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Transforming Greater Gainesville Continues to Garner New Investments
Nanotherapeutics signed on last week with a new investment, while Citizens' State Bank has increased its original pledge.
The Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that two new investors—Nanotherapeutics and Citizens' State Bank— have pledged new financial support to the Transforming Greater Gainesville five-year economic development strategy. The investments were garnered as a result of mid-campaign fundraising efforts for the initiative, which officially commenced in January 2015. Since then, the work done through TGG has resulted in the announcement of nearly 1,000 new jobs and nearly $48 million in new capital investment. Additional new pledges are anticipated to be forthcoming.
"For the second week in a row, local companies are demonstrating their support for the Chamber's efforts to make Greater Gainesville an opportunity region," said Chamber Board Chair Rory Causseaux. “The recent influx of new investments is evidence that the community believes in the important work the Chamber is leading to prime our region for a new level of success.”
Including the two new investments, the Transforming Greater Gainesville strategy is funded by more than 72 donors, all of whom are building on the contributions they make by employing tens of thousands of people.
"The companies who are putting their support behind the Chamber's vision of advancing Greater Gainesville as a global hub of talent, innovation and opportunity are more than job creators; they are opportunity creators," said Chamber President/CEO Susan Davenport.
The TGG strategy has a goal to support the creation of new jobs and capital investment by leveraging regional assets to attract and retain companies and talent in five target sectors—IT/Software, Agricultural Sciences, Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Advanced Logistics, and Advanced Manufacturing/Materials. These sectors all contain identified opportunities for individuals across the education spectrum from the GED to the Ph.D.
Davenport added, "We expect to see new investments in coming weeks and months, and will keep the community apprised."
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TODAY Business Before Hours
August 7 Joint Water Policy Committee Meeting
August 8 Business Before Hours
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County Commission to Deliberate Proposed Stormwater Treatment Manual Updates on
August 22nd
County staff set to present stormwater update to full County Commission on August 22nd.
Alachua County Environmental Protection Department staff presented an update on proposed revisions to the Alachua County Stormwater Treatment Manual to the Joint Water Policy Committee at its regular afternoon meeting yesterday afternoon.
The Chamber has been closely monitoring the progression of the proposed updates as they could create significant obstacles to development across the entire county. In particular, the proposed revisions could effectively remove any potential for employment or activity centers in the eastern third of the county.
Moreover, implementing the revisions could cost tens of millions of dollars while reducing nitrates in our water bodies by only insignificant amounts. Results from five case studies presented at yesterday’s Committee meeting—designed to determine the costs of the new regulations by applying them to existing projects around the county—showed added costs ranging from a zero percent increase on a small project on the east side of the county to a 98 percent increase in costs for a larger project on the west side of the county.
County staff also expressed concerns during the meeting that fertilizer applications are having a much larger impact than previously thought and so have concluded that further study is needed on “upstream” sources of nitrogen contamination. As such, staff informed the Committee of their intention to further study the proposed revisions, with the intent of identifying and adding potentially less expensive, more effective solutions into their recommendations.
County staff will present this update to the full Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday, August 22nd. When it comes to this issue, the stakes are high for businesses and citizens alike. Members are encouraged to attend and speak up at on August 22nd. Watch your inbox for reminders that the Chamber will distribute once the meeting agenda is released by the County.
In the interim, please contact Grassroots Engagement Manager Vicki Gervickas at
vicki@gainesvillechamber.com to let us know if you plan to attend, or if you have questions on the issue prior to the meeting.
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Member Profile: Alcide Chiropractic is All About Health and at Home in Greater Gainesville
Dr. Jude Alcide's journey to becoming a chiropractic physician was traveled along a unique path that includes extensive experience as a successful physical therapist assistant, additional education in sports medicine and service on the 2008 BCS National Football Championship sports health team.
So why the change to chiropractic medicine?
"
I saw a need for a better approach for treating people for not only neck and back pain, but more for holistic care," said Dr. Alcide.
And so began Alcide Chiropractic.
"Alcide Chiropractic is an injury and wellness practice dedicated to treating each patient as an individual," he said. "We are passionate about helping our patients with their health journey whether injured or through optimizing their quality of life.
It is our ultimate mission to improve lives, one life and family at a time."
Today, Alcide Chiropractic is a thriving practice located in the Seagal building downtown. Where does Dr. Alcide see the practice in five years? The answer may surprise you.
"Aside from keeping up with innovations to come in chiropractic medicine and technology, we are already doing what I know we will be doing in five years, and that is treating our patients and our community by following our core values. Every day, those core values compel our team to treat everyone with dignity and respect, to listen well and follow through, and to look well into matters."
