A 5-Star Accredited Chamber of Commerce |
|
|
This edition is the final eJournal of 2020. The Chamber offices will be closed beginning Thursday, December 24 and returning Monday, January 4. |
|
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
Season's Greetings from the Greater Gainesville Chamber
This holiday season, we wish you and yours the very best. While it's been a difficult year for many, we hope you can find respite in a safe and welcoming manner through the end of the year.
In this time of reflection, we're thankful to serve such a strong and generous community that shines during times like these.
From all of us here at the Chamber, we hope you have a great holiday season and we look forward to the opportunities to serve our members and our community in the new year.
|
|
UPCOMING EVENT
Thank you to our Circle of Champions and Media Partners
Thank you to our circle of champions, who have maintained an integral level of support throughout this challenging year. We appreciate their continued commitment to our mission and vision, as well as our community as a whole. With their help, we continue to work toward our goal of making Greater Gainesville a worldwide hub of talent, innovation and opportunity.
|
|
Platinum Sponsors
Campus USA Credit Union
Cox
Florida Credit Union
VyStar Credit Union
|
|
Gold Sponsors
CenterState Bank
CPPI
Florida Food Service
Gainesville Health & Fitness
Keith Watson Events
North Florida Regional Medical Center
TD Bank
|
|
Silver Sponsors
BBVA
Florida Blue
Folds, Walker & Maltby
Gainesville Regional Airport
LifeSouth
Renasant
UF Health
|
|
Bronze Sponsors
AT&T
Gray Robinson
Meridian Behavioral Healthcare
Scherer Construction
Servpro of Alachua County West
Tioga Town Center
|
|
Media Partners
Business Report of North Central Florida
CBS 4 / NBC 9
Gainesville Sun
KISS 105.3 FM
MARC Radio
True North
|
|
|
CONTINUING EVENT
Two more days! Support Local Business with 31 Days of Shop GNV!
Daily and Monthly Deals from Now until December 23
All monthly deals still apply – find them here!
Check out our Facebook page daily to see what each day has to offer!
|
|
POLICY UPDATE
Chamber releases 2020-2021 Focus Forward Legislative Agenda
This year’s agenda is focused in four key areas: small business, talent, water infrastructure and people. Sales tax fairness, COVID liability protection and eliminating unnecessary licensure requirements in certain professions are key priorities within the agenda.
Navigating our way out of a global pandemic, addressing residual economic challenges and narrowing the social divide that has plagued 2020 will take strategy, intent and focus, particularly in a year where budgetary concerns will rule.
The Chamber fully supports our legislative delegation as they seek to move Florida forward during the 2021 Legislative session, which begins on Tuesday, March 2. At that time, members will also begin to receive weekly legislative updates from the Chamber to keep them abreast of bill activity and new developments.
|
|
POLICY UPDATE
Gainesville Police Advisory Council applications open to the public
The Gainesville City Commission is accepting applications for its Police Advisory Council (PAC). Established in 2010, the PAC serves as a community advisor to the commission on policy matters related to the Gainesville Police Department.
In an effort to ensure a diverse pool of applicants and that the council accurately reflects the demographic makeup of our community, the commission has called for the application cycle for this board to reopen for 30 days.
Applications may be submitted online through the City of Gainesville website through 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 4, 2021. Paper applications must be completed and mailed to City Hall c/o City Clerk with a postmark on or before Mon., Jan. 4, 2021. Appointments will be made at the City Commission Meeting on Jan. 21, 2021 at 1 p.m.
|
|
Downtown Discussion Follow-up
Thursday, December 10, 10 - 11:30 a.m.
If you weren't able to attend our meeting on December 10th or you didn't get a chance to speak to your concerns during the event, use this form to share your thoughts on the future of Downtown Gainesville and what problems we can address. Every question is optional with the exception of the name question.
|
|
EDUCATION NEWS
Education Foundation Year in Review
|
|
MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENT
Forbes Magazine Names James Moore Among America’s Top Recommended Tax and Accounting Firms for Second Straight Year
For the second straight year, Forbes Magazine has recognized James Moore & Company as one of America’s Top Recommended Tax and Accounting Firms.
“We are honored to be included in this select group of the nation’s most knowledgeable and effective firms,” said Suzanne Forbes, Managing Partner, James Moore & Company. “It’s a testament to our highly‐professional and committed team and the exceptional clients we serve.”
Forbes Magazine collaborated with market research company Statista to survey tax and accounting professionals and their clients. The results of this survey led to this year’s list, which included 278 companies (accounting for less than 1% of the firms in the country). James Moore made the list for both tax and accounting services.
