Over 50 business and community leaders from across Volusia County joined us for our two-day visit to the Capitol for Volusia Days 2024. Our delegation engaged in meaningful discussions, networked with key Agency heads, and advocated for our community's interests. We extend our gratitude to our presenting sponsors: AdventHealth, Florida Power & Light, AT&T, Ghyabi Consulting & Management, and our sponsors: Daytona International Speedway, NASCAR, TECO Peoples Gas, and Brown & Brown Insurance.
Our agenda featured notable speakers such as:
Mark Wilson, President & CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, who discussed the chamber's vision and initiatives and shared with us that Volusia County will need 27,000 new jobs by 2030 to service the expanding population.
Secretary Jared Perdue ,Dept. of Transportation, discussed the DOT’s plans to widen LPGA interchange at 95, and the need for 700 semi-truck spots on I-4 that the department received a grant for; two of which will be in Volusia County.
Commissioner Michael Yaworsky, Insurance Commissioner, informed us that there will be 8 new insurance carriers entering the Florida market, which will assist with making the insurance market more competitive for the consumer.
Representative McClain, District 27, notified us about the Business rent tax going down 2% in June.
Secretary J. Alex Kelly, Dept. of Commerce, explained the department’s focus on workforce and economic development with an emphasis on investing in manufacturing training and education.
Representative Tom Leek, District 28, reminded us that we have one of the top five budgets in the country.
Senator Tom Wright, District 14, shared with us that his office helped print unemployment checks for those who were in need after experiencing delays in receiving them.
Secretary Shawn Hamilton, Dept. of Environmental Protection, made clear the department’s initiative to improve water quality, and the Indian River Lagoon project that they received $100 million in funding to complete.
Secretary Melanie Griffin, Dept. of Business & Professional Regulation, was excited to share that less than 1% of business licenses are denied of the 32,000 that are received. The less than 1% was due to severe criminal convictions.
Every year during Volusia Days at the Capitol, we are intentional about creating a space where there is a significant opportunity for our community to present our concerns and initiatives at the state level.
Attendee and Deputy City Manager and Fire Chief of Daytona Beach, Dru Driscoll, shared “Having the opportunity to hear directly from and engage with our state’s top leadership, Volusia Days continues to provide a tremendous opportunity to foster relationships and to discuss matters important to our community as a whole.”
“We advocate for our members year-round on issues that are important to the bottom line of doing business”, noted Daytona Regional Chamber Director of Advocacy, David Robinson. He added “I am happy to meet with area businesses to learn more about the challenges they face and can be reached at David@Daytonachamber.com.”
