EVENT RECAP
95th Annual Meeting tells Greater Gainesville's 2018 story
On January 31, the Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce hosted its 95th Annual Meeting. In addition to hosting 400 of our members, the night was highlighted by reflecting on the successes of the Greater Gainesville region in 2018 and recognizing some of the most important players in those successes.
Among those receiving awards were:
- Steve Burroughs of Crime Prevention Security Systems, winner of the Diplomat of the Year Award
- Davis Rembert, winner of the Rotary Ethics in Business Award
- Brian Scarborough of HUB International, winner of the Citizen of the Year Award
- Abijah Bertrand of Life Transitions Skills, winner of the Spirit of GNV Award
- Theresa Beachy of Peaceful Paths, winner of the Chairman's Award
- Dorothy Benson and Dorothy Thomas, winners of the President's Award
In addition to our award winners, the event featured the following speakers:
- Dr. Jeffrey Tate of CTD Holdings on behalf of CareerSource
- Aidan Augustin of Feathr on behalf of StartupGNV
- Thomas McThenia of GrayRobinson
- Dr. Mario Spiguel of the University of Florida on behalf of Rotary International
The Annual Meeting featured videos highlighting the economic development progress made in 2018, the current state of the startup industry in Gainesville, as well as the official kickoff to the #iamgnv campaign.
In 2019, we look forward to writing Greater Gainesville's story with incoming Board Chair Bryan Harrington.
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UPCOMING EVENT
TOMORROW:
Lunch & Learn - Wellness at Work: Why we need it and how to achieve it
Wednesday, February 6, Noon - 1pm
Saint Leo University
4650 NW 39th Place, Suite B, Gainesville
Presented by:
Joe Munson
VP – Prevention & Community Education
Meridian Behavioral Health Systems
Work productivity is closely related to good mental health (wellness) and a sustainable workplace environment. Depression, anxiety, and substance misuse are the leading mental health issues producing financial and human capital losses. Job stress, bullying, moral, sexual harassment, etc. are some of the factors that lead to poor mental health and low productivity. Investments in treatment and preventing mental health problems/illnesses save money, reduce costs, and increase productivity.
This presentation will provide basic knowledge and information about mental health/wellness and how that affects the workplace. The economic impact of mental health in the workplace has been estimated to cost the global economy over 1 trillion dollars per year in lost productivity. Strategies on increasing wellness will be discussed to promote positive mental health and deliver sustainable improvements for the individual, business, and community.
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UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
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UPCOMING EVENT
How To Achieve Success Through Mastermind Groups
Roundtable / Mastermind Kickoff Event
Friday, February 8, 7:30am - 9:00am
Carr, Riggs and Ingram
4010 NW 25th Place, Gainesville
As a Business Owner, do you feel your business benefit from being part of a small business peer advisors group? If so, join us this Friday for an "Introduction to Small Business Roundtables" led by Collin Austin, COE (Chief of Everything) and Owner of New Scooters 4 Less.
This meeting is exclusive for small business Owners / CEOs, attendance at this introductory event is the prerequisite to joining a Small Business Roundtable / Mastermind Group.
Collin will share his personal insight and experience on the value he received by participating in a Small Business Roundtable and the value you can expect to gain for your business. Registration is required with seating limited to 30 attendees.
Mastermind groups provide support, function much like a board or directors or executive coach, lend advice and serve as a confidential group of peers to discuss any challenges your business may face. Once the roundtables are formed, groups can chose to meet monthly when it is convenient for them.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to jumpstart your business by taking this step in your professional development.
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UPCOMING EVENT
Join us on February 11 for our Distinguished Speaker Luncheon featuring GRU General Manager Ed Bielarski
We are delighted to welcome to the Chamber GRU General Manager Ed Bielarski as our Distinguished Speaker on Monday, February 11, from 11:30 am to 1:15 pm. Ed will discuss plans and priorities for the utility and a Q&A will follow his remarks. This member-exclusive event includes a buffet lunch. These popular luncheons fill up quickly - register
here
!
