Quarterly - Volusia County Economic Development
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Quarterly
Economic Development
An official publication of the Volusia County Economic Development Division
First Quarter 2016
Speedway ready for the green flag following
$400 million DAYTONA Rising renovation
Economic Development Quarterly goes digital!
Welcome to the first all-digital edition of Volusia County Economic Development Quarterly, a publication of the
Volusia County Division of Economic Development. After 14 years as a printed publication, EDQ is now offered
exclusively as a digital publication, so you can read it on your electronic devices at your convenience. As always,
we welcome your comments, suggestions and story ideas. Email Joanne Magley, jmagley@volusia.org.
Speedway ready for the green flag following
$400 million DAYTONA Rising renovation
What a difference a few years, $400 million, and millions of hours of labor can make. With Speedweeks
about to begin, excitement is building over the grand debut of the new Daytona International
Speedway. Completion of the DAytonA Rising project — the re-imagining of an American icon that
is Daytona International Speedway — has resulted in the world’s first motorsports stadium.
the project broke ground on July 5, 2013 and was completed in time for the Rolex 24 At Daytona
last month. Since then, punch list items have been addressed and the motorsports stadium is ready
to welcome loyal nASCAR fans for the 2016 edition of the Daytona 500 on February 21. the
spectacular new complex is a 21st century salute to the dream and determination of William “Big
Bill” France, whose vision for the original Speedway came to fruition when he built the original
Daytona International Speedway in 1959. Since then, nASCAR has become a wildly popular and
exciting spectator sport with fans around the world.
the new motorsports stadium makes “the thing about this project is: We’re Daytona International Speedway sign
a stunning visual statement even from on schedule. We’re on budget,” said was illuminated for the first time. the
the outside along International Joie Chitwood III, Daytona Interna- sign features letters that are more
Speedway Boulevard. nearly a mile of tional Speedway president. “I’m not than 13 feet tall and span 355 feet in
superstructure features sleek paneling sure whether other projects of this length. throughout the construction,
and colorful sponsor graphics sur- size and magnitude could say that.” which was halted periodically for
rounding five fan “injectors” and the scheduled racing events, residents
“neighborhoods” fans discover once throughout the DAytonA Rising and visitors who bought a ticket for
inside the complex. there are more project, the team at Daytona the Speedway’s daily tours got a
than 1,200 video screens in the com- International Speedway has put a sneak peek of the project at various
plex, so fans need not miss a moment premium on communicating its plans stages of construction.
of the on-track excitement when they and progress with the community,
wander from their seats. Inside the drivers, teams and owners, the news While the complex is the first state-of-
stadium, fans will find a seemingly media and of course, the fans. the-art motorsports stadium, it’s a
endless expanse of colorful seating, Colorful events marked each stage of perfect venue for non-racing events.
101,500 permanent, wider, more com- construction beginning with a unique Already, it is scheduled to host Coun-
fortable seats. More than 60 luxury bulldozer race among drivers to break try 500 this Memorial Day weekend, a
suites with trackside views and a ground. Later, when 40 escalators three-day festival featuring some of
completely revamped experience were being installed, the green flag the biggest names in country music.
await corporate guests and sponsors. dropped on an escalator race, which And, the Ferrari World Final will be in
may be the only one of its kind in early December. other events are
the massive project generated ap- the history of escalators. A lighting being considered, but for today, the
proximately 6,300 jobs, $300 million ceremony was held as the gigantic focus is welcoming the world to
in labor income and $85 million in tax Speedweeks and the Daytona 500.
revenue.
JetBlue commences nonstop flights, Daytona Beach to JFK in NYC
there was magic in the air as Volusia County welcomed
the inaugural JetBlue flight from John F. Kennedy
International Airport (JFK) in new york City to Daytona
Beach International Airport last month. After years
of working to get JetBlue to add Daytona Beach
International Airport (DAB) to its route map, the big
day arrived. the inaugural flight arrived ahead of
schedule, bathed in a water-cannon salute on the
taxiway, and to a warm welcome by 500 people in the
terminal building who helped celebrate the commence-
ment of JetBlue service to and from DAB.
Scott Laurence, Senior Vice President for Airline
Planning for JetBlue, reacted in his comments to the Scott Laurence, Senior Vice President for Airline Planning for
crowd. “We have opened in 93 other cities. none of JetBlue, addresses hundreds who assembled at Daytona
them have been like this. We are overwhelmed. And if Beach International Airport to welcome the inaugural flight
from JFK. Among those in the background are (from left) Lesa
this continues, we are going to need more ribbon France Kennedy, CEO of International Speedway Corporation
and more scissors and more events like this. this is and Dr. John Watret, interim president of Embry-Riddle Aero-
absolutely outstanding.” nautical University.
Landing JetBlue did not happen Kennedy, CEo of International people to fly JetBlue to DAB. Also,
overnight and it did not happen Speedway Corporation, for her Daytona Beach International Airport
without a countywide community leadership in the effort recruit JetBlue funded a targeted Central Florida
effort. In fact community support was to DAB. He thanked the Volusia marketing campaign encouraging
a major factor affecting JetBlue’s County Council members for their local people to support the new, non-
decision to serve DAB. It all began in steadfast support of efforts to lure stop DAB to JFK service on JetBlue.
