A 5-Star Accredited Chamber of Commerce
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EVENT RECAP
Congratulations, 2020 Annual Meeting Award Winners!
The Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce thanks all community members who attended our 2020 Annual Meeting. As we enter our 97th year, we aim to push forward with our goals of facilitating economic opportunity, business success and prosperity for the Greater Gainesville region.
We congratulate the stellar members of our community for their collaboration, integrity and dedication to Greater Gainesville.
Our 2020 Annual Meeting award winners, sponsored by Comfort Temp:
Diplomat of the Year:
Soly Schrack
Rotary International Ethics in Business Award:
Ed Ellett
President's Award:
Dr. Jackson Sasser
Chairman's Award:
Susan Crowley
Legacy Award:
Charles
"Chic" Holden
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UPCOMING EVENT
Ribbon Cutting This Thursday:
Jolie A'vie Events Center
Thursday, January 29, 5 - 7pm
Jolie A'vie Events Center
6 W University Avenue, Gainesville
Join us in welcoming the Jolie A'vie Events Center to the Greater Gainesville region. A'vie Events has been a elite event planning company in the Greater Gainesville region since 2004. This year, A'vie events began managing and running the Jolie A'vie Events Center. Now you can have a beautiful event center and the talent & expertise of A'vie Events all in one. With over 25 years of experience in event planning, you should have no fear when planning an event with A'vie Events!
Join us for giveaways, tours, music, hors d'oeuvres and more! The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will commence at 5:30pm.
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UPCOMING EVENT
Join us for Business Before Hours at Jenkins Kia of Gainesville
Tuesday, February 11, 8:30 - 10am
Jenkins Kia of Gainesville
Join us Tuesday, February 11 for Business Before Hours from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at
Jenkins Kia of Gainesville.
Business Before Hours is a structured yet relaxed environment for making effective connections within the Chamber business community.
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. We hope to see you there!
Admission is free with your Chamber membership.
Pre-registration is required as seating is limited to 50 people attendees.
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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 and their employees.
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
Maximize Your Membership! Attend Chamber 101
Tuesday, February 25, 8:30 - 10am
BBVA
2814 SW 34th Street, Gainesville
New and re-engaged Chamber members are invited for a casual networking breakfast to learn more about the services included in your Chamber Membership. Attendees will interact directly with Chamber Staff, Diplomats and other new Members. Whether you just joined or have been a member for years, this is a beneficial experience for all.
Chamber 101 is held quarterly and is open to any member who may need a refresher on their Chamber member benefits. Longstanding members are encouraged to send new employees through the program so that each company representative can fully utilize the features of their membership.
For more information or to register to attend;
Click Here.
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Chamber 101 is sponsored by BBVA.
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SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY
2020 Sponsorships & Advertising Options Available! Announce Your Support for the Gainesville Business Community
Sponsorship and partnership opportunities with the Greater Gainesville Chamber are some of the best ways for your business to gain exposure in the Gainesville region. By aligning your business with a 5-star chamber of commerce with sponsorship or advertising, you help immediately grow your company’s prestige, reputation, exposure and bottom line.
The Chamber is proud to present the 2020 Circle of Champions, where business leaders receive premier marketing and advertising support to help grow their market share and support key initiatives at the Chamber. Through the Circle of Champions, businesses gain exceptional exposure throughout the year with a variety of benefits and price points to fit any budget.
Fantastic 2020 marketing and exposure opportunities, contact Steve Cannon, VP Member Development, at
[email protected]
or call 352.334-7127.
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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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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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POLICY ANNOUNCEMENT
Save the Date—Business Community Candidate Forum
Candidates for Gainesville City Commission
Thursday, February 13, 6pm
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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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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MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENT
Junior Achievement to deliver JA BizTown Mobile in Alachua County
JA Biztown Mobile
Beginning Wednesday, January 29
Cade Museum
811 S Main Street, Gainesville
Junior Achievement (JA) is happy to announce that JA BizTown Mobile will be opening in Alachua County at the Cade Museum for Invention and Creativity on January, 29, 2020. JA BizTown is an engaging, hands-on program that introduces 5th graders to economic concepts, workplace skills, and personal and business finances in a student-sized town built just for them. The Cade Museum has dedicated experienced educators and the second floor of its museum so that Alachua Countystudents may experience this immersive program. Students will develop skills to successfully navigate today’s complexeconomic environment and discover how decisions today can impact tomorrow in a range of jobs and career opportunities including; retail sales professionals, credit union managers, medical professionals and TV reporters.
JA BizTown is presented by CAMPUS USA Credit Union, who have been instrumental in bringing the program to Alachua County and the Cade Museum. The program also has support from UF Health.
“CAMPUS is excited to partner with Junior Achievement of Alachua County and the Alachua County School Board to bringJA BizTown to our community. This opportunity will make a difference in the educational lives of students, helping themgain an understanding of how businesses operate, how to budget, and the importance of a job well done.” – Jerry Benton, Chief Executive Officer of Campus USA Credit Union.
“We are pleased to support this innovative and interactive experience for participating schools and inspire growth ofcreative potential,” said Cade Executive Director Stephanie Bailes. “By providing the space and educators to support Junior Achievement’s Mobile BizTown we further our mission to transform communities by inspiring and equipping futureinventors, entrepreneurs, and visionaries,” she added.
The fantastic partnership with Alachua County Public Schools will see Terwilliger Elementary School serve as the first school to experience the new JA BizTown Mobile program. This is a pioneering venture and the first of its kind in the U.S. It will serve 100% of Alachua County Public Schools 5th graders – 2,100 students – annually for 5 years.
