UPCOMING EVENT
Only a few Annual Meeting tickets left!
Thursday, January 31, 2019
Hilton University of Florida Conference Center
1714 SW 34th St, Gainesville
The Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce is excited to be hosting our 95th Annual Meeting on January 31.
Join us as we share the stories of progress and prosperity from our members and our community. We’ll hear from partners of the talent, tech, economic development, arts, and education sectors.
Cocktail attire is appropriate and dancing is expected as we welcome our special guests
The Savants of Soul to close out the evening.
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UPCOMING EVENT
Join Us Tonight for Celebrate Primary Care's Ribbon Cutting
Today, 4:30 - 6:30pm
Celebrate Primary Care
14435 NW Highway 441, Suite 10, Alachua
Join us today to celebrate and welcome Celebrate Primary Care with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.
Celebrate Primary Care has been in business since 2015 and has two locations (Gainesville and Alachua). They are a direct primary care practice with low monthly fees for unlimited access, no copays, and 90% off lab work and medications.
The event will include speeches, tours of the facility, Hors d'oeuvres and music.
The official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will commence at 5:30pm.
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UPCOMING EVENT
Join us Wednesday for the Ribbon Cutting Celebration at Aloft Hotel
Wednesday, January 30, 5 - 7:30pm
Aloft Hotel
3743 Hull Road, Gainesville
Join us Wednesday, January 30 as we celebrate Aloft Hotel becoming a part of the Greater Gainesville community. Aloft is a different kind of hotel bringing urban sensibility, heightened design and thoughtful experience to a select service environment. They're bright, bold lovers of music, technology and design, moving to their own beat as they make their way through the world.
There will be drinks, hors d'oeuvres, giveaways, tours, live music and more! You won't want to miss out on this "smashing" good time!
The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will commence at 5:45pm.
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UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
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UPCOMING EVENT
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 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 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
Public Safety Job Fair at Santa Fe College
Thursday, January 31, 2 - 6pm
Santa Fe College
3000 NW 83rd Street, Room 0001, Gainesville
The public is invited! Positions advertised include: police officers, firefighters, corrections officers, dispatchers, police service techs, forensic specialists, EMTs, paramedics and more.
Invited agencies: Alachua Police Department, Alachua County Sheriff, UF Police Department, Santa Fe College Police Department, Santa Fe Institute of Public Safety, Florida Department of Corrections, Gainesville Fire Rescue, Alachua County Fire Rescue, Brothers in Action Firefighters, High Springs Police Department, FSU Police Department, West Palm Beach Sheriff's Office, Broward County Sheriff.
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MEMBER CONTRIBUTION
Kelly Seeks to Match Furloughed Federal Workers with Open, Short-Term Positions
Recruiters with knowledge of local opportunities are on call at 1-888-309-5051
TROY, Mich. (January 25, 2019) -- Kelly, a global staffing firm, is launching a toll-free number to connect furloughed government workers with short-term assignments in markets heavily populated with federal employees. Beginning today, workers impacted by the government shutdown will be able to speak with a Kelly recruiter familiar with relevant, temporary employment opportunities in their region from 7am to 7pm EST.
“We have immediate positions available across the country and we want to make individuals impacted by the government shutdown aware that these opportunities exist and put them back to work as soon as possible,” said Debra Thorpe, senior vice president of U.S. Operations for Kelly Services.
Kelly has identified a number of short-term assignments that could be suitable for qualified furloughed workers. Nationally, positions range from light industrial and contact centers to scientific and educational staffing.
Thorpe continued, “At Kelly, we have been putting people to work for more than 70 years. As such, we have the experience to help those affected by the current government shutdown. Interest in flexible career paths, in general, is rising as professionals want more flexibility and control over their career paths. It is what’s next in the future of work.”
Furloughed workers can call
1-888-309-5051
from 7am to 7pm EST and speak with a Kelly recruiter to discuss potential opportunities.
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OPPORTUNITY
Peaceful Paths hiring Development Director
Job Summary:
Responsible for the planning, development, and implementation of agency fundraising, stewardship and donor events and activities. Develop and coordinate marketing strategy and materials using staff and interns. Implement annual giving campaign. Work with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to achieve fundraising goals. Work as a part of the leadership team.
Qualifications and Skills:
Bachelor’s degree in marketing, development or related field. Three years of direct development and awareness experience required. Knowledge of domestic violence issues preferred. Must have good communication and organizational skills and be able to work with community groups. Professional training or experience may be substituted for education at the discretion of the Executive Director.
If you or someone you know may be interested, reach out to Executive Director
Theresa Beachy.
