A 5-Star Accredited Chamber of Commerce
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POLICY ANNOUNCEMENT
Save the Date—Business Community Candidate Forum
Candidates for Gainesville City Commission
Thursday, February 13, 6pm
Scorpio
3911 W Newberry Road, Gainesville
Join us on Thursday, February 13th, for the Business Community Forum for candidates for the Gainesville City Commission. The At Large, District 2 and District 3 races will be decided by the 2020 Primary Election on Tuesday, March 17, 2020.
The Business Community Candidate Forum—hosted by the Greater Gainesville Chamber, the Alachua County Association of REALTORS (GACAR) and the Builders Association of North Central Florida (BANCF)—will be held at Scorpio Construction, 3911 W. Newberry Road, Gainesville, 32607, starting at 6:00 p.m.
This event is free and open to the public, and refreshments will be served. Please register today to reserve your spot.
Click here to view our Candidates’ Questionnaires to learn more about the candidates running for the Gainesville City Commission:
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UPCOMING EVENT
Lunch & Learn
Intentional Diversity: Creating A Workplace that Celebrates our Differences
Wednesday, February 19, Noon - 1pm
Saint Leo University
4650 NW 39th Place, Suite B, Gainesville
Presented by
:
Jason Hurst
Owner / Maple Street Biscuit Company
We are currently living in a society where globalization and diversity of thought continues to expand. More now, than ever, champions for equal rights have created opportunities in our various workplaces where people of different races, genders and socio-economic statuses can come together to work toward common missions and visions. However, there are still some venues and workplaces where it is difficult to attract and retain diverse talent. Diversity is important to any organization as it challenges the status quo and presents solutions to problems from a holistic viewpoint. It can only change with being intentional about the need for it and this event will show you how
Takeaways from this presentation include:
- Recognizing the need for Diversity in Organizations and why it's important
- Understanding where our society is in embracing Diversity in the workplace
- Practical steps on being intentional about having a culture that celebrates and appreciates diversity (without being weird.)
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Presented by Carr, Riggs & Ingram
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UPCOMING EVENT
Business After Hours at UF Health – The Oaks
Thursday, February 20, 2020
5:30 – 7 PM
UF Health – The Oaks
6201 W Newberry Road, Gainesville
(Former Sears location at the Oaks Mall)
Join us as we celebrate local business at the Greater Gainesville Chamber Business After Hours hosted by the UF Health - The Oaks at their brand-new location in the Oaks Mall. Enjoy food, drinks, door prizes and great company.
UF Health - The Oaks will feature three specialty practices: ophthalmology, otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat) and audiology moving in late January and early February. These services will be provided by University of Florida faculty in the 139,000-square-foot former Sears space at 6201 W Newberry Road. The facility will also have an outpatient surgical center to support ophthalmology and otolaryngology procedures.
UF Health - The Oaks will also bring changes to other UF Health facilities. The eye practices at the UF Health Medical Plaza on SW Archer Road and at Hampton Oaks on SW 62nd Boulevard will be consolidated at the new Oaks Mall location. In addition, the ENT and audiology practices at Hampton Oaks will also relocate to The Oaks building.
The Chamber’s staff and its enthusiastic Diplomats are available to make introductions to business decision-makers.
Admission is Free for Greater Gainesville Chamber Members.
We hope to see you there!
For more information and to register to attend,
Click Here.
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UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
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UPCOMING EVENT
CEO InSights featuring Lisa Magary & Della Tuten of Celebrate Primary Care
Wednesday, February 26, 8 - 9:30am
Hippodrome Theater, Gainesville
25 SE 2nd Place, Gainesville
CEO InSights is an event series featuring topic presentations by local presidents, CEOs and other community leaders in an intimate, studio-type setting. The goal is to share personal and timely insights on critical topics including leadership, innovation, culture and more.
Join us Wednesday, February 26th, as our guest speakers will be Lisa Magary and Della Tuten, Co-Owners of Celebrate Primary Care.