Volunteer opportunities are available – January 29; February 4, 5, 6, 12, 13, 14, 19; and March 2.
JA offers community and business volunteers an opportunity to share their real life experiences while delivering JA’sinteractive and engaging programs, helping bridge the gap between what students learn at school and what they can expect in the world of work. Volunteers can impact lives in just a few hours by participating with Junior Achievement.
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UPCOMING EVENT
Tour of Kitchens
Saturday, February 8, 10 am – 4 pm
The Tour of Kitchens is The Junior League of Gainesville’s largest fundraising event. It is a self-guided tour of beautiful kitchens and outdoor spaces of lovely homes throughout the area. It includes gourmet samplings from the area’s best restaurants and caterers.
BENEFITS
As one of the Junior League of Gainesville’s most loved events, the Tour generates over $25,000 annually. Proceeds support the Junior League of Gainesville’s mission and our
Action Against Hunger initiative.
Our mission is to promote voluntarism, develop the potential of women, and improve our communities through effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.
Our purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. Through our Action Against Hunger initiative, we advocate at the local and state government level to help decrease food insecurity for children. We work directly with the
Food4Kids Backpack Program of North Florida
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TICKETS
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MEMBER CONTRIBUTION
Cox Media Digital Marketing Workshop
Friday, February 13, 10am - 1pm
Aloft Hotel
3743 Hull Road, Gainesville
Corey Perlman’s presentation unpacks the sales process and provides a step-by-step plan for winning business on social media. With 10+ years as a digital marketing consultant, he shares well-tested techniques on how his clients generate leads, build credibility, close the sale and turn happy customers into repeat business and referral partners.
No matter your profession, you can either win (or lose) business with what you’re doing on the web.
Key Takeaways:
• Decide where to plant your flag and prioritize the right social sites
• Stay top of mind by capitalizing on Instagram Stories and Facebook Video.
• Recognize common website mistakes and stop sabotaging your visitor's experience.
• Manage your online reputation: Limit negative reviews and gain 5-star ratings.
• Amplify your content to increase engagement and conversions
Continue the conversation over lunch provided by Cox Media from 12:15 p.m. to 1 p.m.
*The first 30 people to RSVP will have a chance to win a Multi-Screen Creative Package, valued at $2,000! Includes custom production of video and display ad sizes for every screen: TV, Computer, Tablet, and Smartphone. Must be present at the workshop to win.
Who Should Attend:
This workshop is designed for small business owners and sales and marketing professionals who want to generate leads, build credibility, and close sales using the digital platforms we have available in today’s modern workplace.
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MEMBER NEWS
Sinmat Acquired by Entegris, Inc. for $75M
Entegris, Inc. (
Nasdaq: ENTG
), a leader in specialty chemicals and advanced materials solutions, announced today it has acquired Sinmat, a CMP slurry manufacturer. Located in Gainesville, Florida, Sinmat is now part of the Specialty Chemicals and Engineered Materials (SCEM) Division of Entegris.
Sinmat is a leader in the design and production of Chemical Mechanical Planarization (CMP) slurries used for polishing ultra-hard surface materials, including SiC (silicon carbide) and GaN (gallium nitride). SiC and GaN are substrates utilized in the fast-growing end-markets of power electronics and advanced communications. The combination of Sinmat’s slurry technology with Entegris broad capabilities in CMP cleans, filtration and applications technology will enable new solutions for Entegris’ CMP customers.
“The acquisition of Sinmat brings Entegris significant technical expertise, talent and importantly the addition of specialty CMP slurries to our already broad specialty chemicals portfolio; allowing us to create unique and differentiated value for our customers,” said Bertrand Loy, President and CEO of Entegris. “Sinmat is a leader in CMP slurries for polishing high performing materials in some of the fastest growing end-markets globally, including electric vehicles and 5G communications infrastructure.”
“Joining Entegris provides us a great opportunity to increase the value we deliver to our customers. The combined technical expertise, global infrastructure, scale and operational resources will allow us to stay highly focused on product innovation and expand our global reach,” said Rajiv Singh, CEO of Sinmat.
Entegris acquired Sinmat for approximately $75 million in cash, subject to customary purchase price adjustments.
Sinmat Entegris will remain in Gainesville and continue to supply products to semiconductor companies worldwide.
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MEMBER NEWS
18th Annual Point-in-Time Count of the Homeless Happens This Week
GAINESVILLE, FL (Jan. 27, 2020) — Advocates and volunteers will conduct the 18th annual Point-in-Time (PIT) count of people without housing from January 29 to 31, 2020. Volunteers are still needed as the survey will take place on January 29 in Alachua County and January 30 and 31 in Bradford, Gilchrist, Levy and Putnam counties.
The effort involves nearly 100 volunteers and agency staff who canvas streets, parking lots, meal sites and wooded areas to gather local data on homelessness and service needs in the counties that the North Central Florida Alliance for the Homeless and Hungry (Alliance) serves. Survey results are used to identify unmet service needs and inform local policy and planning efforts.
“The annual Point-in-Time counts are very important to our community, as it gives us a snapshot view of this often-forgotten population,” said Mona Gil de Gibaja, President & CEO of United Way of North Central Florida (UWNCFL). “Not only is this information used to determine grant funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and other state and federal entities, but it will also be used for the upcoming 2020 Census.”
Since 2018, UWNCFL has been the Lead Agency for the Alliance, the local homeless Continuum of Care for five counties.
For many years, homeless services providers and volunteers have worked together to provide housing and support services to hundreds of individuals and families.
The results from the PIT count will be released in late Spring 2020.
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