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UPCOMING EVENT
Join us for Business Before Hours
Tuesday, February 12, 8:30 - 10am
Ronald McDonald House Charities
1600 SW 14th Street, Gainesville
Join us for Business Before Hours Tuesday, February 12 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at
Ronald McDonald House Charities of North Central Florida.
Admission is free with your Chamber membership, registration is required.
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!
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UPCOMING EVENT
Clay Connect – Tech Con 2019
Tuesday, February 19, 8am - 3pm
Thrasher-Horne Center
283 College Dr, Orange Park
The Clay County Chamber of Commerce is offering complimentary tickets to members of the Greater Gainesville Chamber to attend their February 19
th
Clay Connect - Tech Con 2019.
The event, scheduled for Tuesday, February 19, from 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the Thrasher-Horne Center, Orange Park, will be the inaugural conference for the yearly affair.
Designed to add focus and enthusiasm to the technology conversation in the region, Clay Connect - Tech Con will host lead presenter and Title sponsor,
Oracle NetSuite; the Oracle brand designed for small to medium businesses. Oracle NetSuite is a global leader that provides software services in support of business finances, operations, and customer relations. Stemming from the significant medical footprint in the county, Tech Con 2019 will also focus on Bio-technology as it showcases a series of high-powered Tech Talks during the afternoon sessions.
Highlights of the day will include presentations by
Myers-Holum, Inc., a leaderin high-performance data integration solutions. Lastly,
RF-SMART, will close the morning with a presentation on RFID and Warehouse Intelligence technologies.
Jacksonville Transportation Authority(JTA) CEO, Nathaniel Ford, will speak at the conference and will showcase the transportation agency’s newest autonomous bus. Attending guest will be able to explore and hear all about the vehicle of the future. Free boutique sessions for non-profits and service delivery small businesses will be sponsored by Oracle NetSuite throughout the day.
The afternoon line-up will wow not only technology enthusiast, but also the medical community with its impressive speakers. Leading the pack will be
Dr. Joy Wolfram Ph.D., Mayo Clinic, Lead Researcher on nanomedicine for the treatment of diseases.
Dr. Jeffrey Tate, Director, COO and Chief Scientific Officer atCTD-Holdings will speak on behalf of
Bio-Florida, a statewide association that showcases and connects emerging and established life science companies, universities, investors and service providers to name a few. Last, but certainly not least, Jacksonville based
NLP Logix, a leader in advanced analytics and machine learning data services will talk on Artificial Intelligence in the medical community.
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REMINDER
Hot Jobs through CareerSource NCFL
Each week, CareerSource North Central Florida staff members identify current
Hot Jobs that employers are eager to fill.
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To apply for jobs listed above:
- log on towww.employflorida.com
- Click on “Job Search” under “Quick Menu” on the left side of the page
- Select “Job Number Search” from the menu across the top of the page
- Enter the job number from the list above in the “job number” box
- Click on “search”
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MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENT
Wal-Staf Top Candidates List
This is only a sample of some of the outstanding employees Wal-Staf Personnel Services has recently brought on board, screened and ready to go to work at your location!
#70607S: Administrative Assistant in Gainesville with excellent customer service skills, experience at insulation company, handled schedules and set up appointments for quotes & estimates, processed invoices and set up bids.
#70622S: Part Rime Bookkeeper available in Gainesville very professional with many years of experience using MAS 90, Excel and Peach Tree.
#70637D: Bilingual (Spanish) HR Specialist in Lake City with excellent computer skills and experience in a variety of fields.
#70627S: Experienced Call Center Representative in Gainesville able to take and handle incoming customer calls and complaints or direct calls to correct parties, proficient with Excel, Outlook, Power Point, Windows and MS Word.
#70634C: Recruiter/Account Manager new to Gainesville with interview, orientation, presentation, negotiation, closing and administrative experience.