There are a few seats still available. Registration is required. A light breakfast will be served.
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UPCOMING EVENT
TODAY: Sonny's BBQ Grand Reopening & Ribbon Cutting
TODAY, February 11, 10:30am - Noon
Sonny's BBQ
2700 N Waldo Road, Gainesville
Join us to celebrate Sonny's BBQ with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.
Sonny's BBQ is excited to announce the Grand Reopening of its Waldo Road location and invites the community to participate in a celebration slathered in Southern Hospitality on Tuesday, February 11th with a day full of festivities at its original location. It all starts with a ribbon-cuttin' ceremony at 10:30 am.
Sonny Tillman founded Sonny's BBQ as a local BBQ joint on Waldo Road in 1968. Fifty-two years later and Sonny's is still a local BBQ joint--just with a few more locations--upholding time-honored traditions of servin' plate-coverin' portions of mouth-waterin' BBQ. Sonny Tillman will be available for media interviews during lunch.
- All day long event for the general public includes the following:Beginning at 10:45am: First 68 Guests receive a FREE Pork Big Deal and a special gift
- Throughout lunch time: Enjoy a meet & Greet with Sonny Tillman, Pitmaster Samples, K Country Radio Remote, Menu Specials, and enter to win a Traeger Grill
The Ribbon Cutting will commence at 10:30 AM.
For more information, click
here
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UPCOMING EVENT
CONNECT Networking Event
Monday, February 17, 5:30 - 7pm
Greater Gainesville Chamber
300 E University Ave, Suite 100
Creating Opportunities through Networking New and Existing Companies with our region’s Talent (CONNECT) is a monthly networking and professional development meeting that connects highly-skilled talent with the employers who seek them.
Open to job seeking professional, trailing spouses, and those making career transitions. Attendees must have an Associates Degree OR five or more years of industry experience.
Dress code is professional/interview-ready attire.
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UPCOMING EVENT
ResCare Residential Services Recruitment Event
CareerSource NCFL Gainesville Career Center
10 NW 6th Street
Wednesday, February 12, 2020
10am-1pm
Direct Support Professionals- Job #11133455
Multiple Openings
❖ Immediate interviews
❖ On-site, conditional job offers
❖ Flexible hours with great pay
Join a team of passionate and caring people who make a difference in people's lives!
To Apply:
- Go to www.employflorida.com
- Log in or register as a new job seeker.
- Search for job order # (listed above) and complete referral process.
- Attend Recruitment Event at CareerSource NCFL in Gainesville.
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UPCOMING EVENT
National Veterans Entrepreneurship Program
Application deadline: February 15, 2020
The National Veterans Entrepreneurship Program (VEP) provides a rigorous entrepreneurial learning and development opportunity for veterans with service-connected disabilities and those who have uniquely distinguished themselves in the military. VEP is designed for veterans interested in starting a new venture as a means to financial independence and for veterans who have an existing business for which they would like to increase profits.
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UPCOMING EVENT
Enterprise Holdings - Damage Recovery Unit Hiring Event! Offers on the Spot!
Thursday, February 20, 11am - 6pm
Enterprise Holdings - Damage Recovery Unit
7303 NW 4th Blvd
Gainesville, FL 32607
Our mission is to be the best transportation service provider in the world...to exceed our customers' expectations for service, quality and value...to provide our employees with a great place to work....and to serve our communities as a committed corporate citizen.
Our Recovery Specialists work to collect payment from responsible parties. They enjoy phone work, are highly organized and have the ability to negotiate and create collection strategies.
We are a fun and friendly place to work!! We have a comprehensive benefit package, flexible scheduling, and Work from Home opportunities for qualified employees.
Think of it like a job fair, but for one company and more personal. Hiring events are a great way for employers to fill multiple roles quickly. Hiring is a human process, and they would like to meet you in person to further discuss the opportunity!
