A 5-Star Accredited Chamber of Commerce |
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Welcome to the annual week where we all go to bed super early and wake up thinking we've overslept!
We'd ask how the time change went for you, but since we are all over here still trying to figure out how to change the clocks around the office, we feel pretty confident on answering for you...
Now, let's see what is going on in GNV!!
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Announcing the finalists for the
2023 Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce Business Awards!
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Thank you to ALL of our member businesses who submitted an application! When we tell you the scores on these were close, disposable razor companies would have been envious of the closeness! You are ALL amazing and make Gainesville Greater!
Thank you, also, to our group of volunteer judges from the community who took the time to carefully review all of these fantastic applications!
To our finalists, we'll see YOU on December 7th at the Best Western Gateway Grand!
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UPCOMING EVENT!
GGYP Thrive Event: Pancakes & Presidents with
Juan Segarra - ALMOST SOLD OUT!!
Wednesday, November 8th
9:00am - 10:30am
The Chamber
300 E. University Avenue
Gainesville, FL 32601
Join the Greater Gainesville Young Professionals for their quarterly Thrive event, Pancakes & Presidents! This is your opportunity to hear from a local President/CEO as they share their story and open conversation to topics that will be beneficial in your growth as a professional in our community. This is a casual event that encourages group participation and conversation.
This quarter, we are joined by Juan Segarra, the Founder and President/CEO of Foresight Construction Group. Juan Segarra is an accomplished construction executive, entrepreneur, investor and purpose-driven leader. In 2008, he founded Foresight Construction Group, an award-winning diversified construction management firm with projects extending throughout the Southeastern United States and Caribbean from offices in Gainesville, Jacksonville and Tampa. He currently leads Foresight while also engaged in community and ministry-related efforts focused on international missions, healthy marriage and family relationships, and youth mentorship. He resides in Gainesville with his wife, Melissa, and four children.
Join us for breakfast and great conversation! Seats are limited and this event is for young professionals ages 21-39. ONLY 3 SEATS REMAINING!
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UPCOMING EVENT!
GGYP Connect Event: Friendsgiving + Mixer
Thursday, November 9th
6:00pm - 8:00pm
First Magnitude Brewing
1200 SE Veitch Street
Gainesville, FL 32601
Every month, the Greater Gainesville Young Professionals host a CONNECT mixer!
This month, we will be having a specialty Friendsgiving Mixer. We invite you to bring your favorite side dish or dessert to share with your GGYP friends. We'll handle the main dish, you bring the other goodies! We're starting this monthly mixer a little later just in case you need to go home and grab your yummy food first.
As always, we'll cover your 1st drink. So, come and enjoy great food, great beer (or soda) and great company!
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UPCOMING EVENT!
Business Before Hours:
Sweetwater Branch Inn
Tuesday, November 14th
8:30am - 10:00am
Sweetwater Branch Inn
625 E. University Ave
Gainesville, FL 32601
Join us for Business Before Hours, a structured yet relaxed environment for making effective connections within the Chamber business community. Participation in Business Before Hours is included in your Chamber Membership. 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.
Participation is limited to 50 attendees.
If you register to attend then find out you will not be able to attend, email us so we may free up your seat for another Chamber member.
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UPCOMING EVENT!
Chamber Member Health Insurance Benefits
Lunch & Learn
Tuesday, November 14th
5:30pm - 8:00pm
The Chamber
300 E. University Ave, Ste 100
Gainesville, FL 32601
With so much chaos surrounding the ever-rising costs of health insurance, we knew we needed to do something to help our local community. In the spirit of supporting business, building community, and promoting growth, The Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce Chamber Spectrum Benefits- an ACA-compliant, innovative, major medical program designed for employers with 5 or more enrolled employees!
Chamber Spectrum Benefits is helping employers realize an average savings of over $2,500 per employee, per year.
In consultation with McGriff Insurance, we are making Chamber Spectrum Benefits available exclusively to our member businesses and insurance brokers in plenty of time for the January 1, 2024 renewals.
The Healthcare Coverage Lunch & Learn is being held on Tuesday, November 14th from 11:00-1:00pm here at the Chamber, register today to attend and learn how your company and employees may save money on quality healthcare coverage. Stay to celebrate this new opportunity our favorite way: cutting a ribbon! We hope to see you here at the Chamber next week!
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UPCOMING EVENT!