"Looking well into matters" is a key step in caring for patients for Dr. Alcide.
"Patients get information and learn about their health options in many places -- television, the internet, other people and more," he said. "When I say we are committed to looking well into matters, I mean that we aim to ensure that patients have a full and factual understanding of their health and their treatment and can make sound choices for their health based on that understanding."
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Jude is joined at the office by his wife, Nadia, who serves the practice as managing partner. The practice also offers massage therapy by licensed massage therapist Heather Roughton. Occasionally, the Alcides are joined by their "assistant," Marley, their 20-month-old daughter.
The Greater Gainesville region is also a major player in Dr. Alcide's plans for the future.
"Gainesville is unlike any community our family has lived in. The fact that I met my wife and had our first child here makes Gainesville a place we'll cherish in our hearts for a lifetime," he said. "In addition to that, Gainesville is a huge intellectual and cultural hub where we believe there is always something for everyone."
Dr. Alcide added: "We wouldn't be able to do anything we are doing right now without our three F's: Faith, Family and Friends. Building a community is so important. We want to make sure our patients understand we can be part of their tight-knit community too."
Join Dr. Alcide and his team for a ribbon-cutting ceremony from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 24th at their office in the Seagle Building located at 408 W. University Avenue, Gainesville, FL.
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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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UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS:
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TODAY - Ribbon Cutting at Leland Management
August 24 Ribbon Cutting at Alcide Chiropractic
August 24 Ribbon Cutting at Captozyme
August 28 Ribbon Cutting at Optym
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Join us Today at Business Before
Hours
Join us for Business Before Hours TODAY from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at Backstreet Blues Chophouse & Oyster Bar. Admission is free with your Chamber membership.
Business Before Hours is a structured yet relaxed environment for making effective connections within the Chamber business community.
You may find a strong referral source, a new vendor, the perfect client or simply get a foot in the door for connecting at larger events. Come build lasting business and personal relationships at Business Before Hours. We hope to see you there!
Click Here for more information and to register.
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51 Leaders Announced as Leadership Gainesville's 44th Class
Leadership Gainesville is pleased to announce the 51 local leaders who will participate in the program for the 2017-18 year. LG is a 10-month leadership development and community immersion program designed to provide emerging leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to make an impact on the community.
The following participants were selected through a rigorous application process. Congratulations to this year’s class!
LG 44 Class members:
- Summer Griggs, Adams & Griggs, P.A.
- Elisha Young, Advantage Publishing
- Jorge Zukoski, Best Water Solutions
- Jordane Spitze, Bosshardt Realty Services, LLC
- Kristy Moffat, Brightway Insurance, Moffat Agency
- Kevin Spellicy, Campbell Spellicy Engineering, Inc.
- John Sanchez, Capital City Bank
- JoAnna McHugh, CareerSource North Central Florida
- Loretta Keegan, Carr, Riggs & Ingram
- Sean McIntosh, Celebration Pointe, LLC
- Hartley Carlson, Charles Perry Partners, Inc.
- Laurie Hall, CHW
- Kaitlyn Graves, Cici's Pizza
- Brenda McDowell, Citizens State Bank
- Seyi Falade, Cornerstone Barricades
- Jennifer Phelps, Cox Communications
- Corey Bush, CTD Holdings, Inc.
- Christopher Gregory, D.E. Scorpio Corporation
- Jacki Jackson, Early Learning Coalition of Alachua County
- Amy Gnann, Fletcher Family Company
- Joseph Pavlich, Forest Meadows Funeral Home
- Taylor Rose, Front Street Commercial Real Estate
- Trish Bulko, Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce
- Tavarous Parks, Gainesville Housing Authority
- Joseph Brooks, Haven Hospice
- Amanda Ferguson, Info Tech, Inc.
- Janise Nix, Info Tech, Inc.
- Jennifer Basener, Info Tech, Inc.
- Corinne Turcotte, James Moore and Company
- Christopher Lough, LifeSouth Community Blood Centers, Inc.
- Rebecca Wentworth, Liquid Creative Studio
- Heather Swanson, Matchmaker Realty
- Austin Williams, McGriff-Williams Insurance
- Dieter Haager, North American Veterinary Community
- Nicolas Harvey, Ossi, Withers & Harrison, P.A.
