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Seats are Filling Up - Register Today to Join us in Columbus
The Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Intercity Leadership Exchange is a three-day educational and highly interactive business leadership trip that supports efforts by our community to learn about best practices from cities across the U.S.
On October 16-18, 2017
the Chamber will lead a group of community and business leaders on a trip to study one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., Columbus, Ohio. Vibrant and progressive, Columbus’ dynamic yet stable economy is the envy of many other U.S. and international cities. Its collaborative business environment makes it a place where entrepreneurs can take risks, and small businesses and major corporations can thrive – earning it the distinction as
one of the top metros for job creation
. Click
here
to view the
event flyer
.
Registration is $1,650 per person (spouses are welcome to attend for $800) and includes hotel, food, sessions and ground transportation. Participants are responsible for making their own travel arrangements. Reserve your spot and register today at
gainesvillechamber.com
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WHY COLUMBUS?
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September 12
Regional Business Before Hours
September 12
County to Deliberate Proposed Stormwater Treatment Manual/Ordinance on Sept. 12
September 26
Chamber Before Hours
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Money Magazine Names UF Best College in State
This year, Money Magazine ranked the University of Florida the Best College in the
State of Florida in its annual Best State Colleges rankings. To produce the list each year, MONEY digs into enrollment data and student outcomes to determine which colleges provide th
e
best value for the cost of tuition. While the initial list is more than 700 schools long, MONEY produces the a list of the best college in nearly every U.S. state to narrow the findings down to meet the needs of would-be college students, who often attend school within between 100 and 500 miles of home.
Low tuition costs, high number of students who receive state or other grants, and a low average rate of student debt are all cited as factors of the rating. Read more
here.
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Alachua County Schools Addressing Achievement Gap
The Alachua County School Board is having a broad conversation about about race and equity to address the achievement gap between Caucasian and African American students. To check out the recent WCJB story to hear perspective from Superintendent Karen Clarke and learn more about Valeria Freeman, the school district's Director of Education, Equity and Community Outrecach, click
here.
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AGTC Announces U.S. FDA Orphan Drug Designation for Gene Therapy
Gainesville-grown Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation, a biotechnology company conducting human clinical trials of adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapies for the treatment of rare diseases, recently announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted an orphan drug designation for its gene therapy product candidate for the treatment of X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP) caused by mutations in the RPGR gene. In June 2016, the company announced that the European Commission (EC) granted orphan medicinal product designation for the same indication.
XLRP is an inherited condition that causes progressive vision loss, beginning with night blindness in young boys followed by progressive constriction of the field of vision. Affected men become legally blind at an average of about 45 years of age.
"Receiving U.S. orphan drug designation for our fourth gene therapy treatment candidate demonstrates our ongoing commitment to addressing the unmet needs of people with rare inherited diseases," said Sue Washer, President and CEO of AGTC. "XLRP affects approximately 20,000 people in the US and Europe. We are on track to file an Investigational New Drug application for this program this year, and this orphan drug designation will help to accelerate the regulatory review process as we work to bring a new treatment option to XLRP patients."
AGTC has also been granted orphan drug designation from the FDA and EC for its gene therapy product candidates for the treatment of X-linked retinoschisis and for the treatment of achromatopsia caused by mutations in the CNGA3 and CNGB3 genes.
Orphan drug designation, covered by the U.S. Orphan Drug Act of 1983, is granted to drugs or biologics that treat a rare disease or condition affecting fewer than 200,000 individuals. Products receiving orphan drug designation are eligible to receive market exclusivity for a period of seven years, an accelerated regulatory review process, an exemption from certain taxes and user fees and additional clinical support from FDA.
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Join us in Welcoming a New Circle Member
Join us in welcoming Community Bank & Trust of Florida as the newest member to our Circle of Champions!
Our Circle sponsors are not only leaders in the Chamber, but they represent the leaders of our business community. By being part of the Circle of Champions, your business will announce its support of the growth of the business community and represent yourself at the top of your industry.
Become a Circle of Champions sponsor today. For information contact Steve Cannon, Director of Membership, at
stevec@gainesvillechamber.com
or call 352-334-7127.
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UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS:
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August 24
Ribbon Cutting at Alcide Chiropractic
August 24
Ribbon Cutting at Captozyme
August 28
Ribbon Cutting at Optym
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Ribbon Cutting at Alcide Chiropractic this Thursday
On Thursday at noon, join us to celebrate the one-year anniversary of Alcide Chiropractic with a Ribbon Cutting Celebration! Alcide Chiropractic is located downtown in the historic Seagle Building. They are an injury and wellness clinic specializing in treating patients as individuals. They treat more than the disease, they treat people. This event will include hors d'oeuvres, drinks, giveaways, tours and speeches
.
Learn more…
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Boost Your Exposure - Opportunities for Chamber Sponsorship Available
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The Gainesville Chamber’s sponsorship and partnership packages offer you the opportunity to align your business with the ‘voice of business’ in the Gainesville region. As a 5-star accredited chamber of commerce, this strategic partnership will allow you to raise your visibility and heighten your exposure to a key target audience, business owners, professionals, and community leaders.