2000 when airport and community JetBlue, including approval of the Daytona Regional Chamber
officials made their first pitch to incentives. Dinneen also presided coordinated an innovative “travel
JetBlue at the airline’s headquarters over the dedication of the Dennis R. bank” that affirmed the purchase
in Connecticut. Since then, there have McGee Community Room at the tickets. “More than 25 businesses
been dozens of meetings and hun- airport, as a tribute to the former pledged a quarter of a million dollars
dreds of phone calls to support the airport director and a key figure in the in ticket purchases over the first two
case for serving DAB. In 2012, the JetBlue recruiting initiative from the years of JetBlue’s service to DAB,”
president of JetBlue visited DAB, very beginning. McGee died in 2015. according to nancy Keefer, President
after which efforts to win JetBlue’s /CEo of the Daytona Regional
confidence intensified, and in 2015 Rick Karl, Director of aviation and Chamber of Commerce.
the decision was made to begin non- economic resources for Volusia
stop service between JFK in new County Government noted the JetBlue is using the Airbus A320
york City and DAB. impressive incentive package that was aircraft for its DAB/JFK route. It seats
created in support of the recruiting 150 and features free wifi service, a
At welcoming ceremonies at Daytona effort, which is common in today’s continuous stream of video entertain-
Beach International Airport, Volusia competitive environment among ment, expanded legroom and more.
County Manager Jim Dinneen airport cities. He noted that the the aircraft got good reviews from
summed up the sustained and county- package was varied, focused and passengers on the inaugural flight to
wide effort to land JetBlue, adding to creative. Landing fees were waived. DAB.
the to the outstanding service already Ground handling fees were waived.
provided American Airlines and Delta terminal rent was waived for the first While efforts are focused on making
Air Lines. year. Daytona Beach International the route a success for JetBlue, there
Airport partnered with the Daytona have been observations among those
“this truly has been a community Beach Area Convention & Visitors involved in the JetBlue initiative that
effort, and your presence here shows Bureau, the West Volusia tourism the airline could consider increased
the community’s enthusiasm for this Advertising Authority and the South- service to and from JFK and the
new nonstop service to new york. It east Volusia Advertising Authority to addition of a Boston flight from DAB
also shows what we can accomplish fund a marketing campaign in the in the future if demand is strong
when we work together,” said new york City market, encouraging enough.
Dinneen, who recognized Lesa France
Teamwork, milestones and the road ahead
By JIM DINNEEN
Volusia County Manager
JetBlue was bowled over! More than 500 people on January
7 crowded the second floor of our airport terminal to greet
the inaugural JetBlue flight as it arrived from new york City.
Daily, nonstop service between Daytona Beach and Kennedy
International Airport is a reality.
Jim Dinneen
the outpouring of community support for the first motorsports stadium in the And speaking of tourism, the community
JetBlue service carried the day. JetBlue’s world. this opens the door to a variety of hosted a record 9.2 million visitors in
Scott Laurence, Senior Vice President for racing and other events. Across the 2015. Hotel occupancy was up, as was the
Airline Planning, said of the 93 cities his street, the Speedway/nASCAR family is number of events at our ocean Center.
airline has opened, none topped the about to launch the first phase of the tourist tax collections were at an all-time
rousing welcome the air carrier received onE DAytonA mixed use development. high. In another example of setting the
in Daytona Beach. “We’re overwhelmed,” Lesa France Kennedy especially deserves table for our economic future, the county
he said, during a festive ribbon cutting credit for the role she played in convincing and Daytona International Speedway are
event. JetBlue to come and her willingness to now partners in the Daytona Beach ½
invest in the community. Marathon. Being a longtime runner who
Landing JetBlue service at our airport is has participated in the biggest races in
among the many significant economic tanger outlet Mall is coming out the the country, I am confident our unique
development positives that are taking ground along Interstate 95 in north race will grow into one of the area’s most
place in Volusia County. there are count- Daytona Beach. the Desert Inn on the significant winter events.
less reasons to be positive as we focus on beachside is being transformed into a
the challenges and opportunities that lie four star Westin property. I mention these Recreation, eco-based tourism is a strong
ahead. But while the JetBlue service is projects because they all have something point for our county. the county council
cause for celebration, it’s important to in common. It took the willingness of the now has created more than 125 artificial
keep in mind that economic development Volusia County Council, and others, to fishing/diving reefs, and continues work
takes hard work, a willingness to support take the actions necessary to set the on our amazing trails system. We have
the necessary financial incentives, and a table for these projects. fine-tuned our beach management and
cohesive effort that includes governments are hoping to expand our enormously
and the private sector working in As elected officials, it takes political popular Marine Science Center.
