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Optym Announces Corporate Headquarters Expansion
Optym, a global leader in providing decision automation and optimization solutions, yesterday announced that it will be expanding into an additional 10,000 square feet of new space at its Gainesville headquarters. With a growing team and additional projects, the new space has come at a crucial time in the growth of the company, which currently employs 120 people, twice the number of employees it had three years ago. In 2015, Governor Scott announced the grand opening of the facility Optym is currently expanding into, demonstrating the company’s rapid growth over the last two years.
Optym specializes in optimization solutions for the transportation and logistics industries. Founded in Gainesville in 2000, the global company, which has offices in Armenia, Australia, Chile and India, serves railroad, airline, trucking and mining
companies. Since 2015, Optym has been located in its current facility. From 2004 to 2015, Optym had been located at the Gainesville Technology Entrepreneurship Center (GTEC), a Santa Fe College-led business incubator, focusing on technology and light manufacturing. The new expansion will provide additional capacity fo
r ongoing growth, which includes Optym’s promise of hiring at least 100 employees through 2018. In addition to expanding their facility, Optym expanded its campus from three to ten acres by acquiring new land, which will allow employees to enjoy their surroundings with plenty of outdoor space.
Dr. Ahuja said, “This expansion will allow Optym to continue to grow in the years to come. We are continually aspiring to make bigger impacts, but we cannot do that without a dedicated team and world-class facilities. This new space will inspire and motivate our team, and will assist Optym to reach new heights.”
Rory Causseaux, Chair of Board of Directors of the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce said, “A company that has experienced the level of success that Optym has could choose to locate anywhere in the world. The fact that Optym continues to choose to grow in Greater Gainesville is indicative of the strength of our region’s industry-focused, talent-rich business ecosystem. We are elated to have this company here and look forward to watching it succeed and grow for years to come.”
The close relationship between the University of Florida and Optym has resulted in the company frequently hiring undergraduate and post-graduate students for internships and full-time positions.
Check out more about Optym's expansion in the video below.
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September 7
Business Community Meet & Greet with New Superintendent
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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Attention Chamber Members: Join Cox to Pitch Business Ideas and Learn from Panel Members at "Get Started Gainesville" on Oct. 3
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A Message from Gainesville Area Chamber President/CEO Susan Davenport
Just like us at the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce, Cox Business is dedicated to developing and promoting an environment of entrepreneurship across our area. Last year I had the great experience of being a judge at the Cox “Get Started Gainesville” event. It was such a strong competition and the time, funding and expertise that Cox Business brought to our region to put this event together made it one of the most successful entrepreneur events I attended last year. I hope our community will get engaged from every level of our entrepreneurial and small business activity and take advantage of what Cox is bringing to Greater Gainesville. Here are some details on the event:
- On Oct. 3, Get Started Gainesville will present an opportunity to learn from an esteemed panel of experts to turn your business idea into a revenue-generating success.
- This exciting event will also highlight up to five entrepreneurs who will pitch their idea to a distinguished panel of experts. One winner will be named to receive up to $20,000 in prizes including a one year Cox Business technology package.
- Local businesses not competing are encouraged to attend this free event for networking and learning opportunities from accomplished leaders in digital marketing, funding and business growth strategy.
- Prizes Include
- $10,000 Cash
- Cox Business services for 1 year
- Production Package from Cox Media
- Full-Page Feature in Business in Greater Gainesville
- Full-Page Feature in 850 Magazine
I hope to see many Chamber members in the audience on Oct. 3! For more information, to pitch an idea or to register, click
here.
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Actionable Quality Assurance Secures more than $2.2MM in New Investments
Food safety SaaS enables restaurant chains to control and prevent food safety risks
Actionable Quality Assurance (AQA), a leading software as a service (SaaS) platform for thorough monitoring of food safety for restaurants, has announced two major investments this month, including a $2MM from a private angel investment group, and $270K from RURO Inc., an innovative laboratory information management and software development company.
"Our SaaS platform is the first built specifically for the restaurant industry and gives quality assurance teams insight and control over food safety risks like never before," said Eric Graves, CEO and company founder. "Our customers don't need another set of tables to review, they want automated QA management that predicts where potential issues may occur and helps them proactively control their future."
Graves said that AQA sought input from RURO because of its impactful work in high-tech science and safety industries.
AQA turns data into actionable items, which helps restaurants discover and address food safety issues before they happen. AQA's cloud-based software automates repetitious tasks performed by quality assurance teams, and turns physical, chemical and microbiological test results into clean, interpretable, real-time data and analytic graphics.