Winter Wonderland Gainesville - Twinkle Nights
Ribbon Cutting
Tuesday, November 14th
5:30pm - 8:00pm
North Central Florida YMCA
5201 NW 34th Blvd.
Gainesville, FL 32605
Join us as we celebrate Twinkle Nights Holiday Lights - "Winter Wonderland Gainesville"!
Twinkle Nights Holiday Lights elves started in 2018 offering all inclusive Christmas light hanging services across North Florida. The elves realized that Gainesville was lacking the level of jolly that other North Florida cities had. How could this be? It was time the elves took action and made a fun place for Santa and local kids to visit. Hence 'Winter Wonderland Gainesville' was born.
Come and join the fun as we open up Winter Wonderland for the first time ever to the media, our sponsors, and chamber members.
Winter Wonderland is a winter-themed, family-focused, community event delivering holiday fun to Gainesville families every Friday and Saturday evening from November 17th to December 31st at the North Central Florida YMCA at 5201 NW 34th Blvd in Gainesville, FL.
Winter Wonderland promises to be Gainesville's #1 family attraction this winter, and will include a walk through light area in Candy Cane Lane; snow games and Christmas trees in Blizzard Boulevard; and Santa, Mrs Claus, and cookies decorating in Elf Village; as well as a light show, a winter themed food truck, and many more fun things to do in between.
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UPCOMING EVENT!
Lunch and Learn:
Motivating & Leadership Thru Storytelling
Wednesday, November 15th
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Lifesouth Community Blood Center
1221 NW 13th St.
Gainesville, FL 32605
We all have a story. Would you like to learn how to communicate it better for more effective outcomes?
During this workshop, you will learn Step by Step how to prepare a story and deliver it with the intent to motivate and lead.
Attendees will learn:
- How to organize your story from opening to closing
- How to present your story
- How to keep your audience engaged
Presented by Bob Ganzak, Franchisee of Dale Carnegie Training and with sponsorship from Carr, Riggs, & Ingram!
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UPCOMING EVENT!
Drink GNV Wine Tasting with Superette
Wednesday, November 15th
5:00pm - 7:00pm
Superette Wine & Provisions
511 NW 2nd St.
Gainesville, FL 32601
Join us for a fabulous evening with Superette Wine + Provisions!
Each attendee will take part in a wine tasting at their own pace with 4 different pours of wonderfully curated wines as well as a selection of delicious charcuterie. Meet other members of your community, enjoy the finer things in life and relax on a beautiful patio in the fall with us.
Thank you to SERVPRO of Alachua County West/Gainesville West for sponsoring our DrinkGNV events and allowing us to put together spectacular gatherings!
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UPCOMING EVENT!
Caring & Sharing Learning School Ribbon Cutting
Thursday, November 16th
9:00am -11:00am
1951 SE 4th St.
Gainesville, FL
Join us in celebrating Caring & Sharing Learning School's new additions!
Caring & Sharing Learning School's vision is to provide the best academic and personal education for students in environments which promote achievement, personal excellence and a sense of pride. They have been operating for 25 years as the result of the vision on their illustrious founders, Dr. Simon Johnson and Mrs. Verna Johnson.
Join us for coffee, refreshments, music, tours, celebration and more! The ribbon cutting ceremony will commence at 9:30am.
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UPCOMING EVENT!
Child Advocacy Center Ribbon Cutting
Thursday, November 16th
5:00pm - 7:00pm
500 E. University Ave.
Suite A
Gainesville, FL 32601
Join us as we help the Child Advocacy Center as they dedicate their building: "With the help of this community, family and friends, the Bobbie Holden Center for Child Advocacy will be ray of light for children when they need it."
The Child Advocacy Center, Inc. (CAC) has provided safety, support and healing services in the community for the past 24 years for children that have experienced physical, sexual, and emotional abuse; drug endangerment, domestic and intimate partner violence; community and gun violence; severe forms of neglect; human trafficking and sexual exploitation. In 2022, the CAC served 2,219 abused children and 1431 of their caregivers.
The CAC provides therapy services, a compassionate approach to investigations that is child friendly, advocacy support and case management, a coordinated response of multidisciplinary team professionals and linking families with community resources. The CAC keeps children from falling through the cracks of a complicated child protection system.
The ribbon cutting ceremony will begin at 5:30.
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UPCOMING EVENT!