harmony toward the same end game. courage to “put your money where your
mouth is”. the Desert Inn project comes In closing, there are challenges we must
It should be noted that landing JetBlue with a pledge by the county council to tackle. We must find a cohesive solution
literally took years of sales calls and remove vehicles from the beach in front to the difficult problem of homelessness.
plenty of patience. In the end, the of the project in exchange for an equal the county is solidly behind the very
incentives supported by the Volusia number of public parking spaces. the promising goal to turn the vacant Hearst
County Council (airport), a pledge of real county council went one step further and Elementary school into a place where
money in the form of a travel bank by vowed to create a two-mile, vehicle-free homeless families can turn their lives
local businesses, and marketing dollars by stretch of beach in the core area of around. And, we are developing a com-
our tourism authorities to make this deal Daytona Beach if any developer steps prehensive program to address the needs
work. the one JetBlue flight a day will forward with the completion of a similar of homeless veterans. the homeless on
generate at least $1 million a year for the four star hotel. this bold move by the the street is going to require a compre-
airport. If we want JetBlue to be success- county council is an economic develop- hensive, short- and long-term strategy
ful and expand, we must pack the planes ment incentive to spur the rejuvenation with the same cohesive team approach
with passengers. of the beachside. It’s not, as some have that led to the JetBlue success.
suggested, a veiled move toward a car-
the JetBlue success story is noteworthy free beach. In addition, this county faces the very real
because it illustrates what we can do as problem of a lack of road construction
a community if we all work together. And speaking of the core beachside, the funding. you can’t see or feel the problem
Economic development is a “team sport” county council has given a conceptual now, but I promise you it’s coming and
and I believe our team has the right players thumbs up to a long-range endeavor to it will have a serious negative on our
and the right game plan for continued expand the beachside boardwalk for two future economic development initiatives
prosperity going forward. team Volusia, miles. the county is working with the City if we don’t find a permanent, consistent
the CEo Business Alliance, the county and of Daytona Beach and the private sector source of funding.
the cities, our colleges and universities, on the myriad difficult steps we must take
our incubator and workforce organization to make this happen. If we can pull this I’m confident if we work together we can
are in the game. off, and I believe we can, this will be a address these challenges.
tourism game changer of epic proportions.
As we look ahead, the amazing DAytonA
Rising project is complete. We now have
Daytona Beach Half Marathon set for February 7
February marks the debut of the newly redesigned
Daytona Beach Half Marathon, a 13.1-mile race that
also includes a two-person relay and 5k that has been
created by event partners Volusia County Government
and Daytona International Speedway. Registrations are
approaching 2,000 runners, making this an emerging
event among the half marathons in the Southeast, with
the potential to become one of America’s premier half
marathons.
“this has been designed as a first and well beyond. It has the potential — as well as our tourism advertising
class family event from top to to double and re-double in size within authorities in Daytona Beach, west
bottom,” said Jim Dinneen, Volusia just a few years.” Volusia County and southeast Volusia
County Manager, an experienced County.”
marathoner and participant in Dinneen said the response from the
numerous half marathons and other community has been very positive. the event includes a dazzling medal
events. “With the first leg of the “We have had tremendous support for finishers, upscale runner shirts for
course being a lap of the track at from the community, which is encour- men and women, exhibits on race
Daytona International Speedway, and aging. this includes the generous day and a breakfast for participants
then a stretch directly on the beach at support of many corporate sponsors following the race.
the midway point, this event is drawing including our presenting sponsors —
Florida Hospital and Brown & Brown For information and registration, go
participants from throughout Florida online to: DaytonaBeachHalf,com.
TopBuild picks Daytona Beach for company headquarters
the nation’s biggest installer and distributor of insulation
and other building materials has broken ground on a
65,700-square-foot headquarters off Williamson Boulevard
in Daytona Beach. Community leaders joined company
officials for groundbreaking ceremonies in December.
Completion is expected later this year. the company
currently operates from a 46,000-square-foot building it
leases immediately north of Volusia Mall.
Jerry Volas Robert Buck
the company’s origin dates back to of where to locate its headquarters the company’s current building. Dick
1995, when its then-parent company, could have been in a number of cities. Mcnerney, a commercial Realtor®,
Masco, purchased Gale Insulation, a nationally, topBuild has 8,000 associ- negotiated the deal on the family’s
locally-based company. ates in 43 states. It has 260 locations behalf.
in the United States and is active in 99
“In the next 10 years, great things of the nation’s largest metropolitan to ensure the selection of Volusia
happened,” said Robert Buck, areas. topBuild has two divisions — County as site of the company’s new
topBuild’s President and Chief truteam, which manages installation, headquarters, community leaders
operating officer. “the economy was and Service Partners, which manages worked together to provide an
cooperating, so we experienced good distribution. incentive package of up to $385,000
organic growth, along with a major to underscore the appeal of the area
roll-up and acquisition strategy. We the selection of Daytona Beach was for the project. the incentives include
grew to a nearly $3 billion company not difficult, according to Jerry Volas, county and state funds based on the
over a 10-year period. our parent topBuild’s Chief Executive officer, company meeting its goal of adding
company (Michigan-based Masco although the company looked at at least 55 jobs here over five years.