Customers save significant money through automation of processes such as credit tracking and management. Easy for restaurant units as well as suppliers to use, AQA's cloud-based platform requires minimal training and provides greater control to restaurant management on day one.
AQA is currently growing a customer base of multi-unit restaurant companies and their suppliers. The additional capital will be used to recruit team members dedicated to selling and marketing the AQA solution to restaurants nationwide.
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UF Child Protection Team and The ITM Group Present Super Hero Camp, a Free Body Safety Workshop for Kids
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The ITM Group, a local private practice counseling and evaluation center, and the University of Florida Child Protection Team, a community-based program administered by UF Health, recently joined together to provide Super Hero Camp, a body safety workshop for young children in early August. The free workshop for parents and children age seven and younger was held at The ITM Group by psychologists and licensed professionals who specialize in the prevention of sexual abuse. The information and activities focused on boundaries and personal body safety for children, with parents being an active part of the workshop. Free school supplies, Frisbees, book bags and refreshments were provided during event.
The ITM Group is a private practice counseling and evaluation center, providing outpatient services to a diverse population, including victims of sexual abuse. Future free workshops on the same topic are planned. For more information, or to learn about an upcoming workshop, call 352-379-2829.
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Captozyme Celebrates Grand Opening of Headquarters in Gainesville
Captozyme is a biotechnology company developing enzymes and formulations to advance knowledge in the area of gut health and through their products advance the health and wellness of people.
On Thursday, August 24, Captozyme celebrated the official grand opening of the new headquarters located in Gainesville. A small startup in 2009, Captozyme had occupied space in both the UF Sid Martin Biotechnology Incubator and is a recent graduate of the UF Innovation Hub before moving into a new facility in January of this year. The company has plans to graduate from the Sid Martin Biotech incubator and consolidate all of their operations at their new headquarters. Captozyme chose to settle down in Gainesville thanks to the talent pool, the community investment in entrepreneurship, low cost of doing business, and the closeness to established collaborators at the University of Florida.
Helena Cowley, CEO of Captozyme, welcomed members of the business community and the many supporters who have helped them grow from startup to 20 full time employees at a special celebration including tours and a ribbon cutting ceremony as part of the official grand opening. The Gainesville Chamber congratulates Captozyme and encourages the growth of our globally known biotech industry.
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Member Profile: Menchie's Brings a New Source of Cool, Healthy Treats and Fun for Family & Friends to Butler Plaza
Menchie's Owner Ishvar Patel recently talked with us about the Menchie's philosophy and his vision for the store today and in the future.
GAC: How and why did you choose to open Menchie’s?
Ishvar Patel: Approximately 7-8 years ago, my family and I came across a Menchie’s frozen yogurt shop as customers and were instantly mesmerized with the entire outlook of the store from their mission statement to their warm and friendly environment. We witnessed multiple families with kids jumping with excitement while standing at the toppings bar to students enjoying a cup of yogurt while socializing and adults of all ages walking in and letting their inner child release.
As I did more research about the company, I learned more about Menchie’s community involvement. Over the years, Menchie’s stores have come together to raise awareness through fundraising and have partnered with numerous organizations such as American Red Cross in its relief efforts after hurricane Sandy, through the fundraiser they called “The Smile after the Storm.” Whether it was for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the American Heart Association or Make-A-Wish Foundation, Menchie’s every effort has been all about “spreading smiles.” In fact, our mission statement simply put is “We Make You Smile.” From this we were convinced that we wanted to bring this concept, in which the company’s mission and product places first and foremost focus on the people and community, to our hometown of Gainesville, FL.
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We at Menchie’s strive to create lasting memories by offering to be the friendliest place on earth with a mission to make every guest smile through our 3-P principle: People, Place and Product.
- People: Menchie’s values are embedded in our People – our team members and our friendly customer service
- Place: our unique, warm, happy, and inviting store design
- Product: highest quality, variety and innovation
Menchie, our mascot, is a source of inspiration to our team members as well as kids and adults around the world. Over the years, we have created...
read more
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Peaceful Paths Expands 53rd Ave. Outreach Center
Peaceful Paths -- the certified domestic abuse network that serves survivors of domestic violence in Alachua, Bradford and Union counties -- recently celebrated an expansion of its Outreach Center on 53rd Ave.
On average, Peaceful Paths sees 125 people in the Center each week. Since opening its office in 2010, the organization also has added 10 staff members and expanded its program offerings. The new expansion will give Peaceful Paths the space to continue to grow its Economic Empowerment Programs, Adult Education Programs, Children’s Programs, and Legal Programs. Peaceful Paths also launched a permanent clothing closet as part of the Outreach Center Expansion.