#70623S: Receptionist in Gainesville experienced with vehicle loans, outside sales, customer service, A/P and A/R, collections, Excel, Power Point, QuickBooks, Windows.
#706445S: Medical Office Clerk in Gainesville experienced scheduling patients, making sure insurance requirements were met, doing data entry, and processing specimens for laboritories.
#70640C: Criminal Justice Major in Gainesville with warehouse, baggage handling, janitorial and inventory experience.
#58085D: General Laborer in Lake City with fork lift and heavy equipment experience.
#70621S: Medical Accounts Receivables Representative in Gainesville experienced handling disputes, coding, handling claims, collections, making account adjustments due to non-payment, Excel, Outlook, Power Point, Quicken, Windows and word.
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EVENT RECAP
Chamber members look to the future at Florida 2030 Regional Rollout
The Florida Chamber Foundation shared its findings from three years of research and input from communities
About 70 local and regional Chamber members gathered on yesterday, February 4, at the Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention to learn what the research—gathered over three years and from more than 10,000 Floridians—says about our future as a state and a community and start the discussion on how best to thrive moving forward. Though 87% of Floridians report being optimistic about the future, most say their own communities are not ready for what is coming—Florida will be home to 26 million residents by 2030, with one of the most diverse populations in the world, and technology and innovation are disrupting every industry and community. Greater Gainesville will be no exception.
Following his in-depth presentation on the Florida 2030 Project, the Florida Chamber Foundation’s Tony Carvajal kicked off the conversation, asking attendees “What do we want as a community?” and “What has to happen to get there?” From the lively discussion that followed, members expressed concern that we as a community are not adequately telling our story; that we need to do a better job of collaborating; and that a lack of affordable housing and educational disparity will continue to hold us back.
Through this Florida 2030 initiative, the path is set to transform Florida into a top 10 global economy that attracts and retains talent of all ages and provides a path to prosperity for every community around the state. The Florida Chamber Foundation’s challenge to our region is to continue the conversation. Watch for more opportunities with you Greater Gainesville Chamber to engage with the Florida 2030 Project.
To learn more about the Florida 2030 Project,
click here
, where you can read the full report.
For more information about our Greater Gainesville Florida 2030 Regional Rollout, contact Vicki Gervickas, Grassroots Engagement Manager, at
vicki@gainesvillechamber.com
.
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UPDATE
GNV sets all-time record for passenger traffic in 2018
A total of 476,396 passengers flew in and out of the growing North Central Florida Airport in 2018, representing a 6.5 percent increase over 2017
GAINESVILLE, Fla., Jan. 31, 2019
-- Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) announced they’ve set an all-time record for passenger traffic in 2018. A total of 476,396 travelers flew in and out of the North Central Florida airport last year: a 6.5percent increase over 2017’s record-breaking 445,247 passengers. GNV’s passenger boarding numbers continue tooutpace both area population growth rate and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) forecasts.
“This is more good news for our airport, our region, and our passengers, said Allan Penksa, CEO, Gainesville Alachua County Regional Airport Authority (GACRAA). “We have a lot of great things happening at this airport, with our upcoming nonstop service to Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) and a two-gate terminal expansion that will greatly improve our passenger experience over the next two years. This new passenger traffic record just proves that GNV is becoming the convenient choice of more travelers from our region, and we are very grateful for their loyalty to our local airport.”
American Airlines’ new domestic and international route expansion, announced last October, will bring daily nonstop, year-round service between GNV and DFW beginning March 3, 2019.
The new service provides GNV passengers with access to over 90 new routes that weren’t previously served by the existing American Airlines hubs of Charlotte (CLT) and Miami (MIA). The flights will be operated on a 50-passenger Embraer ERJ 145 (E145) once daily at first, with a departure at 4:25 p.m., soon to be joined by an additional early morning departure beginning April 3, 2019.