Corp.) decided to spin us off, to several locations including some in
become our own public, independent Florida. the team engaged in convincing
company in July and we were very topBuild to locate its headquarters
excited about that.” “When it came time for us to decide here included the Daytona Regional
where we were going to put our new Chamber of Commerce, the State of
corporate center, we had a lot of Florida, Volusia County Government,
history here; we had a lot of success the City of Daytona Beach, and the
TopBuild CEO Jerry Volas has here,” said Volas. “It’s a great commu- CEo Business Alliance."
been ranked No. 81 of a list nity. We have more than 200 employ-
ees who work right here in this office topBuild is a publicly traded company
of top CEOs for small-cap whose nySE stock symbol is BLD. It
and they like it here. So when you roll
companies globally by ExecRank. all that together, it was a pretty easy joins three other publicly traded
based on 24 different perform- decision that we should make perma- companies in Volusia County —
ance measures. nent roots here.” Brown & Brown, Consolidated-
tomoka Land. Co., and International
Consolidated-tomoka Land Co. sold Speedway Corporation.
the property for the new headquarters
As a company with a broad footprint to the Fisher family, which also owns
across the United States, the decision
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical begins site work on
Cornerstone Building for New Aerospace Research Park
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has begun site
work for its Advanced Aerodynamic Lab, the first
step in the creation of its Research Park. the university
views the project as a milestone in its mission to
deliver applied solutions to aviation and aerospace
companies.
“this lab is designed to encompass building, will come a commitment to • Unmanned design, engineering
research enterprises in aviation, space, provide free services for a specific and flight
engineering, unmanned systems, and number of hours a week. ERAU also will
environmental ventures,” said Rodney recruit a panel of local entrepreneurs to • Center for Cybersecurity and System
Cruise, ERAU Vice President for become mentors for start-ups that are Assurance, which encompasses
Administration & Planning. “the 50,000- in the incubation process. the nextGen Engineering Applied
square-foot, state-of-the-art Advanced Research Lab
Aerodynamics Laboratory will include overall, the 90-acre Research Park
includes offices, labs and hangar space • Eagle Flight Research Center, where
many critical components that will sup- faculty, staff and students work with
port a broad spectrum of research and with direct taxiway access to Daytona
Beach International Airport. industry on experimental flight test-
development applications throughout ing, design and testing of unmanned
the research park.” Among them are: Embry-Riddle’s Research Park is conve- aerial systems (UAS), development
• Composites center niently situated near orlando, tampa and verification of high-fidelity flight
• Multiscale materials laboratory and Jacksonville, and is well positioned data models used in engineering and
• Large article testing laboratory to leverage the resources of Florida’s training simulators, and prototype
• Structural health monitoring facility growing high-tech corridor. engineering solutions to advance
• Smart materials laboratory environmentally compatible alterna-
• Space technologies laboratory “Developing new strategic partnerships tives for aviation.
• thermal and energy laboratory and evolving existing relationships with
• Advanced dynamics and leading companies is a top priority for • Designated a Center of Excellence in
control center Embry-Riddle, marked by our expanding Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Embry-
• Robotics and autonomous research mission and global activities,” Riddle will be the technical lead in
systems facility said Dr. John R. Watret, Embry-Riddle’s UAS airport ground operations and
• Radar and communications laboratory interim president. “the park provides UAS pilot and crew training and will
• Circuits, sensors and the opportunity for an interdisciplinary co-lead in-command and communica-
instrumentation laboratory and collaborative approach between in- tions research. this distinction was
• Computational sciences laboratory dustry and academia to generate ap- bestowed jointly by the Federal Avia-
plied solutions to real-world problems, tion Administration (FAA) and Alliance
In addition, the Advanced Aerodynamics new products and ultimately high- for System Safety of UAS through
Laboratory will feature 10,000 square paying jobs.” Research Excellence (ASSURE).
feet of flex lease space to meet tenants’
needs and a 5,000-square-foot special- In addition to the new building, • Under the guidance of the recently
ized technology incubator to bring research park tenants, composed of named Research Park Advisory Board
industry ideas from ideation to the established industry leaders and that is composed of local, state and
market place. Later in the spring ERAU burgeoning enterprises, will have access national leaders from industry, gov-
will recruit Resident Partners, such as to use the facilities provided within ernment and higher education, the
accounting firms and intellectual prop- Embry-Riddle’s continually expanding university will identify partnership
erty firms that will have a role in sup- areas of research, that include: opportunities with aviation and a
porting the start-ups. With space in the erospace industry leaders.
About Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the world’s largest, fully accredited university specializing in aviation and aerospace, is a
nonprofit, independent institution that offers more than 75 baccalaureate, master’s and Ph.D. degree programs in its colleges
of Arts & Sciences, Aviation, Business, Engineering and Security & Intelligence. Embry-Riddle has residential campuses in
Daytona Beach and Prescott, Airozona, and a Worldwide Campus with more than 125 locations in the United States, Europe,
Asia and the Middle East through on-line programs. the university is a major research center, seeking solutions to real-world
problems in partnership with the aerospace industry, other universities and government agencies. For information go online
to: embryriddle.edu, follow ERAU on: twitter (@EmbryRiddle) and facebook.com/EmbryRiddleUniversity, and find videos at:
youtube.com/EmbryRiddleUniv.
