A 5-Star Accredited Chamber of Commerce |
|
|
Okay, GNV! We are OFFICIALLY in the Christmas spirit, thanks to all of the amazing events that went on last week (we're looking at you Holiday Parade, Light Up Tioga, and City of Newberry); keep an eye out for more holly jolly as the month goes on! In the meantime, take a look at all of the things happening right here in our eJournal! |
|
See you this Thursday!
We are so excited to see you all on Thursday at the Best Western Gateway Grand (aka: the GNV Speakeasy) as we celebrate some of the businesses who make Gainesville GREATER! Congratulations to all of our amazing finalists and thank you to all of our amazing sponsors! Only a few tickets remain, so get your seat today!
|
|
SAVE THE DATE:
Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce to
Celebrate 100 Years of Business at Annual Meeting
In case you've missed some of our messaging, the Chamber turns 100 in 2024! We are kicking off an entire YEAR of celebration with our Annual Meeting. This isn't going to be your average celebration, GNV... Nope. For 100 years, we're going BIG! Make plans today to join us as we take over the Stephen C. O'Connell Center!
Cocktails, networking, and an amazing dinner from Embers in this iconic Gainesville landmark await you! Interested in being a sponsor? Reach out to Steve Cannon today! Tickets will go on sale next week, so stay tuned!!
|
|
UPCOMING EVENT!
GGYP Holiday Mixer
Friday, December 8th
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Dave & Buster's - Celebration Pointe
3023 SW 45th St.
Gainesville, FL 32608
Join the Greater Gainesville Young Professionals monthly Connect mixer!
This month, GGYP will be celebrating the holidays. Join us for drinks, appetizers, holiday activities, mingling and lots of games. As always, your 1st drink is on us and this month, you'll also get delicious food AND all you can play play cards, courtesy of Dave & Buster's.
We also request that you bring a toy to the event. All toys collected will be given to Peaceful Paths for the holidays. Plus, if you give a toy, you'll also receive an extra raffle ticket.
|
|
UPCOMING EVENT!
Distinguished Speaker - Dr. David Reed,
Director of UF Artificial Intelligence Academic Initiative Center
Wednesday,December 11th
11:30am - 1:15pm
Location: TBD
We are delighted to welcome Dr. David Reed, director of the Artificial Intelligence Academic Initiative Center at UF, as our Distinguished Speaker on Monday, December 11th, from 11:30 am to 1:15 pm. Dr. Reed will discuss UF’s AI initiatives, and AI’s impact on our community and our world. This member-exclusive event includes a hot buffet lunch. These popular luncheons fill up quickly, register today!
Thank you to our sponsor:
|
|
UPCOMING EVENT!
Business Before Hours: The Matheson Museum
Tuesday, December 12th
8:30am - 10:00am
The Matheson Museum
513 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.
|
|
UPCOMING EVENT!
New Member Holiday Mixer
Thursday, December 14th
5:30pm - 7:30pm
The Chamber
300 E. University Ave, Ste 100
Gainesville, FL 32601
All members that joined the chamber in 2023 are invited to celebrate their Chamber membership at our Holiday Open House. Members will enjoy networking with other new members, Chamber staff and leadership, and will receive awesome give-a-ways. The members will also cut a special ribbon to celebrate each member company!
Food and drinks will be provided.
This event is limited to members that joined in 2023.
|
|
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!
|
|
|
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!
|
|
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! |
|
|
Children's Trust of Alachua County Needs Your Feedback
The Children’s Trust is working to develop a new community resource to serve all parents, families and caregivers in Alachua County. Take our quick 6-minute survey and enter to win a $100 Amazon gift card!
The survey is not just for caregivers. We have had lots of people take the survey who have reported as having no children, educators, and/or grandparents. But all must reside in Alachua County.
Take the survey now
|
|
Children's Trust of Alachua County Seeks Board Members
Alachua County is accepting applications from individuals interested in serving on the Children's Trust of Alachua County. There is one appointment coming available. Applications must be received by Friday, January 5, 2024, to be considered at the January 23, 2024, County Commission meeting for possible recommendation to the Governor's Office.