“The expanded service between GNV and DFW creates new synergies with the Dallas Fort Worth area; provides convenient connections out west and beyond, and creates so many unique travel opportunities all over the world,” Mr. Penksa added. “Our airport’s success is a testament to our dynamic economy and the positive experiences of our passengers. We thank our passengers for choosing to fly GNV. Your continued support will lead to more good news in the future.”
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UPCOMING EVENT
Join the Community Foundation for the Board Academy
Wednesday, February 6, 3 - 6pm
Community Foundation of North Central Florida
3919 W Newberry Road, Suite 3, Gainesville
Join the Community Foundation of North Central Florida for the Board Academy, a workshop providing knowledge and skills to current nonprofit board and staff members and those that wish to be placed on a nonprofit board at the conclusion of the training.
The Board of Directors is an essential part of making every nonprofit organization function smoothly and successfully carry out the mission. Through engaging presentations from nonprofit experts and interactive role-playing, participants learn a board member's responsibilities and how these responsibilities relate to others within the organization. The Board Academy workshop topics for February 6 include:
- Roles and Rules of a Board Member
- Fiduciary Responsibility
- Development and Community Engagement
- Strategic Planning and Meeting Organization
We will be hosting our next session on Wednesday, February 6 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Please invite your board members to attend the workshop and sign up today by
clicking here.
The cost is $25 for Chamber members and Free for Nonprofit Council members.
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UPCOMING EVENT
Join TEDx Gainesville for Courageous Conversations
Saturday, February 9, 2 - 5pm
Cade Museum
811 South Main Street, Gainesville
The mission of TEDxGainesville is to inspire courageous conversations that open minds and transform the Greater Gainesville community. Participants will have the opportunity to be immersed in both live and video presentations, and to participate in facilitated discussion sessions that will take place in open social spaces. Live presentations will consist of some of the most inspirational speakers and performers from the Gainesville area.
Click on the Eventbrite link below to purchase your tickets now. There is a limit of 2 tickets per transaction. General admission tickets are $50 and priority seating (front row seating) is $75.
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UPCOMING EVENT
Florida Museum presents SciArt Showcase at Santa Fe College Art Gallery Feb. 8
Friday, February 8, 7 - 9pm
Florida Museum of Natural History
3215 Hull Road, Gainesville
The Florida Museum of Natural History celebrates the opening of Santa Fe’s newest gallery exhibition Feb. 8 from 7 to 9 p.m. The display will feature the work of participating artists from the 2018 SciArt Meetups. All artwork was inspired by Florida Museum exhibits and the state’s nature and culture. Santa Fe will display the pieces through March 15. This event is free and includes a catered reception. For more information, visit
www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/event/sciart-show
or call 352-273-2062.
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New Members
Family & Cosmetic Dentistry,
PA
UF/IFAS Smart Couples
Wing House
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Renewing Members
Backstreet Blues Chophouse
Best Western Gateway Grand Hotel and Conference Center
Gainesville Area Community Tennis Association (Aces In Motion Program)
Gainesville House of Beer
Gainesville Mitsubishi
Girls Place Inc
Interstate Batteries
Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary
Land O'Sun Management Corp.
Piesanos Stone Fired Pizza
Ray French Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc.
Sarah Cain Design
TAPESOUTH, Inc
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UPCOMING EVENT
SBIR/STTR Workshop: Researchers: Tap into a New Source of Funding
Wednesday, February 20, 9am - 5pm
UF Innovation Hub
747 SW 2nd Ave., Gainesville
As it gets harder to find funding to move your innovation from the bench to the marketplace, small business grants and contracts are more important than ever. Help increase your competitive edge by joining us for our upcoming SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research)/STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer) workshop. This is open to all researchers, postdocs, and inventors interested in securing funding to help develop your research for commercialization. The SBIR/STTR Proposal Preparation Workshop begins with an overview of the programs and then takes you through a simple but comprehensive four-step process for developing a credible and competitive Phase 1 (up to $150,000) proposal. The day concludes with an overview and tips for companies preparing Phase 2 (up to $1 million) proposals. The workshop will include an emphasis on NIH and NSF applications. Sponsored by the
Collaboratory for Women Innovators
.