Team Volusia names vice president
Chris Wimsatt has joined team Volusia Economic Development
Corporation as Vice President of Business Recruitment. He comes to
the area from ohio, where he was economic development director for
the City of Fairborn. During his tenure there, he formed the nonprofit
Fairborn Development Corporation. Prior experience includes having
served as Workforce & Economic Development Director for the Dayton
Area Chamber of Commerce. Wimsatt holds a bachelor of arts degree
in management from ohio State University and a master of science
degree in community and economic development from Penn State
University.
Chris WimsattNew DeLand hotels add to community’s warm welcome
Business is growing. Downtown is drawing crowds. Stetson
University is thriving. tourism is increasing. As such, there is
an increased demand for more hotel rooms. In DeLand, that
demand is being met.
the Hampton Inn & Suites DeLand the Hampton Inn & Suites has proven salvage operations at the existing
just celebrated its first year in business, to be a popular property among building (Gould Building) are
and plans for a new, downtown Court- business and leisure travelers, accord- complete and the buildings are
yard by Marriott are progressing. ing to Samir naran, executive vice demolished, we will schedule ground-
president of Premier Resorts & breaking, which could happen in
“We have seen a steady increase in Management Company, which has 14 March.” the 104-room hotel is
tourism throughout west Volusia hotels in the Carolinas and Florida. expected to open in 2017.
County,” said Renee tallevast,
executive director of the West “Hampton Inn & Suites came to the the new hotel is viewed as a great
Volusia tourism Advertising Authority. DeLand market with a great pack- addition to the allure of the award-
Her organization promotes tourism age,” he said. “It includes a conven- winning downtown area, according to
in the region and currently has an ient location near the intersection of Wayne Carter, executive director
inventory of 912 guest rooms. “our U.S 17 and 92; well-designed guest of Mainstreet DeLand, which is
accommodations are perfect for rooms with work areas for business dedicated to supporting and
individual business or leisure travel- travelers, free internet access, high enhancing downtown the economic
ers, but also we routinely welcome definition television; a fitness center; development while protecting and
groups, sports teams and meetings free hot breakfast or Hampton-on- promoting DeLand’s historic heritage.
to the area. our properties offer the-Run breakfast bags.”
great accommodations and small “there is so much to see and do
town hospitality. our new properties the Courtyard by Marriott is being downtown, there are so many
fit right in with that profile.” developed by Avista Hotels & Resorts professional offices, and of course,
which has six hotels in Central Florida. being so close to Stetson University
nick Conte, Executive Director of the the new hotel will be in downtown makes the location of this Courtyard
DeLand Area Chamber of Commerce DeLand at the corner of Woodland by Marriott particularly convenient,”
agrees. “With such a great downtown Boulevard and Wisconsin Avenue. he said. “It’s a nice complement to
area, having such great accommoda- Demolition of existing buildings on the evolution of our wonderful
tions right in the heart of the City only the property will occur soon, accord- downtown area.”
increases convenience and adds to ing to Ajit nana, senior vice president
the City’s appeal.” of Avista Hotels & Resorts. “onceRow, row, row your boat
West Volusia sees growing interest in rowing
there’s something about the sight of a crew on the
Photo by Mark Wilson
St. Johns River, rowing in perfect rhythm, skimming
across the water. Rowing, often referred to as
“crew” in the United States, is gaining in popularity
as a competitive sport and as a form of outdoor
recreation and exercise.
In west Volusia County, the sight of rowing “We began offering rowing camps 17 cently brought 90 students and six
teams and individual oarsmen is becoming years ago, first in tampa, then Melbourne, coaches to the area for 10 days. “It is be-
more common as residents take up the and now here in West Volusia County, coming apparent that the impact on
sport and as competitors travel to the where we have been for the last 13 years” tourism and the economy is on the rise,”
area to compete in regattas. he said. “It is an exceptional location. he said.
“the water is great. the people are great.
“Rowing is a sport steeped in tradition And we love taking our guests to local es- “It’s a wonderful sport that is attracting
and often associated with Ivy League tablishments where they can experience many visitors who otherwise might not
schools and their counterparts in Europe the community on a personal level.” have discovered west Volusia County,”
and elsewhere,” said April Stomberg, vice said Renee tallevast, executive director of
president of Hontoon Landing Resort & Wilson said legends of the sport recognize the West Volusia tourism Advertising Au-
Marina in DeLand. “the sport dates back the area as an exceptional area for train- thority. “People love to participate in the
to ancient Egypt and is based on pro- ing and competition. For example, the sport as competitors, for exercise, or just
pelling a racing ‘shell’ using oars. It has head coach of the Canadian national Row- for sightseeing. And even those who do
been an olympic sport since 1900. today, ing team, who has rowed all over the not participate are captivated at the sight
the sport is welcoming more and more world, considers west Volusia County the of teams or individuals rowing. often
teams and individuals – probably due to best training place in north America. there is a bit of a gallery watching those
the fact it is a healthy, non-contact sport on the water.”
