On Tuesday, April 6^th Chamber members were treated to a window into China as Alexandra Harney, author and investigative journalist, spoke to a lunch group at LPGA International.

Harney noted that both China and the U.S. posses the educational institutions and talent for global competitiveness. But, China’s labor force is shrinking due to their one-child law, and they lack America’s expertise, especially in health care and social issues. She said that China and the US are inexorably linked through our shared necessities of trade.

Additionally, Harney believes that American manufacturers could do a great deal of business with the Chinese. The Chinese are certainly recognizing that connection, as more people study English in that country that there are people in the United States.

Harney’s extensive research and investigation into business and economics led her to these and other conclusions made in her book, The China Price: The True Cost of Chinese Competitive Advantage. She spent nine years at the Financial Times, covering China, Japan, and the UK, and helped launch a flagship analysis section. She was the newspaper’s youngest foreign correspondent when she joined the staff in Tokyo in 1998. In 2003, she began covering China for the paper, until February 2006 when she took a leave of absence to research and write her book.

With a focus on business and community partnerships, this program was made available through the Daytona Regional Chamber and UCF Daytona Beach, UCF Global Perspectives, and special funding through the UCF Global Connections Foundation.

Investigating the opportunities for trade with China and other nations has been the focus for the Chamber’s Global Trade Missions. Our most recent trip was to Tuscany, Italy with additional trips planned for the fall of ’10 and spring of ’11.

Our Global Trade Mission to China in the fall of 2010 is scheduled for October 15-23. The trip combines memorable sites and a multitude of first-hand unforgettable cultural experiences with an opportunity to better understand the Chinese system of business. For more information, visit the Chamber’s website at www.daytonachamber.com/china2010.html or call Suzy at (386) 255-0981, ext. 222.

VOLUSIA DAY on March 24 had approximately 200 attendees that traveled by bus. Upon arrival, participants heard 13 speakers  including Reps. Pat Patterson, Dwayne Taylor, Dorothy Hukill, Sandy Adams, Alan Hays; Senators Evelyn Lynn, Tony Hill, John Thrasher, Make Haridopolos, Jeremy Ring, Dave Aronberg; OTTED Director Chris Hart and Governor Charlie Crist.

            The focus of the day was economic development….more so Jobs for Volusia! Other topics included   state budget and education. After hearing from our speakers, participants then went to the Capitol to meet with legislators.

            The Chamber would like to thank our sponsors…Camp Dresser and McKee, DB Kennel Club & Poker Room, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Unv, Daytona State College, Unv of Central Fla – Daytona, Pennington, Moore, Wilkinson, Bell & Dunbar, Publix, Coca Cola, Southern Paint, and Food Supply of Daytona Beach, and Boy Scout Troop 455.

            We would also like the thank Mary Swiderski, Betty Holness, Karen Jans, Susie Macon, Cheryl Coxwell, and Joni Hunt for their hard work in making this event happen. A special thanks goes to AJ Byrnes for photographing the event.

            News Channel 13 provided live coverage. Click Volusia Jobs Convoy for article and video. No doubt about it…Volusia SENT’EM A MESSAGE!

On February 15th the Chamber hosted approximately 2,000 people at its 90th Annual Meeting athe Ocean Center. Featured Speaker and former Governor Sarah Palin was our guest for the evening crowd. Governor Palin spoke for about 40 minutes followed by a question and answer session facilitated by Outgoing Chairman Ted Doran (Doran, Sims, Wolfe, Ansay, Kundid & Birch).

Also included in the evening were the introduction of 2010 Chairman of the Board Jeff Feasel (Halifax Health) and his Executive Committee for '10. Kevin Bowler and Daytona Beverages, LLC was honored with the Chamber's Enterprise Award, presented to a business or individual that have made substantial contributions to the Daytona Beach area over the years.

The Marvin Samuels Award was presented to Phil Maroney (Root Organization) by the Daytona Beach Leadership Council. The award is presented to the Leadership Council member who has not just participated in community service organizations, but made a distinct difference in the organizations in which they have served.

A new addition this year, the Chamber presented its first Small Business of the Year award to O'Quinn Insurance Agency. This award recognizes a member in good standing with strong community involvement; one who contributes to the economic vitality and quality of life in the community; demonstrates the highest level of ethical business practices; demonstrates the higest level of customer service and satisfaction.