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UPCOMING EVENT
2nd Annual Inspiring Women Leaders Conference Announces Partners
Thursday - Friday, March 7 - 8
Hilton UF Conference Center
1714 SW 34th St, Gainesville
The University of Florida Office of Professional Development is excited to partner with UF's Warrington College of Business and the Chief Diversity Officer for the Inspiring Women Leaders conference (IWL). The 2019 event will be held March 7-8, at the UF Hilton Conference Center in Gainesville, FL. This new partnership will strengthen the IWL conference and provide an exceptional experience of learning, engaging, and connecting with an outstanding community of professionals.
Through over 18 breakout sessions, keynote talks, and panel discussions, participants will learn how to lead with their strengths, lead to leverage diversity and inclusion, and lead at every age and place. This dynamic learning platform allows participants to network with a diverse group of leaders and learn better ways to lead in personal and professional avenues.
Visit the conference website
here
for information on:
- The #sheleadswith campaign, highlighting prominent women leaders
- Planning your breakout sessions focusing on three different tracks geared towards leadership
- Learning more about our keynote speakers
- Registering for the event today!
We look forward to having you join us for the conference in March, with the final day of the event recognizing International Women’s Day!
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MEMBER NEWS
CPPI breaks ground on Sarasota Memorial’s Radiation Oncology Center
Charles Perry Partners, Inc. (CPPI), in association with Willis Smith Construction, officially broke ground on the new Sarasota Memorial Hospital Radiation Oncology Center on Wednesday, January 23, 2019. The center will be built on the health system’s University Parkway/Honore Avenue campus in Sarasota.
The single story, 17,687-square-foot radiation oncology center will house two state-of-the-art linear accelerators for radiation therapy, a CT simulator, radiation oncology physician offices, and integrative/supportive care services.
The center will provide patients with the latest technologies and treatments in radiation therapy, and attract additional fellowship-trained oncology specialists and subspecialists to the Sarasota region, bringing together both the expertise and the resources needed to give patients the best possible outcomes.
Radiation oncology is one of the priority focus areas for the evolving Sarasota Memorial Cancer Institute. The comprehensive cancer program is expanding this year with premier facilities being built to house services across the entire continuum of cancer care — from prevention, screening and diagnosis to treatment, clinical trials, and lifetime follow-up, survivorship care and support.
“We are proud to work with Sarasota Memorial Hospital on its comprehensive cancer program and help give patients a local option for lifelong support and treatment,” said CPPI President Brian Leslie.
The center is slated to open in the Summer of 2020.
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MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENT
Got Funding? How to get your business approved and funded in 10 days or less
We all know how challenging getting a business loan can be. But does it have to be? Not if you think like a lender. Luis Salazar, president, Regional Lending Services with Lendio North Florida, will cover the essential factors used in qualifying for a business loan, how these factors and available documentation will determine loan options available to you, and how much you can expect to get approved for based on these factors.
Luis Salazar has spent most of his career helping small business owners thrive. He has helped hundreds of startups find their footing and guided struggling businesses toward financial solutions that enabled them avoid legal action. Luis has also partnered with hundreds of lending brokers to provide the community with residential and commercial financing.
Bringing Lendio to North Florida is just one more way that Luis is supporting Gainesville’s entrepreneurs. Luis is a true believer in the American dream and he’s eager to connect his friends, neighbors, and colleagues with the capital they need to prosper.
Luis is also a proud U.S Army veteran who loves to serve people and his country. When he’s not volunteering as a Board Member and Financial Coach for Habitat for Humanity, Luis spends time traveling with his wife Diana and their two children, Julieta and Marcelo. Luis also enjoys cooking, snowboarding, and SCUBA diving.
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