that is enjoyed outdoors in beautiful sur- Wilson cited the stunning growth of the
roundings.” sport locally, noting that a growing num- “this is a sport that features intense com-
ber of college and university teams make petition, reverence for its own history and
Situated on the banks of the historic St. the pilgrimage to the area for training. is so exciting to watch,” said nick Conte,
Johns River, Hontoon Landing is posi- Among them are the universities of Vir- Executive Director of the DeLand Area
tioned perfectly for the sport. In addition ginia, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Iowa, Chamber of Commerce. “It’s great that
to boat slips and boat rentals, daily nar- oklahoma, Susquehanna, tufts, temple the sport is growing right before our
rated river tours, and birdwatching galore, and others. In addition, high school teams eyes,”
the resort has 18 guest rooms, several are coming here, including the noted Sid-
with full kitchens. Competitive teams stay well Friends School in Washington D.C. as the growth of the sport in the area is
at the resort to maximize time on the well as junior teams from Boston and spurred by the efforts of tallevast’s
water. Similarly, individuals who enjoy row- toronto. tourism marketing organization and those
ing and kayaking appreciate the resort’s of her counterparts in Volusia County. In
convenience. From his perspective as the coach of Stet- Daytona Beach, the Halifax Rowing Asso-
son’s rowing team, Wilson sees nothing ciation has been rowing on the Halifax
“Every year we host a variety of rowing but growth on campus. “the university River since 1996. Last summer, it hosted
camps whose participants come from all recently received a $6 million donation to the 19th Annual Halifax Summer Regatta,
over the country,” said Stomberg. “our build an aquatic center and boat house, marking the end of the sprint season.
resort offers a floating dock to launch, giv- which is in the design stage and may nearly 500 rowers from throughout the
ing rowers and kayakers easy access to break ground later this year. that will ad- Southeast competed.
the river and lakes. there are also private vance our program in so many ways and
coaching programs for beginners, includ- will have a ripple effect on the economy Even national and international organiza-
ing safe practices, rowing instruction and by attracting more students and more tions’ efforts to promote the sport add to
video review of techniques.” teams.” its growth locally. Among them is the gov-
erning body for the sport of rowing in the
All American Rowing Camp is an organiza- In november, Stetson hosted the Fall United States, US Rowing. In 2017, the
tion that offers rowing camps including Rowing Rendezvous Head Race, a chase FISA World Rowing Championships will be
many at Hontoon Landing. Many of its style event that attracted 1,200 competi- held in Sarasota and it is expected that
camps fill up well in advance. Mark Wil- tors from across the state. He added that several teams will do their pre-Champi-
son, one of the founding partners of All similar events hosted by All American onship training in DeLand on the St. Johns
American Rowing Camp, is also the head Rowing Camp also draw people from River and Lake Beresford.
rowing coach at Stetson University. He is around the U.S. and the world. For exam-
bullish on the sport and its impact on west ple, the Canadian national Rowing team DeLand continues to excite and provide
Volusia County. makes four two-week training trips to the great experiences to all of its visitors.
area each year. Dartmouth College re-Economic development 101
By ROB EHRHARDT
Volusia County Economic Development Director
the title of this column ends in “101” which suggests the content is
related to economic development ‘basics’. In this context, let’s review
the results of 2015 activity in the local economy.
• the $400-million DAytonA Rising project at Daytona International
Speedway was completed on time.
Rob Ehrhardt
• JetBlue Airways began daily flights in Daytona Beach for the construc- • the Summit Hospitality Group is
to new york City from Daytona tion of a $100-million retail outlet spending more than $20 million to
Beach International Airport. Daytona center, and tailwind Development redevelop the former Desert Inn in
Beach will be the seventh, but opened the Country Club Corners Daytona Beach into a four-star
smallest, market in Florida that shopping center in DeLand as part Westin property, and a five-story
JetBlue serves, but the daily service of a larger 105-acre mixed use Courtyard by Marriott hotel is
is estimated to bring an added development. planned in downtown DeLand after
95,000 to 100,000 passengers in demolition of two buildings on a
the first year and generate $1 • Embry-Riddle announced a $28- site south of Stetson University.
million in revenue for the airport. million Advanced Aerodynamics
Laboratory and Wind tunnel at its • the City of Deltona completed
• World Class Distribution constructed Research Park West and the construction of a $27-million water
an $88-million distribution facility in university began construction of a reclamation facility on the eastern
Daytona Beach, and Boston Whaler $75-million, 177,000-square-foot side of the city off S.R. 415.
completed a $10-million, 58,000- student center.
square-foot building at its manufac- • Florida Department of transportation
turing facility in Edgewater. • Halifax Health is considering a contractors reached 85 percent
$100-million emergency and completion on the $138-million
• Frontier Communications opened a medical office complex in Deltona Interstate 4 widening and 90 percent
32,000-square-foot technical sup- at the intersection of Interstate 4 completion on the $118 million
port and security software center, and S.R. 472, and Central Florida Interstate 95 widening. Improve-
which could increase the firm’s total Regional Hospital has announced ments to the Interstate 4/Interstate
employment in DeLand to 1,500. plans to construct a freestanding 95 interchange, valued at more than
emergency department near the $200 million, have commenced with
• topBuild Corporation, Volusia same location. completion planned in 2018.