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Welcome to our Newest Circle Member, Scherer Construction!
Join us in welcoming Scherer Construction of North 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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September 7
Walgreens Senior Discount Day
September 14
Ribbon Cutting at Charles Schwab
September 30
Gator Bootcampt for Entrepreneurs
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Join us at Campus USA for Our Regional Business Before Hours
Join us on September 12th for our Annual Regional Business Before Hours, sponsored by Campus USA Credit Union, a structured yet relaxed environment for making effective connections in our Regional Chamber business community.
This event is done in partnership with the Alachua Chamber, the Gainesville Chamber, the High Springs Chamber, The Hawthorne Chamber and the Newberry-Jonesville Chamber, providing an opportunity for members of the different regional chambers to network together.
Participation in our Regional Business Before Hours is included in your Chamber Membership.
Seating is limited to 100 people and registration is required.
Come build lasting business and personal relationships at our Regional Business Before Hours.
For more information and to register,
click here
.
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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
.
WHY COLUMBUS?
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Lunch & Learn Series: Empowering Employees to Empower Themselves
Please join us Wednesday, September 6 from Noon to 1 p.m. at Saint Leo University for our monthly Business Matters Workshop Series, sponsored by Carr, Riggs & Ingram.
Laurel Brown, Assistant Director for UF Executive Education, will share her expertise on what it means to empower your employees. Participants will receive tips on how to build an environment that reinforces employee empowerment, accomplishment and contribution.
Laurel Brown directs the Executive Education unit at the University of Florida, where she oversees the development and delivery of customized and onsite training programs. Laurel also enjoys training and has developed and conducted training sessions for companies and associations on managing change, communication, emotional intelligence, work/life balance, and networking, and various other workshops on leadership development topics. Laurel is DiSC® certified and holds a Bachelor's degree in Advertising and a Master of Arts degree in Organizational Management.
Registration is $10 for Chamber members, $20 for future members, and lunch is included. Reserve your seat today! Click
here
to register.
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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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Help to Fund Programs Designed by Local Teachers for Local 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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City and County Meetings This Week
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CITY MEETINGS
- Student Community Relations Advisory Board, Human Rights Board, and more. Details here...
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Hometown Educator, Karen Clarke, Superintendent of Alachua County Public Schools
Business Community Meet & Greet with Superintendent Karen Clarke takes place Thursday, September 7 at 5:30 p.m. at Mark's Prime Steakhouse
Karen Clarke, raised in Gainesville and a part of the Alachua County Public Schools ascended to the role of Superintendent of Alachua County Public Schools in May after a year-long search for a new Superintendent.
Clarke's experience in the District as an educator for over 25 years was a key factor in her selection as the new Superintendent. Clarke began her career as an educator with a brief stint as a Brevard County 4th grade teacher, before returning to Alachua Count to teach at Newberry Junior/Senior High School. Clarke has held positions in Alachua County of Teacher, Dean, Assistant Principal, Principal, Director of Secondary Curriculum and School Improvement, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instructional Support, Deputy Superintendent, and now Superintendent.
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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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BBQ & Chili Challenge to Benefit YMCA & Hope (Horses Helping People)
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HOPE - Horses Helping People and the YMCA of Gainesville have teamed up to offer a great day of family fun, on September 23, 2017. There will contestants in five categories, vendors, games, food, and live music by Joey Holiday, and the Hogtown Slayers. Time from 11am-5pm. Come see who will win it all!
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Water & Air Research, Inc. promotes Laura Line, MS, to biological services department manager
Water & Air Research is pleased to announce that Laura Line has been promoted to lead our biological services. Laura joined Water & Air in 2002 as an Aquatic Ecologist in our biology department. She is experienced in freshwater macroinvertebrate sampling, surface water quality assessments, and taxonomic analysis, completing over 5,000 freshwater samples across the State for clients which include the Alachua County Environmental Protection Department, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, water management districts, and the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
Laura is FDEP certified for Stream Habitat Assessment, Stream Rapid Bioassessment, Stream Condition Index, and Lake Condition Index. Her studies include aquatic community and water quality assessments, reporting the effects of bank stabilization, and water discharge impacts.
Outside of Water & Air she is the Secretary for the Florida Association of Benthologists. She is a graduate of the University of Florida with a Master of Science from the Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences.
Congratulations Laura!
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Welcome New Members!
First Care of Gainesville
Modernized Mobile
Radio Kuva
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Thank You Renewing Members for Your Continued Support!
Gainesville Black Professionals
Jackson Stoneworks
Jumpem
Sonic Drive-In
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