opportunities in central Florida’s Space Triangle….Daytona Beach/Volusia County with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University…
Brevard County, home to Kennedy Space Center and the Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne...and Orlando, home to the University of Central Florida.
Social Hour to follow…Open to the public…..$25 per person.
Questions? Call Jim Cameron (jim@daytonachamber.com) 566-2140
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Daytona Beach City Commission Sets Stage for Project Delta West...and it could change downtown
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Downtown Realtor Kelly White Addresses City Commission
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June 19. the Daytona Beach City Commission approved zoning/comprehensive plan changes allowing up to 300 new apartments, a (400 space) parking garage on the First Baptist Church property (perimeters of the entire project are N Ridgewood Ave, Palmetto Ave, Intl Speedway Blvd and Bay St).
The vote involved comprehensive plan changes to allow for more high-intensity uses (increasing the density from 40 to 150 housing units per acre) in the downtown district.
With the approval of the garage and residential zoning, the Consolidated-Tomoka Land Co project would later focus on commercial venues including retail shops, a grocery store, and restaurants.
The Daytona Regional Chamber spoke in support of the project because it will draw more people living and working downtown, thus bringing more new businesses to Beach St and make the riverfront a destination for visitors.
Rob Merrell
stated that the height of the building would be based on floor area ratio and that any trees removed in the area would be replaced with twice the number of trees.
It’s not a done deal yet but it sets the table for something to happen.
Mayor Derrick Henry, Commissioners Rob Gilliland, Paula Reed, Ruth Trager, Aaron Delgado, and Quanita May voted in support of the Comprehensive Plan Amendment. Commissioner Dannette Henr
y was absent for this meeting.
On the 2nd item...rezoning the 5.99 acres to Planned Development-Redevelopment,
Commissioner Ruth Trager
voted No.
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Chamber Welcomes Congressional & State Staff Members
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Barry Cotton (Sen Rick Scott's office) meets with Keiser University officials Lynn Carr,
David Champlin, Maggie Vivoda
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Florida Healthcare's Dr Joe Zuckerman, David Schandel, Dr Wendy Myers, Ernie Audino, London Rotondo, Amanda Thorpe
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Amanda Thorpe, Zane Beard, with TopBuild's David Whan and Tabitha Zane
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As part of its role keeping the Daytona Beach/Volusia County business community in touch with our government officials, the Chamber hosts elected officials and staff members each month to hear concerns and discuss issues.
On April 12,
Zane Beard (Regional Director for CFO Jimmy Patronis)
,
Amanda Thorpe (Regional Director for Gov Ron DeSantis)
met with representatives from
Teledyne, TopBuild, Daytona Beverages, CEO Business Alliance, Bank of America, City of Daytona Beach, and International Speedway Corp.
On May 10, the Chamber welcomed
London Rotondo (Regional Director for Sen Marco Rubio),
Ernie Audino (District Director for Congressman Michael Waltz) and Amanda Thorpe (Regional Director for Gov Ron DeSantis
) and meetings were held with
The Arc of Volusia, Daytona Beach Housing Authority, Ghyabi Consulting & Management, Florida Health Care, and Pevonia International.
On May 22,
Barry Cotton (Regional Director for Sen Rick Scott)
attended the Chamber’s Eggs & Issues Legislative delegation breakfast and visited
Keiser University.
The Daytona Regional Chamber has hosted these staff people for more than 30 years to build closer relationships between state and congressional offices and our local businesses
.
May we schedule an appointment with your office?
Contact Jim Cameron at 566.2140.
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Congressman Michael Waltz meets with Chamber Reps
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On April 22, the Congressional Action Committee hosted
Congressman Michael Waltz
for a a Business Round-table meeting.
Waltz has demonstrated a pro-business / pro-growth voting record in Washington. He serves on the Armed Forces Committee as well as the Space & Technology Committee.