County’s newest publicly-traded
company, has begun construction • Florida Hospital opened an $11- • the $44-million Veterans Memorial
of a 65,700-square-foot corporate million outpatient clinic in Deltona, Bridge over the Halifax River is
headquarters and B. Braun Medical while Florida Hospital Fish Memo- scheduled to commence in 2016
Inc. is considering a 54,000-square- rial in orange City completed a with completion planned in 2019.
foot expansion of its existing $1.75-million renovation and a
FDA-rated facility, both in Daytona $3-million upgrade of its ER and In closing, let’s accelerate into 2016
Beach. Combined, these companies catheterization labs. by remembering a quote from famed
could generate more than $150 racer Mario Andretti that Joie
million in new capital investment • the Hilton Daytona Beach ocean- Chitwood, Daytona International
and create more than 625 new jobs. front Resort was acquired by the Speedway president, likes to use.
Starwood Capital Group for more “If everything seems under control,
• tanger outlet Mall completed the than $92 million with reported plans you’re just not going fast enough.”
purchase of 39 acres adjacent to to invest more than $25 million in
Interstate 95 and LPGA Boulevard renovations.Residential permit activity up significantly in 2015;
commercial lags, but many projects loom for 2016
While the nation and the world come to terms with the Chinese economic tremors, depressed oil
prices, significant nySE corrections, and ongoing tensions in the Middle East, there are many
indicators the local economy is picking up steam. Chief among them is the number and value of
the residential and construction permits issued by the county and city building permit offices.
the Volusia County Economic Devel- “It’s a good sign and may be a harbin- Some of the noteworthy commercial
opment Division compiles the permit ger of what could lie ahead,” said permits issued during the fourth quar-
data every quarter as part of its moni- Sandy Burke Bishop, Executive Direc- ter include the tanger outlet Mall in
toring of the local economy. tor of the Volusia Building Industry As- Daytona Beach with a permit value of
sociation. She said early indications $30.3 million; Stetson University’s
Residential permit activity countywide are that the year is off to a good start. welcome center in DeLand with a
posted a healthy gain in 2015, while value of $6.5 million; two permits for
commercial construction leveled off In looking at the residential permit the Eagle Landings apartments in Day-
following permitting for the Daytona activity by jurisdiction, the 94 permits tona Beach with a combine value of
Rising project at Daytona International ($30.6 million) issued by DeLand in the $4.7
Speedway. fourth quarter was the most. the million; a Circle K in Port orange with
county issued 67 residential permits a value of $1.2 million, and an Aldi
During the fourth quarter of last year, ($20.1 million); followed by the 50
building permit offices across the grocery store in new Smyrna Beach
residential permits issued by new with a value of $1.2 million.
county issued 391 residential permits Smyrna Beach ($16.8 million).
with a total value of $120 million. this of the 32 commercial permits issued
trumped the residential permits issued on the commercial side, the numbers countywide in the fourth quarter of
in the fourth quarter of 2014 when were steady when viewed without the 2015, 21 were issued by Daytona
259 permits were issued with a total tremendous impact of a single $152- Beach.
value $86 million. this is a 50 percent million permit issued in 2014 for the
increase in the number of permits Daytona Rising project at Daytona While the commercial construction
quarter-over-quarter, and an increase International Speedway. A year-over- permit values declined in 2015, several
of nearly 40 percent in dollar value. year comparison of commercial con- projects in the planning stages could
struction permitting in 2015 versus fortify the numbers in 2016 and 2017,
“Any increase is a positive indicator,” 2014 shows a slight decrease. according to Ehrhardt.
said Rob Ehrhardt, Volusia County’s
economic development director. “But During 2015, there were 93 commer- “Hotel construction and some large
the fourth quarter was particularly cial construction permits issued coun- retail projects are in various stages of
robust as far as new residential tywide, four fewer than the total for planning,” he said. “Presuming each
construction permitting.” 2014. the 2015 tally is a decline of 4 navigates through pre-construction
percent. In a year-over-year compari- processes, construction permits for
A comparison of year-over-year son that includes the Daytona Rising each will be significant. And if global
residential permit activity also yields permit issued in 2014, the total value economic and political affairs stabilize,
solid numbers. During 2015, there of commercial that could be a catalyst for other
were 1,375 residential permits issued. permit activity in 2015 was $153 mil- projects.”