There are two great ways to become a sponsor:
- Become an Annual Sponsor - Join our Circle of Champions and have your company recognized as one of our premier partners
- Sponsor a specific program or event that aligns with your organizations goals and objectives
Did you know that the Chamber can customize sponsorships to fit your business needs? Contact us today to see how sponsoring can benefit your business. Contact Steve Cannon at
stevec@gainesvillechamber.com.
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City and County Meetings This Week
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CITY MEETINGS
- Utility Advisory Board Special Meeting, Development Review Board, City Commission Special Meeting and Other items. Details here...
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COUNTY MEETINGS
- Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting, Economic Development Advisory Committee and more. Details here...
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Help Local Teachers by Funding Programs Designed by them for our Students
The Alachua County Education Foundation's Find It Fund It Campaign kicked offo August 7th, and we are delighted to partner with them to spread the word about Find it Fund It. This interactive online portal for the Alachua County Public Schools allows teachers to post classroom needs, up to $1,500. When requests have been submitted and approved by the Education Foundation, teachers from our elementary, middle and high schools do their part by promoting their projects on social media and other outlets. Projects range from providing supplies for STEM projects to helping fund trips to competitions to purchasing curriculum materials for innovative classroom experiences—all the things that enrich our students’ learning.
Starting August 7
th
and continuing through September 30
th
(or until funds run out) any project that receives 50% of its funding from an outside source will receive matching funds from the Education Foundation.
Let’s help our teachers reach their goal to help our kids. Visit
http://finditfunditflorida.com/alachua to see a list of projects by school, teacher and need. No donation is too small to make a difference. And when you make a donation, let us know so we can share it on our channels. Together we can help make this year one of the best for our students!
The Gainesville Chamber is committed to engaging our business community to help provide the best possible education and training opportunities for our most precious asset—our children. With initiatives like The Alachua County Education Compact (ACEC), the community is mobilizing around education to better prepare students for higher education and sustainable careers.
The Alachua County Education Foundation’s primary mission is to invest in the future of Alachua County students. This not-for-profit philanthropic organization was founded in 1986 and is comprised of community leaders devoted to helping our kids succeed.
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Santa Fe College goes Tobacco Free
Santa Fe College believes our students, faculty and staff deserve a beautiful, clean and healthy campus. As a result, effective Friday, August 18, 2017, we will be a completely tobacco free and smoke free campus.
The new policy will be in effect not only on the Northwest Campus, but also all land, buildings, facilities and other property in the possession of or owned, used or controlled by Santa Fe College and the Santa Fe College Foundation.
The new policy covers all forms of tobacco and tobacco related products including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, smokeless tobacco (chewing tobacco, snus and any other form of loose leaf smokeless tobacco), and the use of unlit products including e-cigarettes and vape pens.
SF students, faculty, staff, administrators, volunteers, visitors and vendors will not be allowed to use tobacco anywhere on SF property, including in their personal vehicles while on SF property. The designated smoking areas that were on the Northwest Campus have been transformed into picnic areas and smoking is prohibited in those areas as well.
Santa Fe College hopes you enjoy the healthier environment we are creating for you and the visitors to all of our locations.
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Hot Jobs at CareerSource North Central Florida
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Each week, CareerSource North Central Florida staff members identify
Current Hot Jobs that employers are eager to fill.
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The Hippodrome launches new campaign: Stand with the Hipp
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As the Hippodrome Theatre enters its 45th season, it's calling for community members to "Stand with the Hipp."
This year, the Florida state legislature further slashed its allocation for cultural grants. Facing over $100,000 in state grant cuts, the Hippodrome is fundraising to bridge the gap and provide uninterrupted programming and services to our community.
Over the past 45 years, the Hippodrome has been steadfast in its commitment to inclusion, diversity and acceptance. Exploring shared humanity and tackling tough questions through the arts has been at the core of its mission, and it has never been more important than now.
As Gainesville and UF move up in the ranks, the Hippodrome Theatre is moving right with them. The theatre has expanded its independent cinema offerings, opened up more acting classes for kids and adults, and established its first permanent company of professional Equity actors.
Recent shows like "Hamlet" and "Forever Plaid" have been hailed as among some of the Hippodrome's best productions in years, and anticipation is growing for its co-production of "1984" with the UF School of Theatre + Dance.
"Our theatre is a home to many and a safe space for all," said Hippodrome Managing Director Jessica Hurov. "Art is meant to create an open dialogue, start conversations and allow for genuine human connections. That's why we need our community to stand with us now, as it's always done."
To "Stand with the Hipp," community members can donate directly to the organization via its
Facebook donation page
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Welcome New Members!
101 Management Inc.
Jdog Junk Removal and Hauling
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Thank You Renewing Members for Your Continued Support!
Bridges of America, Inc. - The Santa Fe Bridge
Liquid Creative Studios
McCall Service, Inc.
Red Roof Inn Gainesville
Sun Power Lawn Care
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