- Katie Garrett, Pepine Realty
- Dante Buckley, RTI Surgical
- Tracey Reeves, Santa Fe College
- Bradley Wilcox, Scherer Construction of North Florida
- Andrew Brophy, Sonic Drive-In
- Megan Niewold, Stop Children's Cancer
- John Coffill, Storter Childs, An RR Donnelley Company
- Michael Langieri, Sun Country Sport Center
- Jared Hart, TD Bank
- Luisana Segu, The Education Foundation of Alachua County
- James McKenzie, The Rock School
- Rebecca Catalanotto, The Village at Gainesville
- Kristen Thompson, Thomas Group Realty
- Amy Azoulay, United Way of North Central Florida
- Ester De Jong, University of Florida
- Jennifer Watson-Reddish, Vystar Credit Union
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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
Representing your business to Chamber membership is significantly valuable to establishing your business as a leader in your industry. Click here to learn more about our sponsorship and partnership opportunities.
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
- City Beautification Board, Downtown Redevelopment Advisory Board, and more Details here...
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COUNTY MEETINGS
- TODAY at 9 a.m.- Regular County Commission meeting, Tourist Development Council Meeting. and more Details here...
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Help to Set the Florida Chamber's 2018 Florida Business Agenda
Your opinion is important to help us shape Florida's best possible future. The Florida Chamber of Commerce invites you to take this survey and share your voice in creating the 2018 Florida Business Agenda - a member-driven, consensus agenda built by thousands of business leaders, partnering associations and local chamber members, just like you.
Responses from this annual survey are used by members of the Florida Chamber Policy Council and Board of Directors to create a pro-jobs, pro-business road map, which the Florida Chamber then presents to the legislature and the executive branch on behalf of Florida’s business community.
Your input is critical and will help Florida become more competitive. Please take part in setting Florida’s Business Agenda by investing a few minutes to complete this short survey.
If you have any questions about the Florida Chamber’s 2018 Business Agenda or about how the Florida Chamber can help you, please contact me at (850) 521-1288 or dhart@flchamber.com.
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County Releases Economic Indicators
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Alachua County recently released its June 2017 Economic Indicators Report. During the reporting period, all major industries in the Gainesville MSA posted over-the-year gains. Additionally, nonfarm employment in Alachua County increased over-the-year by 4/4%, outpacing the state’s nonfarm employment increase of 3.1. Sales tax receipts continue to rise in the categories of Building Investment (27%) and Business Investment (13.3%), due to the multiple major construction projects and the large amount of business activity. In particular, these sales tax receipts represent a return for local government on the contributions of the more than 70 investors in the Transforming Greater Gainesville 5-year economic development strategy.
The Alachua County Economic Indicators report provides a snapshot of recent changes in the economy of the Gainesville Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). The MSA is comprised by Alachua County and Gilchrist County. The report draws on official statistics that have been released during the last month. The data published in this publication was gathered from several sources such as: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), National Association of Realtors, Council for Community & Economic Research (C2ER), Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), and Office of Economic & Demographic Research.
strategy.
Read the full report here.
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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.
If you’d like a vacant position to be included on this list, please call (352) 244-5112. ...See this week's Hot Jobs
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Newberry-Jonesville Chamber to Hold Seminar on Developing an Internship Program
Ever thought about implementing an internship program for your company or organization?
On Thursday, August 17, 2017 from 8-11 a. m., the Newberry-Jonesville Chamber of Commerce --in partnership with the Florida Chamber Foundation and The Able Trust -- will answer this and other questions during a no-cost seminar, "Developing an Internship Program." This seminar will focus on providing small and medium-sized businesses and organizations with tools to either create an internship program from scratch or overhaul an existing one.
Coffee and pastries will be available for all participants. We would like to have interested parties RSVP either on our FB events page or by emailing us at info@newberryjonesvillechamber.com.
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Porters Back-to-School Block Party on Saturday August 12
Families in the Porters neighborhood will say goodbye to summer and hello to the new school year with backpack giveaways, raffles, bounce houses, face painting, train rides music and more! Special guest appearances from the 501st Legion, a worldwide Star Wars costuming organization and a live mural painting by local artist Justin Stafford! Legacy of Hope is hosting its 6th Annual Back-to-School Summer Block Party on Saturday August 12th.
The weekend event will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Porters Community Center on 512 SW 2nd Terrace.
Representative Clovis Watson, Jr. and Judge Walter M. Green will keynote the block party.
“Our goal is to get kids excited about the upcoming fall semester and reduce the strain on parents’ wallets by providing free school supplies,” said Gigi Simmons, event chair for Legacy of Hope. “This event brings families and the community together.”
This year’s event is sponsored by Oelrich Construction; GRU; Simmons Tax Services; Gainesville CRA; and more. The Alachua County Supervisor of Elections Office will also be in attendance registering voters.
A fundraiser to collect school supplies for this event will be hosted at First Magnitude Brewing Company on Saturday, August 5th from 2-5pm.
For more information about the Porters Back-to-School Summer Block Party, please contact Event Chair Gigi Simmons at 352-792-3958.
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Welcome New Members!
