Local News Now

DAYTONA BEACH -- More Fortune 500 companies are involved in NASCAR than in 2008, according to a recent review of brands currently using the sport to drive business.

The analysis looked at companies that either sponsor NASCAR teams, tracks, the sanctioning body, or are media partners. The number of current Fortune 500 companies invested in NASCAR (114) remains higher than any other sport. In 2012 alone, more than 24 brands entered the sport, including a handful of Fortune 500 companies.

"Some of the world's most profitable and successful corporations choose NASCAR to help drive their businesses," said Brian France, NASCAR chairman and CEO. "These companies bring a great amount of rigor to where they make investments. This is especially true when it comes to marketing - and the sponsorship channel in particular - where they are looking for strong return on investment."

"Some of the world's most profitable and successful corporations choose NASCAR to help drive their businesses," said Brian France, NASCAR chairman and CEO. "These companies bring a great amount of rigor to where they make investments. This is especially true when it comes to marketing - and the sponsorship channel in particular - where they are looking for strong return on investment."

Headline Surfer photos by Henry Frederick / County Council Chair Frank Bruno and council member Joie Alexander show their appreciation for members of the Daytona Area Chamber of Commerce and reprentatives of five other chambers during a luncheon Thursday.

DELAND -- County Chair Frank Bruno told 50 chamber executives and other business leaders at a luncheon today the naysayers will always be critical of issues like the Ocean Center and its reliance on taxpayer funding, but overall he's pleased with the way things are going.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Due to the popularity of a park and ride shuttle offered a few months ago, the NSB Waterfront Loop once again will offer free rides to a popular Flagler Avenue event.

The shuttle will tote LOOP-goers Aug. 16 to the 5th annual Flagler Avenue Shrimp and Seafood Festival.

Headline Surfer photos by Henry Frederick / New Smyrna Beach City Commissioner Jim Hathaway holds up his political signs during the first day of early voting for the Aug. 14 primary.

SMYRNA BEACH -- Jim Hathaway was one cool dude with his shades under the hot sun for the start of early voting and his quest for the dist. 3 seat on the Volusia County Council against fellow candidates Deb Denys and Justin Kennedy.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Avoid driving on Old Mission Road if you can this morning, south of State Road 44 and east of Interstate 95, as that stretch of roadway is closed by the Florida Highway Patrol following a 4:42 a.m. fatality.

We'll bring you an update here as we get more information from the FHP.

ORMOND BEACH -- Attention small business owners and managers: Have you wondered what worker's compensation protection is best for your business; or if your business is protected from natural disaster loss? Certainly everyone in your position is curious how the new health care laws will affect your operations. How will it affect you?

Learn the answers to these questions and more at the first of Ormond MainStreet's presentations of Small Business Lunch & Learn from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 10. Seats are filling quickly so RSVP to Craig Conrey at 321-626-6628 or email him at craig.conrey@hotmail.com.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- The Cudas football squad showed a lot of heart during the 2011-'12 season led by quarterback Josh Brisbois -- a young team with as many as 20 starters coming back next season.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- The past school year was a year where so many students shined in the classroom, in sports and other extra-curricular events as well as service to the community. Here is a look back in our multi-media format of stories, photos and videos.

http://nsbnews.net/content/409320-outstanding-male-athlete-nsbhs-quarterback-john-brisbois