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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:
- log on to www.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 24 for our Distinguished Speaker Luncheon featuring
Gainesville City Manager Lee Feldman
Monday, February 24, 11:30am - 1:15pm
GRU Multipurpose Room
301 SE 4th Ave, Gainesville
We are delighted to welcome Lee Feldman, Gainesville City Manager, as our first Distinguished Speaker of 2020 on Monday, February 24, from 11:30 am to 1:15 pm. Lee will provide an update on City priorities, and a Q&A will follow his remarks. This member-exclusive event includes a buffet lunch. These popular luncheons fill up quickly, register today! And note our venue for this event: GRU, the Multi-purpose Room, 301 SE 4th Avenue, Gainesville.
About Lee Feldman
Lee R. Feldman, ICMA-CM, joined the City of Gainesville as City Manager in November 2019. Prior to this appointment, Feldman served as City Manager from June 2011 to December 2018 for the City of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Feldman also served as the City Manager of Palm Bay, Florida from October 2002 to June 2011, and North Miami, Florida, from May 1996 to October 2002. His municipal career also includes serving as Deputy City Manager for the City of North Miami and as Assistant City Manager and Assistant to the City Manager for the City of North Miami Beach. Before beginning his career in local government administration, he served as a Supply Corps Officer in the United States Naval Reserve from 1987 to 2002.
Feldman is a graduate of Washington and Lee University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal arts. He earned a master’s degree in governmental administration from the Fels Center of Government at the University of Pennsylvania, where he has been recognized as a Distinguished Alumni Fellow. In addition, he is a graduate of the Senior Executive in State and Local Government program at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. In 2018, Feldman was elected a Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration.
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Sponsored by UF Health Douglas Williams Executive Health Program
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POLICY ANNOUNCEMENT
We’re Counting on You! The 2020 Census is on its Way
April 1 is Census Day
The core value of COLLABORATE 2025—our newly launched, five-year strategy—is an ambitious one: to raise levels of prosperity and improve the quality of life for all current and future Greater Gainesville residents. One simple way to help move that needle forward is to participate in the 2020 Census.
The Greater Gainesville Chamber, in concert with Alachua County, the City of Gainesville, UF Health, UF and Santa Fe, along with other partners, is committed to helping ensure our County gets a complete Census count this year. We were surprised—and not a little dismayed—to learn that the estimated undercount for Alachua County in 2010 was 33,827 people, which resulted in a $320 million estimated loss of federal funds over the last 10 years. It’s not hard to come up with a quick list of how we could have put that money to good use!
We will keep you informed on ways you can help with the Census effort in the coming weeks. Visit
countingonyou.us
for more information on local and national efforts.
And here are a few fast facts, compiled by the Associated Press, to kick off the first round of Census counting underway in Alaska.
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EVENT RECAP
Chamber Members Learn About Import/Export Opportunities in the Caribbean
On February 7, Chamber members sat down to a in in-depth talk from U.S. Commercial Service Deputy Christian Koschil. During this event jointly organized by the Greater Gainesvilel Chamber an the U.S. Commercial Service, Koschil outlined the various economic opportunities available to Florida companies in the region. The Caribbean as a trade zone represent $27 billion in trade with America through 30 different markets. If you have any questions about this event or similar events, or if you’d like a copy of the powerpoint that was presented at by Mr. Koschil please reach out to Atticus Steinmetz, Economic Development Manager at
[email protected]
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FLORIDA CHAMBER UPDATE
Workforce Quality Still Keeping Job Creators Up at Night
Even though Florida is outpacing the national average is jobs created, survey results from the Florida Chamber of Commerce's
First Quarter Small Business Index Survey
show that workforce continues to be the top concern among Florida small businesses. The is the 11th quarter out of 12 that small businesses have ranked this issue among their top concern.
While the probability of a recession is declining, Florida's job creators are now much more concerned about government regulations and mandates for Florida businesses, which entered the top three.