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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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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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PUBLIC POLICY UPDATE
County Repeals Business Tax
Last week, the Alachua County Commission repealed the Business Tax. The business tax had been collected upon registration of a new business, or annually for existing businesses. The tax, which was directed to the County’s general fund, generated an estimated $200K per year and cost individual businesses anywhere from $47.25 to $525 based upon several factors.
The Chamber released a
statement
regarding the repeal, applauding the action and the fact that these funds would now be “free to be redirected to jobs, employee paychecks, new startups and other activities that ultimately offer benefits to the entire community.”
Florida law prohibits counties from reinstating the business tax once it has been repealed.
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UPDATE
Exactech Adds 114 Gainesville-based Jobs and Invests $30M in Capital Improvements
GAINESVILLE, FL – Exactech, a Gainesville-grown global medical device manufacturer, has seen strong growth in Gainesville between 2017 and 2018 through the addition of 114 new jobs. The company plans to add up to 25 more jobs by the end of the year. In addition to this growth, the company has expanded their physical footprint with the addition of a four-level parking garage and other capital investments totaling $30 million.
Exactech started with a dream shared by orthopaedic surgeon Bill Petty, his wife Betty and biomedical engineer Gary Miller. They wanted to make a difference in the quality of care provided to patients suffering from injuries or joint diseases like arthritis. The Pettys and Dr. Miller made the first step toward realizing their vision by incorporating Exactech on November 8, 1985.
Since that time, they have leveraged their founding principles to look at clinical challenges through the eyes of a surgeon. Throughout the company’s development, their purpose has remained unchanged: Exactech exists to help people improve their quality of life and regain their independence if they’ve been injured or developed arthritic disease. They do this through innovative ideas, high quality products, education and commitment to service.
Exactech’s commitment to the Greater Gainesville Region has also been unwavering. Innovation, passion and vision has turned Exactech in to one of the largest private employers in the region. They have set the bar high for many other companies by contributing to the economic growth through the Transforming Greater Gainesville Economic Development Strategy and leading the Chamber’s Advanced Manufacturing Council from 2015-2018. They also championed the sales tax exemption for manufacturing equipment, manufacturing industry awareness and workforce/talent initiatives.
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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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New Members
Todd's Rental and Delivery Roll Off Service, LLC
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Renewing Members
Cecil Edge & Associates
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Buy Tickets for Leadercast Gainesville 2019
Friday, May 10, 8am - 5pm
Location TBA
Advantage Media Promotions is excited to announce that in their 9th year of hosting Leadercast Gainesville they are partnering with Team Dynamo to present the event. Leadercast has provided our community with a forum to bring local business leaders together and empower all attendees to become the best version of themselves. With this partnership, Leadercast Gainesville will expand and grow in our influence and impact. Leadercast will help grow even more "leaders worth following" in our community. We hope you will join us in participating in this great leadership and team-building opportunity on
Friday, May 10, 2019.
If you are not familiar with Leadercast, it is the largest one day leadership event in the world, streamed live from Atlanta, hosted in over 600 locations worldwide. Their mission is to fill the world with leaders worth following.
Leadercast dives into leadership issues relevant to today’s leaders to provide
solutions and inspiration to help attendees around the globe be better leaders. By bringing together top experts with worldly perspectives, Leadercast provides leaders everywhere with the knowledge and tools to be leaders worth following.
Leading Healthy Teams
What defines a team’s success? Is it based solely on achievement, or is there more to the story? The best leaders know a successful team is made when focus, care, attention and development is directed to its members. Healthy teams yield fulfilled employees, effective collaboration, high organizational engagement and greater long-term success. In 2019, Leadercast will bring experts in organizational health to help attendees master the art and science of developing and leading healthy teams.
There are a few ways that you can be involved in Leadercast:
1) Purchase tickets
- We encourage business owners, CEOs and managers to attend with their team. In addition to learning together, Leadercast provides notes from each speaker which will give you an opportunity to digest and discuss topics pertinent to your business or organization at future business meetings.
2) Sponsor the event
- If strong leadership is part of your culture, you may want to join the movement of filling our community of leaders worth following. Businesses and Organizations sponsor for a variety of reasons including showcasing their business, branding, generating leads or just the power of association with an event like Leadercast.
3) Volunteer
- In order to host an event of this size, we rely on volunteers leading up to event and on the day of the event. We are looking for volunteers in the following areas - event logistics, programming, photography, videography, registration, sponsorships, marketing, ticket sales and communication.
Register today! Prices increase on 2/28/2019.
Tickets are selling quickly, so be sure to reserve your spot now!
Watch last year’s recap video
here.
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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 is an entrepreneur, accounting and finance professional who helps businesses thrive. He has extensive experience helping startups find their footing, guiding struggling businesses toward solutions to avoid legal tax liability, and providing business owners with financial options that enable them to bounce back and grow.
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