The Children's Trust is governed by a ten-member board of which the Governor appoints five members. The Governor makes appointments from a list of names recommended by the Alachua County Board of Commissioners. The Governor's Appointments Office has requested three additional names for consideration.
Applications are available online. Applicants should fill out the application in its entirety, save it, and email it to ttonkavich@alachuacounty.us.
The Children's Trust of Alachua County is an Independent Special District with taxing authority empowered to provide preventive, developmental, and treatment services for local children.
Learn more about the Children's Trust of Alachua County.
For more information, contact Alachua County Community Support Services Assistant Director Tom Tonkavich at 352-264-6738 or ttonkavich@alachuacounty.us.
|
|
$200,000 Grant Awarded to Local Non-Profit
American author, poet and activist Maya Angelou once said, “Ask for what you want and be prepared to get it.” That is exactly what happened on Feb. 11, 2023, when Shareen Baptiste, 35, Dream on Purpose president and cofounder, announced that the youth-serving nonprofit organization implemented a strategic priority to open a youth center by 2025, in honor of its 10th anniversary.
Dream on Purpose, Inc. is hosting its 8th annual dinner, “Dine with DOP”, on Dec. 16, 2023, at 6 p.m. at the Fairfield Inn & Suites, 3877 SW 37th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32608. With a theme of “Greater is Coming”, this celebratory dinner features a youth testimonial and performance, organizational awards and recognitions, a keynote speech given by American track and field sprinter Talitha Diggs, and a check presentation, in the amount of $200,000, bestowed by the office of Senator Keith Perry. These funds derive from the fixed capital overlay (FCO) appropriation grant.
The senator, 65, was in the audience when Baptiste announced the organization’s strategic priority earlier this year. Moved by the mission of the organization, impact of its programs and passion exuded by the 100 percent volunteer-led board and team, Perry committed to... READ MORE
|
|
Don't miss out on your chance to have your voice heard; make plans to attend and share your thoughts! |
|
Our Economic Development Team Closes Out A Successful Year
Last Wednesday, our team celebrated the last Economic Development Investor Meeting of the year at the Cade Museum for Creativity with a comprehensive update on various projects making moves in our community. As we head into 2024, we anticipate a banner year, full of activities and announcements.
Our speakers included David Wisener, the Economic Development Manager for the City of Alachua, Kyla Frye from Concept Companies, and Mitch Glaser from San Felasco Tech City. Each of these valuable members of Collaborate 2025 gave us insight on the progress made in 2023 and what we can look forward to in 2024.
|
|
Florida Museum Members Receive Holiday Discounts Nov. 26-Dec. 17
Florida Museum members can enjoy special cheer this holiday season! Associates and curators society members receive a 20% discount in the museum gift shop Nov. 26 through Dec. 17. For more information, visit www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/event/holiday-sale.
|
|
South Florida's Sushi Sake to Expand Its Culinary Presence to Gainesville, Florida
Sushi Sake, a beloved and vibrant South Florida dining destination, is excited to announce its forthcoming expansion to the heart of Gainesville. Set to make its debut at the retail space in Midtown Apartments, the restaurant will bring its signature fusion of delectable sushi and an immersive dining experience to the city's bustling culinary scene.
This exciting expansion, scheduled for Summer 2024, marks a significant milestone for Sushi Sake, known for its innovative menu crafted by master chefs and an ambiance that combines modern aesthetics with traditional influences. The highly anticipated arrival is set to delight residents and visitors alike, offering a fresh take on Japanese cuisine.
The deal securing this prime location was expertly brokered by Jason Hurst and Damaris Arroyo of Colliers International's Gainesville Office. Their dedication and expertise in the commercial real estate market have been instrumental in bringing this exciting venture to fruition.
“We’re thrilled to be bringing the unique flavors and vibrant atmosphere of Sushi Sake to Gainesville,” said Jason Hurst. “Their goal is to create an unforgettable dining experience, marrying exceptional cuisine with an inviting ambiance. We can't wait for them to become a part of the vibrant fabric of the Gainesville community.”
Sushi Sake's expansion into Gainesville represents a significant stride in the restaurant's growth journey as the concept makes its first step out of the South Florida market.
|
|
Did you know that as a member you can post your open job listings on our website?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
