Identifying Local Opportunities - Week 3

We should defer to the police on gun bills in Legislature

http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/15A88E8C4F1052C0?p=AWNB

-       This article describes how legislators in the “Gunshine State” are proposing two pieces of legislation against the will of police.  The first would allow people with concealed carry permits to walk the streets with firearms at their side.  The second would allow those same people to carry concealed weapons onto college campuses. Over 80% of the states Sheriff’s Association has voted against the bills but because of the deep pockets of gun salesman, their voice is not being heard.  In the police’s point of view, we should not be increasing the number of people with guns who have no combat experience. We should be training community service cops that could be part of a school system so that there is someone with some sort of training at schools.

Why community banks are an endangered species and how than can hurt Central Florida's small businesses: why fewer community banks is problematic for Orlando's small businesses

http://go.galegroup.com/ps/retrieve.do?sort=DA-SORT&docType=Article&tabID=T003&prodId=GPS&searchId=R1&resultListType=RESULT_LIST&searchType=AdvancedSearchForm&contentSegment=&currentPosition=1&searchResultsType=MultiTab&inPS=true&userGroupName=gain40375&docId=GALE%7CA440527901&contentSet=GALE%7CA440527901

-        Orlando’s banking community is being taken over by larger banks, causing local banks to shut down.  This is not only a problem for the community banks themselves, but it is also a problem for the small businesses in Orlando because they often build close relationships with these small banks so that both can accomplish their goals.  Small business owners now have to pay higher interests rates on loans for banks that aren’t as involved in the success of their business as well.

Disney recalls Darth Vader infant suits

http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/15A7EB548972EA30?p=AWNB

-        Walt Disney Parks and Resorts has recalled Darth Vader infant bodysuits because of choking hazards.  Although there have been no confirmed incidences they are providing $20 refunds for the bodysuits.  Disney will have to take a profit loss that although is insignificant when compared to the size of the company, could be a disaster for a company of smaller size.

Dole salad recalled in Florida, 20 other states after deadly listeria outbreak

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/consumer/os-ap-florida-retailers-recalling-dole-salad-listeria-outbreak-20160122-story.html

-        The Dole company has had to recall packaged salads in over twenty states after a listeria outbreak the CDC announced yesterday.  Listeria primarily affects the elderly, people with compromised immune systems, and pregnant women and newborn infants.  This is a problem for Dole as it will have to deal with multiple law suits from the people affected by the product, as well as lose a portion of its profits for the quarter.

Rock Gym faces unstable ground, buoyed by locals' support

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20160119/ARTICLES/160119614/1003/NEWS?Title=Rock-Gym-faces-unstable-ground-buoyed-by-locals-support

-       Gainesville Rock gym is a local rock climbing business that has had an extremely successful past 5 years and has been hoping to relocate to a larger location to grow their business.  However, it has been close since last month after cracks and sinking concrete slabs were found in their foundation.  This has dramatically halted their plans to grow and now have set up a go fund me account to help with the repairs.  They have already raised $10,000 of the $100,000 they need.  This shows how any business can run into major setbacks and to be able to get through these, you have to build a strong relationship with the community.