EV Services, Inc. Newsletter for February 2012. Look for updates on Florida Legislation, Grants, American Heart Month and the MDX Career Enhancement Program.

1. EVSI Speaks!
Editor-in-Chief: Diandra Lamas Creative Director: Jaclyn Casal
February is American
From the Corner Office Heart Month!
Dear Friends, constitutional requirement that In February, the most im-
lawmakers draw new district
portant gift you can give your
2012 marks various mile- lines every 10 years. The issue
now will move into the courts, sweethearts for Valentine’s is to
stones in election cycles,
legislation de- where both parties and the help them keep a healthy heart.
velopment and League of Women Voters have Here are some tips to share
campaigns. We already started a legal chal- with your sweetie:
did not have lenge.
to travel far to Budget Balancing Act
Hangs on a Wire: As the Leg- • Be physically active for 30
be part of the
energy of our islature hits the mid way point, minutes a day most days of the
State’s Legisla- both Chambers spend more week.
tive Session. time on the floor and nearly all
of the focus is on the budget.
In January, • Make your calories count by
the EVSI Staff visited Tallahas- This year we have seen talk of
privatization as a way to help eating a heart-healthy diet high
see for a two-week advocacy
effort held by Miami-Dade and close the budget gaps. Time in fresh fruits and vegetables
Broward Counties. The purpose will tell if all parties can come and low in sodium and trans fat.
of this effort is for County and up with compromises and end
up with a balanced budget
Municipal Officials and leading • Take control of your heart
community organizations such without too much bloodletting.
Eyes on the Road!: Twin health by following your doc-
as Chambers of Commerce to
advocate and give their opin- bills that would ban text mes- tor’s instructions and going for
ions on legislation proposed saging while driving have been regular check-ups.
by the legislature or executive submitted by Rep. Ray Pilon,
branches of the Florida govern- R-Sarasota, and Sen. Nancy
ment. Detert, R-Venice. The bills are EV Services, Inc.
Updates on several devel- marked for secondary enforce-
ment in order to make them (305) 728-7049
opments that affect our com-
munity: more palatable for long-resis-
tant lawmakers (Hands-Free www.EVServicesInc.com
Busted! Las-Vegas Style
Destination Casinos: The Info).
A new survey shows that Twitter: @EVServices
House Bill implementing a com-
mission to regulate destination more than 70 percent of Florida
voters support a statewide ban www.facebook.com/EVServicesInc
casinos has been postponed.
“Today’s [02-03-12] deci- on texting while driving. At EVSI
we hope to continue our efforts http://www.linkedin.com/company/
sion by the House Business
in raising awareness on the ev-services-inc
and Consumer Affairs Subcom-
mittee to postpone a vote on dangers of distracted driving.
a bill that would usher in the
largest gambling expansion in Sincerely,
state history means the issue
is dead,” Aubuchon, R-Cape
Coral” (The Miami Herald). Sylvia Farina
Map It!: A Senate vote final- Director of Policy and
ized legislative and congres-
Governmental Affairs
sional maps, carrying out the
SFarina@EVServicesInc.com
Issue 2 1 February, 2012

2. You want a piece of $500 Billion?
From the Application to the Award: Grants Demystified
Today, there are over $500 Billion avail- -- by another party. Oftentimes, grants are those looking to receive energy efficient,
able in annual awards from federal grants distributed by a governmental entity or a retrofit and education grants. Most of these
alone. These grants are available to organi- business. directly impact our environment and educa-
zations in categories such as: tion systems, but currently the most sought
· Arts Who is eligible for grants? after are those that represent an organiza-
· Business and Commerce They can be distributed to both non- tion or entity’s efforts to go “green.”
· Community Development profits and for profit organizations. If you have a small business you may
· Housing qualify for any number of grants in these
· Transportation Who offers Grants? categories.
· Science and Technology Grants are offered at the Federal, State EVSI has been involved in grant writ-
You may have never thought about ap- and County level, as well as through private ing and proposal submissions for several
plying for a grant because the application foundations. Organizations can apply at any years now. Our Team will continue assisting
process seemed a bit daunting. Amanda of these levels for grants they believe will and bringing awareness to our clients and
Gorski, Director of Research and Analytical assist them in their development or expan- colleagues in grant writing and the benefits
Studies at EVSI answers sion. The amount allocated may start at both organizations and businesses can gain
common questions to $2,500 and range into the millions, depend- from them. If you want more information
demystify grants and ex- ing on the project. on how grant programs might help you and
plain how they can work Gorski, who has knowledge and experi- your organization contact:
for you. ence in grant preparation and proposal writ-
ing, states grants are an essential component
What is a grant? for cities, states and small businesses to Amanda Gorski
Grants in general are improve. AGorski@EVServicesInc.com
funds allocated to one In recent years some of the most com-
party -- the recipient mon proposals submitted have been from
Unemployed? Know someone who is? Career
Enhancement Program may be the Ticket
The Miami-Dade Expressway Author- resume polishing can be a daunting idea. and goals for its participants. Because the
ity launched the Career Enhancement For those who need a bit of extra help to courses do not occur on the same date,
Program. The agency’s commitment to become more competitive in the job market, qualified participants may participate in
Miami-Dade County extends far beyond the the Career Enhancement Program is a great more than one.
construction and maintenance of road- way to refresh these skills and be reassured Interested applicants must have been out
ways, evident by its newest expansion of its that one is prepared to put their best foot of work for at least 6 months in order to
community involvement. The launch of the forward as they apply for a new position. qualify for the program. Other requirements
Career Enhancement Program – designed MDX hopes the Career Enhancement can be found at www.mdx-way.com in the
to provide free technical certifications and Program will help unemployed individuals “doing business” section. Individuals can
assistance to unemployed transportation gain the skills that will give them a competi- also look there for the specific details for
industry and ancillary professionals – solidi- tive edge in the job market. each course.
fies the Agency as an industry leader when Applications are currently being ac- MDX continues its commitment to Mi-
it comes to reinvesting in the community. cepted for the courses that begin in March ami-Dade County, and the Career Enhance-
This program, part of MDX For Busi- 2012. The Agency hopes this program will ment Program is a key part of its commu-
ness, adds to the work the Agency does with be a success and be able to expand in the nity involvement. The Career Enhancement
small and local businesses in Miami-Dade next fiscal year. Program is only one of the many compo-
County. In addition to providing technical The program has three available courses: nents of MDX For Business. For more
certifications, the program will also pro- • Concrete Field Inspector, information on the program, MDX or to
vide soft-skills trainings for those looking • Asphalt Paving Level 1 and apply please visit www.mdx-way.com.
to refresh their job-hunting skills. For the • Job Hunting Survival Skills.
recently unemployed, job interviews and Each course has specific descriptions
Issue 2 2 February, 2012