Rounding out our award recipients was Betty Jane France who received the coveted Lou Fuchs Business Person of the Year Award presented by Mayor Glenn Ritchey for all her work with Speediatrics. This award is presented to an individual whose contributions to the Daytona Beach area personify integrity, dedication and hard work. One who has made consistent major contributions to the community, over a considerable period of time, while supporting the goals of the Chamber.

Halifax Health was the Presenting Sponsor of this year's event and our thanks go out to Jeff Feasel and all of the people at Halifax for their dedication to the community. Additionally, we would like to thank all of our attendees and recipients, especially our Annual Meeting sponsors including AT & T Florida; Best Western Aku Tiki Inn/Bahama House; Black Crow Boradcasting; Bright House Networks; Brown & Brown, Inc.; Butcher's Nursery; Cobb Cole; Coca-Cola Bottling Co; Compu Sys; Consolidated-Tomoka Land Co.; City of Daytona Beach; Daytona Beach News-Journal; Daytona International Speedway; Daytona State College; Digitial Press, Inc.; Doran, Sims, Wolfe, Ansay, Kundid & Birch; Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center; Florida Power & Light; Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort; Lamar Outdoor Advertising; Markey's Rental & Staging; James Moore & Co., P.L., CPA's & Consultants; NASCAR; Ocean Waters Management; Ritchey Cadillac Buick Pontiac GMC; Root Company; TUI Business; University of Central Florida Daytona Beach; WDSC and Zgraph.

Have you heard the news?

The Chamber's annual golf tournament is getting a new look! The new tournament, dubbed "Business Links" will be held on Monday, October 19, 2009 at the Club at Venetian Bay in New Smyrna Beach. You know what they say about business deals on the golf course, so gear up!

Registration begins at 11a.m. with a shotgun start at 12 noon. All players will receive boxed lunches.

The Chamber is seeking sponsorships! Major Sponsorships are $700 and include 4 player spots, course signage recognition and recognition at the after play banquet. There are Supporting Sponsorship positions still available that includes signage at the course, recognition in the newsletter and all other correspondence, with a foursome to the tournament included. Hole sponsorships are also available for $100. For information on this opportunity contact Kevin Kilian of the Chamber’s Events/Communications department at 255-0981, ext. 230.

Bright House Networks is on board with their 4th year of Presenting Sponsorship, and Brown & Brown signed on for their 3rd year of Supporting Sponsorship! Thank you to these and all the businesses supporting the Chamber's golf tournament.

Want to help out on a smaller scale? We are in need of prizes for this event. Dinners, Gift Certificates, Golf Related Items and Non-Golf Related Items are welcome.

Chamber Member Restaraunts - Sample Your Products! The Chamber is seeking member restaurants interested in sampling their product as a benefit to our participants. We would also ask that you include dinner for two as a prize and would welcome ideas on additional benefits for our players. This is an ideal opportunity to showcase your menu and services to Chamber business leaders.

For more information, or to become a sponsor or donate a prize, please contact Kevin Kilian at (386) 255-0981, ext. 230 or kevin@daytonachamber.com.

To compliment the November Chamber trip to Beijing China, Chairman Ted Doran has announced a formalized program of outreach and education on an annual basis, The Global Trade Initiative.

"Because of the large interest of Chamber members to visit China and other destinations, like our sister cities of Campeche, Mexico and Bayonne, France, I think it is imperative we use our contacts and expertise to acquaint our members and their families with the culture, customs and business trade opportunities throughout the world," said Doran. "We had such a great response of 121 attendees on this first China trip that we have already secured our second trip to China, scheduled for October 15, 2010. This trip will include prepaid attendance to the Shanghai World Expo, where 70 million people are expected to attend." Details on this trip will be mailed to members in April 2010, but reservations and deposits will be accepted beginning in January.

In addition to an annual trip to China, there will be one annual trip to a city in Europe. "I am very pleased to announce our first trip to Europe will be to Tuscany, Italy! We will leave March 24 and return April 1. This coincides with Spring Break in Florida so feel free to bring your children. The flight will leave from Miami and fly non-stop to Rome. We will visit DaVinci's birthplace, Chianti, and Pesa. A flyer is enclosed in this newsletter with all the details. The only shortcoming is that we are limited to 100 attendees on this trip and it will sell out fast with this announcement."

For more information, please visit the Chamber's website at www.daytonachamber.com/Italy2010. Deposits for your space will be accepted immediately, and final payment is due December 25, 2009.