Billy’s Auto Repair & Towing
Brianna’s Irish Pub
Cintas
Episcopal
Children’s Services
Landmark Properties, Inc.
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Thank You Renewing Members for Your Continued Support!
Alachua County Medical Society
Alachua Habitat for Humanity
Central Florida Community Action Agency, Inc.
Community Bank & Trust of Florida
Dos Mamas
Feathr
Florida Wildlife Care Center, Inc
Great Outdoors Restaurant
Hair Cuttery
Junior League of Gainesville, Florida, Inc.
Mirror Reflections Auto Spa LLC
Park Avenue Apartments
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Ken Vogel, PE, Awarded Leadership Gainesville Alumni Association Member of the Year
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Ken Vogel, PE, was recognized by the Leadership Gainesville Alumni Association (LGAA) as its 2017 Member of the Year. Ken has been a member of LGAA since 2007 and in that time has actively supported with the planning and preparation of the organization’s annual 5K fundraiser event. His class started the LGAA 5K with the hope that each subsequent class would take the 5K over to support a charity of their choice. The race attracts elite runners, age group runners and children, so Ken takes pride in making sure the course is set up and marked properly.
“Over the past few years, each one of us performed a specific role in getting the race prepared and executed. Without each one of us doing our part, the race would not be as successful as it has been,” said Ken.
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Bread of the Mighty Food Bank Needs your Help
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Please help our efforts this summer by hosting a Fund and Food Drive – now through mid-September. Fund and Food Drive Goal – raise money and collect, non-perishable food. Corporate challenges within business category: banks, credit unions, builders, realtors, car dealers, insurance, etc., are encouraged. Challenges within single business departments: HR, administration, operations, I.T., maintenance, marketing, etc., will also enhance our efforts. Participant winners in all categories will be recognized, at the Food Bank, during our Hunger Action Day Reception, Thursday, Sept. 14th, 5:30 – 7:30 pm.
While many businesses and organizations are slow this summer or on vacation, Bread of the Mighty Food Bank is at its peak serving 27 Kids Café Summer Lunch Program sites all while providing food to our 160+ agency partners Monday through Friday as they then distribute to those in need throughout our five county service area ~ Alachua, Dixie, Gilchrist, Levy and Lafayette county(s). When the school year gets underway, we begin stocking 7 school pantries monthly with produce, meat, dairy, dry goods and hygiene essentials.
Announcing a new summer partnership with the USDA, Free Food for Seniors. The goal, feed 1,600+ seniors. To qualify you must be 60 years or older with a household income at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level and reside in Alachua, Flagler, Dixie, Lafayette, Marion or Union county(s). Food bags include: cereal, canned meats & veggies, rice, cheese, dried beans, peanut butter and bottled juices.
Hunger has no vacation. Please consider helping us this summer. For every $1 raised BMFB can provide up to (7) meals. 1.3 pounds of food collected equates to one meal. $.94 of every dollar goes back to the community.
You can make a difference in the fight against hunger. For more information on hosting a Fund and Food Drive, or any of our other programs and services, please call (352) 336-0839 or visit breadofthemighty.org.
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Back Pain and Sciatica Workshop
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A Back Pain & Sciatica Workshop will be held on August 12th at 10 a.m. at Kinetix Physical Therapy at 2783 SW 87th Dr. near Haile Market Square. This workshop will reveal strategies that could help you naturally heal back pain & sciatica for good.
• Do you suffer with back pain or leg pain when you stand or walk?
• Do you have pain when you sit for long periods or drive?
• Do you experience pain, numbness or tingling into your buttocks, groin or down your leg?
• Does your back ever “go out” if you move the wrong way?
• Are you afraid your pain will get worse if you don’t do anything about it?
If you have answered YES to any of the above questions (or have a stubborn spouse who is in denial) – the Lower Back and Sciatica Workshop may be a life changing event for you…
Space is limited, so call us now, at 352-505-6665 or register at http://kinetixpt.ptworkshops.com/Gainesville/workshop
See you there!
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Perspectives of Medical Marijuana in Florida - A Panel Discussion
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Biotility, and the Northeast Chapter of BioFlorida, will be presenting a panel discussion on issues related to medical marijuana as a business and treatment paradigm. Hear from a representative of one of the dispensing organizations that is to be a licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Center (MMTC) under the new state law. Visit BioFlorida.com/Events for more information and registration details or contact Tamara Mandell at Biotility for sponsorship information (tmandell@cerhb.ufl.edu).
DATE: Thursday, August 24th, 2017
TIME: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m
LOCATION: UF Clinical & Translational Science Institute (CTSI), 2004 Mowry Road, Gainesville, FL 32601
Register here.
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