The Florida Chamber’s first quarter Small Business Index Survey shows small businesses are most concerned about:
- Workforce Quality - 28 percent
- Healthcare Costs - 13 percent
- Government Regulations - 12 percent
- Economic Uncertainty - 10 percent
- Lawsuit Abuse - 4 percent
Despite their concern about workforce quality, job creators expect higher sales than last year. Of Florida small businesses, 69 percent of respondents expect to have higher sales than the previous year. Additionally, 49 percent of respondents expect to hire in the next six months, up from 39 percent in last quarter's survey.
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UPCOMING EVENT
International Women and Girls in Science Day
Saturday, February 15, 10am – 3pm
Florida Museum of Natural History
3215 Hull Road, Gainesville
Celebrate “International Women and Girls in Science Day” at the Florida Museum of Natural History on Feb. 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Explore the world of pottery mending, learn about animal training and see live bees and turtles during this free public event. Hear from Jenny Tung, associate professor of biology at Duke University, and participate in cool experiments with local scientists. While the event activities are free, there is an admission charge for the “Amazing Pollinators” and “Butterfly Rainforest” exhibits. For more information and a list of participating organizations, visit
www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/event/science-day
or call 352-273-2064.
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UPCOMING EVENT
Mastermind Group - Collaboratory for Women Innovators
Tuesday, March 17, 6 - 7:30pm
UF Innovate | The Hub
747 SW 2nd Ave, Gainesville
A monthly mastermind group for female small service business owners seeking to grow their organization, improve their leadership and increase the effectiveness of their operations
The group will meet one Tuesday evening per month for 6 months and include: 90-minute meeting with focus topic, group discussion and member spotlight. Additional online group and facilitator support also provided. Topics to include: Vision & Execution; Tracking Performance; Building your Team; Networking and Promotion; Scaling and Getting Unstuck
The group will be led by Heather Parbst, Senior Advisor and Director of Operations for Velocity Advisory Group. Heather is driven to empower others to achieve more for themselves and their organizations. She has navigated multiple career transitions and industry jumps, successfully scaled and sold a business, and advises, coaches and mentors leaders and teams in organizations ranging from new startups to Fortune 500 companies. These experiences have given her a unique perspective into leadership and organizational dynamics. As a consultant, facilitator and coach, Heather is dedicated to helping individuals, teams and businesses achieve their highest potential.
This program will be a small cohort of 6-10. Group will meet at UF Innovate Hub Incubator from 6:00-7:30 PM Tuesdays: March 17th, April 14th, May 12th, June 23rd, July 21st, August 18th. Cost is $100 for the 6-month program. For more information or to apply visit
http://bit.ly/Mastermind20
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MEMBER NEWS
First Federal Bank to Present United Way of North Central Florida Check for Home Sweet Home Initiative
Tuesday, February 11, 11am - Noon
United Way of North Central Florida
6301 NW 1st Place, Gainesville
GAINESVILLE, FL (Feb. 6, 2020)
— First Federal Bank will be presenting United Way of North Central Florida (UWNCFL) with a $10,000 check for their Home Sweet Home Initiative.
The Home Sweet Home Initiative was formed to help find solutions to end childhood homelessness. Through partnerships with the school system, homeless service providers and other nonprofit organizations, this comprehensive approach helps families avoid or escape homelessness.
February 11 is also “211 Day,” bringing awareness to United Way’s 211 resource and referral line. 211 is a free and confidential service and first step for those in need in our community to find shelter or rental assistance to prevent the trauma of homelessness among other services provided.
WHAT:
UWNCFL & First Federal Home Sweet Home Initiative Check Presentation
WHEN:
Tuesday, February 11 from 11 a.m. to noon
WHERE:
United Way of North Central Florida, 6031 NW 1
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Place, Gainesville, FL 32607
** UWNCFL President & CEO, Mona Gil de Gibaja and Family Promise Executive Director, Jayne Moraski will be available to answer any specific questions on general homelessness and homeless children and families living in the community. **
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