CEO Insights - Freddie Wehbe
President of Wehbe Marketing & Managing Partner of Spurrier's Gridiron Grille
Tuesday, November 28th
8:00am - 9:30am
The Hippodrome
25 SE 2nd Ave
Gainesville, FL 32601
About Our Speaker:
Freddie Wehbe is President of Wehbe Marketing and Make It Happen, Gainesville-based companies specializing in marketing, branding, and management consulting. He is also the Managing Partner and an investor for Coach Steve Spurrier's new restaurant, Spurrier's Gridiron Grille.
Freddie established Gator Domino's in Gainesville in 1995 becoming one of the busiest and most successful Domino's markets in the world, winning multiple national and global awards, including three national Manager of the Year awards and six international Golden Franny awards. Freddie sold his successful Domino's franchise in 2016.
Freddie serves on the Board of Directors for several organizations and supports many local charities and non-profits. He attended the University of Florida and Florida Institute of Technology, graduating with degrees in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. He and his wife, Daurine, have two young boys, Ronnie and Dany, who attend Oak Hall School.
CEO InSights is an event series featuring topic presentations by CEO's, President's and other Community Leaders in an intimate, studio-type setting. The goal is to share the lessons they have learned throughout their career; as well as personal and timely insights on their leadership style, culture development and more.
Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor:
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The people have voted and now the shirts are in!
The Greater Gainesville Young Professionals are producing their 1st t-shirt, designed by one of our very own members.
Do you want a soft, fashionable and all around awesome shirt that represents many of the great things that make up Greater Gainesville?
We have a cute white crop top option or a unisex olive t-shirt. Both guarantee you'll be the most fashionable person in the room.
Put in your order TODAY!
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Showcase Your Business:
Host a Chamber Event in 2024!
Calling all businesses: hosting a Chamber Business Before Hours or a Business After Hours Event is a great way to build exposure for your company!
These popular series of networking events draw attention from the professional community and are an excellent opportunity to showcase your business to entrepreneurs and customers from across our community. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to give your business more exposure and to become a familiar face in our community!
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Last call for 2023 Sponsorships! Business Awards on December 7th is your last opportunity to sponsor at one of our events, so don't miss your chance! |
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Make (or rather, Bake) Your Mark In Our History! |
Next year, the Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce turns 100 (in case you haven't heard)! Can you believe the Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce has been around since 1924?As part of our celebration, we are compiling a Centennial Cookbook and we'd love for YOU to be a part of it! Scan the code or click this link to submit your favorite recipe! |
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Community Health Assessment
The Alachua County Department of Health Community Status Survey is part of the
Community Health Assessment (CHA). Findings from this survey will provide local
service providers and community organizations with a snapshot of the Alachua
population’s health and healthcare needs and inform the upcoming Community
Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). The Community Health Assessment survey is
available online at: https://tinyurl.com/ysctvcyk
A paper version is available upon request at info@knowli.com and will be
available in English, Spanish, and Creole. The survey will be open until January 1,
2024.
You can drop off the Paper versions in the reception area at the Alachua County
Department of Health and indicate they are for the CHA. The address for the
paper survey drop-off is 224 SE 24th St., Gainesville, FL 32641.
If you have any questions, concerns, or comments about the CSA survey, please
get in touch with kyle.saunders@knowli.com
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Lunching with the Alachua County Delegation
We hosted our annual pre-Legislative Hearing luncheon for our Delegation on October 23rd . Our members heard from State Senators Jennifer Bradley and Keith Perry on their priorities for the 2024 Legislative Session, which begins January 9th. A big thank you to Germaine’s, who provided delicious box lunches for our packed house and to Santa Fe College for hosting us again this year.
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Parties with a Purpose
We had a blast kicking off our Stay in the Game! Attendance Initiative at our 2 Pilot Schools: Terwilliger Elementary and Metcalfe Elementary. We are working with these schools all year to help move the needle on chronic absenteeism. Tu Fiesta brought the fun, Nothing Bundt Cakes brought the snacks and LogoKick brought the goodies to our first Pep Rallies of the year. Prizes were awarded to students for their posters promoting good attendance and classrooms with the best attendance for the month were awarded a trophy. Our next Pep Rallies are November 14th at Terwilliger and November 28th at Metcalfe. Reach out if you’d like to get involved!
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Distinguished Speaker Luncheon Featuring Santa Fe College President Dr. Paul Broadie
We were delighted to host Dr. Paul Broadie at LifeSouth on Wednesday, November 1st. Dr. Broadie discussed the many innovative programs offered at Santa Fe that ensure every student—regardless of age or stage—has the opportunity to pursue their full career potential. Thanks to Flavorful for the fabulous buffet luncheon and to our Series Sponsor, UF Online!
