Volume 89 Issue 65 | February 26, 2023

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Jacksonville Florida's Oldest Business and Civic Organization Founded in 1932
OUR MISSION
The purpose of this organization is to promote the Civic, Economic and Social Improvement of Greater Jacksonville.
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UPCOMING PROGRAM




This week we welcome A.G. Gancarski, Political Journalist.



To view future Guest Speakers and Events, please visit our Upcoming Events Calendar.



Join us for our weekly meetings at Fogo De Chao in the Town Center.




The salad bar offers many vegetarian and gluten-free options. A protein is served every other week and alternates between steak, pork, and chicken.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

This week's meeting was another interesting platform for the candidates of City Council District 11. Unfortunately, Raul Arias was a "no-show" but the two other candidates who accepted our invitation were happy to share their backgrounds and political stand. This Council District is from JTB South to Nocatee N and I-295 & Philips Highway combo Eastward toward the intracoastal (primarily 32256). I looked at the map online and it is a little chopped up but mostly East Mandarin, the Town Center, and the Philips Highway business zone of Southside.


First up was Norman Brewer, an 11th generation Floridian. He is a retired Lieutenant for the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. His number one priority is safety. He said that our backup of cadets for the police department is down 90%, as well as workers for the jail, being down substantially. Those officers are working a mandatory 50-60 hours a week. We desperately need more officers in all areas, but of course, proper security for all comes with a price.

His second priority is working for the future of our children. He does not like the fact that we are missing the skills centers for students that we've had in the past. Some teens just want to go into a trade, instead of college. Also, very few work programs are offered with the school system. 


Also, he spoke at length about the pension funds of city employees. He said dedicated funds were pilfered for other projects. He wants the city to come up with money to fund these projects or come up with a hybrid system of paying these workers. 


When asked about homelessness, he stated that panhandlers had a First Amendment right to do so. He believes that this problem should start at the National level.


Ramon Day spoke second. He is a fifth-generation Floridian and a local realtor. He was the Chief of Staff for Charles Bennett and got a taste for politics.


 His first priority was the same as Brewer's. He agreed that there should be an adjustment in the city to fund more officers. He said even the emergency phone lines are not being answered because of staff shortages. He felt new technology will permit us to be more efficient.


Day's second priority is for smart growth in Jacksonville. He wants a better commuter rail system which he felt, with a new ad valorem tax, could cover the programs he is proposing.


When asked about homelessness, he said most of the situation is a mental health issue. We need to act compassionately and responsibly. 


Also, on pensions, he disagrees that he ever said to delete the 3% increases to retirement programs. He supports those that have given service to the city and earned their pensions.


Overall, the two candidates present were very similar in their platforms: Just two very different employment backgrounds and tactics.


Join us this Wednesday as we take a break from the elections and hear from A. G. Gancarski, a political journalist who tells it like it is. His columns were a staple in Folio Weekly for nearly two decades and has been a local correspondent for Florida politics since 2014. Please bring a guest and share the comradery of our great club. Have a wonderful week!





Respectfully,

Jeanne Maron

2023 President

PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP VOLUNTEERS

We are in need of volunteers for this year's Players Championship! This is your chance to give back and also have fun!


Players Championship Sign Up – General Information


  • A shift is usually about 7-8 hours long; we always give one longer break (with lunch) and smaller ones in-between whenever each individual may need one. Each volunteer is different so some people might take more breaks than others. We want everyone strong and healthy.

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  • Obviously, the lunch break might not be right at lunch time since we are feeding the general public at the golf course so most stands will be busy at that time. We will need all hands on deck. 


  • Close time does depend on the golfers. The concession stands close 30 minutes after the players go by. So, on Saturday and Sunday the stands will be closing a little earlier since all golfers will play off of #1.  While other days they play off of #1 and #10.


  • Close time is usually between 5-6:30pm. That is a good estimate. 

   

  • Dress Code White Polos with Khaki shorts/skirts/pants
  •  I will have information on where to park and get the bus to the course a little closer to event dates.


URGENT: Our needs are for day captains and workers, so please sign up and if you are bringing a family member or friend to work, please let us know if they are under 21 years of age. No one under 16 is allowed to work. Please sign up online on sbmcjax.com. 


Coordinators: 

Angelo Volpe 904-891-8032 angelo@volpemanagement.com


Ken Petsch 904-237-2974

ken@apollopackaging.com

 

You will get some limited times during breaks and lunch to see the golfers around the 16th and 17th greens. This is where the tournament is usually won or lost.

MEET A MEMBER

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Come get your Irish on with the members and vendors of SBMC!

Enjoy great food and beverages sponsored by Matt Vallez of Florida Forklift Supply.


We will meet at 5:30pm on March 16 at Florida Forklift Supply, located at 5080 West Beaver Street. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased on our website here or at our weekly luncheon.

YAP GOLF TOURNAMENT

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

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ATTENTION WEBSITE HOSTING COMPANIES


As standard operating procedures, the club is to request proposals for certain services on a periodic basis. We are now requesting proposals for website hosting and maintenance services for the Club. This does not include design.

 

To propose, the service provider must be a member of the club.

 

Please contact our Treasurer for details of the request for proposal for services.


Mark Wilkinson, Treasurer

Mark@WilkCPA.com

Deadline for submission: February 28, 2023


SPOTLIGHT SPEAKER OPENINGS

This opportunity is free to all members in good standing and gives you the chance to speak about your business, family, interests, or anything else you would like to "spotlight" for five minutes. You can place business cards, flyers, or informational materials on the tables to showcase your business.


NEW! Upgrade your Spotlight Speaking Engagement!


For the low cost of $50, in addition to your five-minute speaking segment, you will be able to feature a blurb of up to 500 words and 1-2 photos in the newsletter prior to the luncheon.



If you would like to sign up and reserve a future meeting date, please email SBMC Sergeant-at-Arms Mike Slagle at mike@assigncommercialgroup.com. You can also sign-up at the registration table during our Wednesday meetings.


SBMC PHOTO GALLERY
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Check out our photo gallery for pictures from our meetings and events!

Click here to view!
 
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SPOTLIGHT SPEAKER

Julie Clements

Aquagenix


NEW! Upgrade your Spotlight Speaking Engagement!


For the low cost of $50, in addition to your five-minute speaking segment, you will be able to feature a blurb of up to 500 words and 1-2 photos in the newsletter prior to the luncheon. Contact Mike Slagle to sign up!


If you are interested in signing up to be a Spotlight Speaker next year, please contact

Mike Slagle at mike@assigncommercialgroup.com







ATTENDANCE AWARD




Karen Mathis




WOODY COOPER



Regent Ducas














Sponsor Spots Available!



If you are interested in becoming a Sponsor and seeing your company's logo here, please contact Mark Geil at:

markageil@gmail.com

CLICK ON EACH LOGO TO VISIT THE WEBSITE!


Special Thanks to Our Club Sponsors:


Platinum Level

Gold Level