BUSINESS BRIEFS
Defense industry growth projected

Newly released data from a study conducted by the State of Florida together with UWF's HAAS Center and Enterprise Florida on the defense industry in Florida reveals steady and significant growth at the NAS Pensacola complex. Study data showed that defense-related spending accounted for a total of 73,850 jobs in Escambia County.

The study found that the defense industry is a strong force in Pensacola's economy contributing 35 percent to the overall economy.

Military employment remains stable in Escambia County. In 2000, the military employed 14,000 military personnel and by 2007, that number grew to 15,950 with average earnings of $77,200. Only Okaloosa County's military brings a greater community economic impact to Northwest Florida than Escambia County. Of all the 18 counties in North West Florida, Escambia and Okaloosa Counties make up $11.2 billion of the total $15 billion in economic impact.

This growth in the military sector is expected to continue. Multiple projects including the new Veteran's Affairs Joint Ambulatory Care Center as well as new Air Force Navigator Training Squadrons, to assume operations in fiscal year 2009, will contribute significantly. Construction on a new Air Force project is also slated to start this year and will bring a $100 million economic impact to our area. Other military economic development projects will include the Saufley Enhanced Use Lease. This project will make non-excess, underutilized land and facilities available for redevelopment by the private sector. As a result, Saufley Field will become one of the most significant economic opportunities in recent history.

The summary of the Economic Impact Analysis is available at: www.floridadefense.org/public.asp

BBB investigates web dating complaints

For those looking to find the man or woman of their dreams, your Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns that complaints against matchmaking and online dating services are on the rise.

Consumer complaints filed with BBB on dating services increased 73 percent between 2005 and 2006, reaching 2,525 complaints altogether. Early analysis shows that the numbers of complaints in 2007 are expected to increase yet again.

The dating services industry can be divided into two categories: more-personalized matchmaking companies and online dating Web sites.

Matchmaking and local dating services promise to introduce people to other area singles that meet specified criteria.

Over one-third of complainants said they were matched with singles that did not meet their specified criteria; common complaints include that the singles they were set up with were smokers, uneducated, not religious or lived too far away. Some were even married.

Poor or rude customer service and high pressure sales tactics. Complainants reported being intimidated or duped into signing up for matchmaking services. Many felt they didn't receive an acceptable level of customer service considering the high costs involved. Some complainants reported being yelled at, others were told to not be so picky and many said they were simply ignored by the companies.

Dissatisfaction with the number of arranged dates. Matchmaking services often say they have a database of thousands of singles in the area and promise a minimum number of dates. Complaints show that matchmaking services often failed to deliver on the quota of promised dates.

Most online dating Web Sites allow users to post information about themselves and search the site for other singles. Online dating services normally charge a monthly fee and require a contracted membership which is typically renewed automatically when it expires. As a result, about two-thirds of the complaints against online dating sites involve accounts being automatically renewed following the end of a contract or trial period. Sometimes the customer didn't realize they needed to cancel the account; other times, they did take the necessary steps but billing continued anyway.

Other common complaints for online dating services include the inability to immediately cancel after signing up, general dissatisfaction with the company and its process and the practice of the company contacting other singles on behalf of the complainant.