this compares to 1,182 residential lion. this compares to the $324 million
permits issued in 2014, an increase of value of commercial construction per-
16 percent. In terms of dollars, the mits issued in 2014. Without the
value of permits issued in 2015 was Daytona Rising permit, the 2014 dollar
$426 million, as compared to $377 mil- amount comes in at $172 million.
lion for 2014, an increase of nearly 13 Under this scenario, 2015 permit
percent. values declined 11 percent.Volusia County Residential Permit Data by Quarter
Value of Permits $ Million
140
120
100
80
60
40
$120 - 391 -permits
$107 - 348 permits
$104 - 342 permits
$121 - 398 permits
$116 -382 permits
$41 - 160 permits
$94 - 306 permits
$105 - 321 permits
$86 - 259 permits
$71 - 240 permits
$91 - 280 permits
$54 - 187 permits
$69- 239 permits
$49 -176 permits
$93 - 295 permits
$80 - 265 permits
20
0
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
2012 2013 2014 2015
Source: Cities and County permit offices reporting new construction activity
Residential Building Permits Issued in Volusia County Fourth Quarter 2015
October November December Total
Ranked by Total Value of Projects
AREA Permits Permits Permits Permits Value
DeLand 36 3 25 94 $30,578,626
Unincorporated 14 17 36 67 $20,171,337
New Smyrna Beach 17 18 15 50 $16,848,930
Ormond Beach 6 25 12 43 $16,735,156
Daytona Beach 24 8 30 62 $13,377,156
Port Orange 4 18 10 32 $10,087,004
Deltona 3 5 7 15 $6,000,885
Edgewater 9 2 6 17 $3,557,862
DeBary 4 2 1 7 $2,266,091
Orange City 1 0 1 2 $529,132
Oak Hill 0 1 1 2 $303,575
Lake Helen 0 0 0 0 -
Holly Hill 0 0 0 0 -
Daytona Beach Shores 0 0 0 0 -
Pierson 0 0 0 0 -
Ponce Inlet 0 0 0 0 -
South Daytona 0 0 0 0 -
Totals for Quarter 118 129 144 391 $120,455,754
Cities listed in descending order by $ value for the most recent quarter
Source: Cities and county permit offices reporting new construction activityVolusia County Comme
ercial Permit Data by Quarter
Value of Permits $ Million
70
60
50
40
30
1 permits
1 - 15 permits
m ts
$14 - 12
$9 - 12 permi
20
$216 - 34 permitts **
mits *
$44 - 20 permitts
$26 - 17 permitts
$21 - 16 permits
$40 - 48 permits
$11
$50 - 26 permitss
$17 -15 permitss
$162 - 30 perm
$38 - 28 permits
$61 - 23 permits
$27 - 17 permits
$23 - 18 permits
$53 - 32 permits
10
0
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
2012 2013 2014
4 2015
Source: Cities and County permit of
offfffiices reportin
ng new
w construction activity Note: Dotted lines represents permit total excluding
*Q3 2013 includes single $105M permit fo for Daytona International Speedway single permit for the Daytona International Speedway
** Q1 2014 includes single $152M permit fo for Daytona International Speedway
Commercial Building Permits Issued in Volusia County Fourth Quarter 2015
October November December Total
Ranked by Total Value of Projects
AREA Permits Permits Permits Permits Value
Daytona Beach 1 7 13 21 $41,728,885
DeLand 1 1 0 2 $6,905,473
Port Orange 0 2 0 2 $2,135,712
New Smyrna Beach 1 1 0 2 $1,275,000
Holly Hill 1 0 2 3 $1,255,000
Unincorporated 0 0 1 1 $50,000
Oak Hill 1 0 0 1 $5,000
Daytona Beach Shores 0 0 0 0 -
DeBary 0 0 0 0 -
Deltona 0 0 0 0 -
Edgewater 0 0 0 0 -
Lake Helen 0 0 0 0 -
Orange City 0 0 0 0 -
Ormond Beach 0 0 0 0 -
Pierson 0 0 0 0 -
Ponce Inlet 0 0 0 0 -
South Daytona 0 0 0 0 -
Totals for Quarter 5 11 16 32 $53,355,070
Cities listed in descending order by $ value for the most recent quarter
Source: Cities and county permit offices reporting new construction activityOn the Economic Scene Volusia County Economic Development Division publishes a useful, quick-read, one page newsletter every Monday morning, on the Economic Scene. It arrives by fax and is a very popular little publication. If you are not getting this publication and wish to receive it, submit your fax number to 386-248-8048, or fax it to 386-248-8037. If you prefer to read it online, it is posted at floridabusiness.org/news-and-data-resources/index.stml Volusia County Economic Development Quarterly is a publication of Volusia County Government and is produced by the Volusia County Economic Development Division. It is produced for readers who have an interest in the area's business, economic development and real estate market. As an economic development tool, it is intended to provide information and statistics that have meaning to your business. To submit story ideas or offer comments, please contact Community Information Manager Joanne Magley at 386-822-5062 or by email at jmagley@volusia.org. If you want to add a name to the distribution list, email ssprague@volusia.org. For more information about economic development in Volusia County visit floridabusiness.org.
You can also read