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Don't miss out on your chance to have your voice heard; make plans to attend and share your thoughts! |
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Rebeca Denahan Accepted Into the Partnership of James Moore
James Moore & Company is pleased to congratulate Rebeca Denahan for her admission into the partnership effective Nov. 1.
An employee of the firm for over ten years, Rebeca is highly regarded as an impactful, strong, influential leader in the Accounting & Controllership Services (ACS) department, where she guides a team of over 10 professionals. (She is also a member of the Healthcare Services Team.) She is the first ever James Moore employee to...READ MORE
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Rock The Runway Benefit for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of North Central Florida
The 2023 ROCK THE RUNWAY Gainesville event will be a night of fun, fashion and philanthropy featuring the latest styles from the Shops at Butler modeled by local fan favorites, plus tasty appetizers and drinks from choice Butler restaurants and stores.
Fan favorites such as Paul Brodie (Santa Fe College), Eric Godet (Chamber), Craig Wilburn (Team Dynamo), Bert Gill (Mildred's & Blue Gill) , and Joe Cirulli (GHF) and many others will be on the runway.
ROCK THE RUNWAY 2023 is Butler's fourth annual event benefiting the Ronald McDonald House Charities of North Central Florida (RMHCNCF).
RMHCNCF provides all the comforts of home to families traveling to Gainesville, FL to seek medical care for their child. Our program is built on the simple idea that nothing else should matter when a family is focused on the health of their child – not where they can afford to stay, where they will get their next meal or where they will lay their head at night to rest. We do ask our families for a donation of $15 per night and some cannot afford even that small amount. However, no one is ever turned away because of inability to pay.
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Transportation Industry Outlook From HUB International
Transportation companies adept at managing risk will gain the greatest mileage in 2024, according to Hub International insurance brokerage in Gainesville.
The transportation industry predicts it will be short 160,000 drivers by 2030.
Shifting economic conditions and explosive growth in certain segments of the transportation industry have led many transportation companies to merge into new lanes of business. The industry’s embrace of technology and willingness to diversify into other types of transport will boost fleet resiliency, though driver shortages will remain an obstacle. Transportation companies adept at managing risk will gain the greatest mileage.
To protect your company from these new exposures, transportation owners need to embrace analytics and create a plan for reducing risks. This should include analyzing critical data on the cost of risk, reviewing contracts and securing the right insurance. You can further reduce risks from business expansions by leveraging technology — linking critical dispatch and operations to compliance, risk and claims.
HUB transportation specialists will work with you to develop a tailored strategy that will protect the bottom line, support your workforce and build resiliency for 2024.
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A Reminder From Partnership For Strong Families
November is National Adoption Month, and there are more than 100 children in our communities (13 counties in north central Florida) that are waiting in foster care for their forever home. There is also a critical need for more foster parents. On average, 37 children enter foster care locally each month. Please join Partnership for Strong Families at one of their Info Sessions to learn more about foster care and adoption.
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Gainesville Sports Commission To Host 33rd Annual Golf Classic
Save the date! The Gainesville Sports Commission is hosting its 33rd Annual GSC Golf Classic on December 1, 2023 at Ironwood Golf Course.
This year, we have planned an exciting day of golf, fun, food and complimentary beverages provided by Tri-Eagle Sales, and friendly competition with a 8:30am shotgun start. The GSC Golf Classic is our only fundraiser of the year that supports your local sports commission. The proceeds from the golf classic allows the Gainesville Sports Commission to continue our mission of fostering economic impact and promoting recreational opportunities for Alachua County through quality sporting events!
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Vendors Needed For 2nd Annual Gainesville Nowruz and International Festival
This is an OUTDOOR EVENT and will open to the general public to be hosted on March 16th-17th at Shoppes at Thornebrook!
Spots are limited; each country will have 7-10 booths available, and vendors will be expected to represent their nationality in what they bring to the event as well as in their clothing.
This event will have FOOD, DANCE, MUSIC, and EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES for attendees.
If you are a FOOD VENDOR, please make sure that all food is properly labelled and any allergens are listed.
To advertise for this event, we have created posters which we will put up on social media, and as we solidify our vendors, we will include them in our advertisements.
12 x 5 Uncovered Space ($190).
10x10 Covered Space ($205).
This price covers the price of a booth for TWO DAYS.
For more details or if you have any questions, please email zibadebeaute@gmail.com or go to our instagram @gainesvillenowruzfestival for information about the application process.
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Did you know that as a member you can post your open job listings on our website?
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