Click here to learn more about Forbes Magazine’s list of America’s Top Recommended Tax and Accounting Firms.
James Moore, founded in 1964, is a regional firm with offices in Daytona Beach, DeLand, Gainesville and Tallahassee, Florida. The firm specializes in providing tax, auditing, accounting and controllership, wealth management services, technology solutions, HR solutions and business consulting services. James Moore has more than 5,000 clients in more than 40 industries in Florida and throughout the country.
|
|
MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENT
Billboard Advertising Funding Available
The Alachua County Board of County Commissioners is seeking applications for the Cooperative Billboard Advertising Campaign. The Cooperative Billboard Advertising Campaign seeks to amplify the diverse marketing and advertising efforts of hospitality industry partners through the financial support of a billboard campaign with the following objectives:
- Increase visitation to Alachua County in the transient (highway), consumer and leisure sectors;
- Increase the marketing reach and visibility of local tourism and hospitality entities;
- Increase revenue and economic activity for the hospitality sector.
The cooperative billboard campaign will enable Alachua County tourism businesses and organizations to leverage Tourist Development Tax (TDT) funds via the cost sharing of expenses associated with independently developed marketing campaigns.
Applicants may request up to 75% of costs associated, not to exceed $7,500, for each qualified billboard. Each applicant may request funding for two (2) qualified billboards, for a total of $15,000. Once approved, invoices may be submitted for reimbursement on an ongoing basis.
|
|
MEMBER CONTRIBUTION
Understanding Grief: A Virtual Program For The Newly Bereaved
Understanding Grief is designed to help people learn that healing is possible after the death of a loved one and there are effective ways to cope with grief and loss. The 90-minute virtual workshop will help attendees: • Identify normal responses to loss • Identify coping skills that may be helpful • Understand the importance of self-care in the grieving process. Understanding Grief is designed to be most helpful for those who have experienced a loss within the last 90 days, and are at least 18 years old. Register today at https://griefworkshop2021.eventbrite.com or call 904.407.7001.
All Community Hospice & Palliative Care bereavement services are free of charge and are available to anyone in the community for up to 13 months after a loved one’s death.
January Dates:
Thursday, January 14 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Tuesday, January 19 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, January 28 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
|
|
MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENT
Touching Hearts at Home Holiday Car Parade to Honor Seniors & Healthcare Heroes
Today, December 22, 12:30 p.m.
Springhill Common Publix
9200 NW 39th Ave, Gainesville
Touching Hearts at Home, a family owned and operated in-home health care company for seniors and adults will host a community car parade to honor healthcare heroes and seniors on Tuesday, December 22 starting at 12:30 p.m.
Touching Hearts at Home owners, Ruben & Rose Ramos believe that supporting healthcare heroes and seniors with the festive car parade is their way to spread joy during these very trying times. “It is an honor and privilege to serve seniors and adults, and that’s why we feel it’s imperative to give back to the community that we serve. We know that seniors are more susceptible to this terrible virus and as a result many are in isolation at their assisted living communities where they might not even be able to enjoy the holidays with their families this year,” said Ruben Ramos. “We wanted to spread joy to make sure our healthcare heroes and seniors realize they are not alone, and that everyone in this community cares and supports them. This was a fun and creative way for our community to come together to make a big CHEERFUL impact. If we can brighten just one person’s day, then it’s all worth it!”
|
|
UPCOMING EVENT
The Florida Get Down Holiday Basketball Showcase
Friday - Sunday, January 1 - 3, 2021
St. Francis High School, Gainesville
January 1 - 3, 2020 is the 2nd Annual “Florida Get Down” Basketball Holiday Showcase. This event is an under the umbrella of the non profit organization called Athlete Connections Foundation.
The mission is to utilize sports to teach youth life skills. The “Florida Get Down” in collaboration with Athlete Connections Foundation (ACF) is a proven program focused on character development and life skills education. This program is designed to empower young student athletes to reach their highest academic and athletic potential, inspiring personal excellence.
The goal of The Florida Get Down Holiday Basketball Showcase is to address the future of the 99% of student athletes who do not go on to play professional sports and ensure they receive meaningful opportunity through higher academic and athletic achievements.
By donating gift certificates, door prizes, gift baskets or other valuable items to the event raffle, you will enable the organization to bring awareness and exposure to the event and raise the necessary funds to reach more youth in their pursuit of athletics and academics.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