Some of the topics discussed were economic opportunity zones, expanding Commercial Space industry opportunities in Volusia; Immigration reform and budget.
Attendees included
Rodney Cruise - ERAU; Hardy Smith – City of Daytona Beach; Jordon Jiloty – NASCAR; Maryam Ghyabi, Ghyabi Consulting & Management; Tabitha Zane, TopBuild; Cheryl Coxwell – International Speedway Corp; Spyridon Chakalos -
Anti-Aging & Regenerative Associates
Waltz'
District Director, Ernie Audino
was at this meeting.
The Daytona Regional Chamber hosts these meetings to build closer relationships between state and congressional office holders and our local businesses
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Local Government Committee Hears First Step Shelter Update From Ormond Commissioner Dwight Selby
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October 1 is the target date to open the First Step Shelter.
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Ormond Beach City Commissioner Dwight Selby, a First Step Shelter Board member
, explained several issues at hand.
The Board will soon be seeking a new Executive Director and their primary duties will be fundraising. Catholic Charities will operate the shelter when it opens.
However, there is concern of who will be allowed to stay at the shelter. Some propose it being open to anyone that is homeless vs homeless individuals from cities that agreed to participate.
The proposed policy also says shelter residents must pass a an open warrents background check, agree to alcohol and drug tests, and agree to a 20-point resident contract.
The Daytona Regional Chamber has always supported a 24/4…COME AS YOU ARE...emergency shelter for anyone that agrees to work with a case manager on stabilizing their lives and adhere to a multitude of rules.Since taxpayer dollars being the primary funding source, the Chamber supports a shelter policy is financially secure. Priority for admission must favor entities that provide funding. At the same time, there must be geographic parameters.
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$15 per person advanced reservation) or $20 at the door.
Click here
for X-press RSVP or email ken@daytonachamber.com or 523-3675
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Congressional Action Committee provides input to
US Chamber rep on Immigration Issue
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Ernie Audino, Sherry Brianza,
Jon Baselice,
Spyridon Chakalos, David Whan
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June 20, the Congressional Action Committee hosted a Roundtable meeting with th
e US Chamber’s Jon Baselice, Immigration Policy Exec
to discuss the status of immigration issues in Washington. Some of the bills discussed were…...
- House’ recent approval of the American Dream and Promise Act which would permanently protect Dreamers - undocumented individuals who were brought to the US as children – and long-term beneficiaries of the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program, which provides temporary protection to individuals from countries experiencing crisis conditions. Click here for more details...
The Daytona Regional Chamber is constantly seeking
(and relaying)
input from members on specific issues before Congress, Legislature as well as local entities.
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Key Upcoming Meeting Dates
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Your Chamber staff already attends many of these meetings. For more information of the key agenda items to be discussed at these meetings, please call
Jim Cameron,
566-2140.
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Upcoming Meetings
- First Step Shelter Board:
July 15, 4:00 pm,
Daytona Bch City Hall, Rm 149
- Daytona Beach City Commission:
July 3 & 17, 6:00 pm City Hall
July 17,Strategic Plan Workshop,4:30 pm City Hall
July 2 & 16, 10:00 am Cty Admin Bldg Deland
- Chamber Eggs & Issues Breakfast:
July 11,
7:30 am, LPGA Clubhouse
- Elected Officials Roundtable:
July 8, 12 noon, Daytona International Airport
July 22, 2:00 pm Deland Admin Bldg
July 23, 5:30 pm Special Mtg
- South Daytona City Council:
July 23, 6:00 pm, City Hall
- Port Orange City Council:
July 2 & 16, 6:30 pm, City Hall
- Ormond Beach City Commission:
July 30, 7:00 pm, City Hall
- Holly Hill City Commission:
July 9 & 23, 7:00 pm, City Hall
July 9, 7 pm, City Hall
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Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce
126 E. Orange Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32114
386.255.0981 | info@daytonachamber.com
DaytonaChamber.com
Your Chamber of Influence
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