A 5-Star Accredited Chamber of Commerce |
|
|
EVENT RECAP
New Member Benefit – Post your job openings!
Is your business beginning to get busy again? Are you looking for more help now that customers are resuming eating out and shopping?
At the Chamber, one of our goals is to increase our region’s opportunities in the fiercely competitive global market for jobs and talent. One way we can all work together toward this goal is by having a central location for job and internship opportunities to better engage our residents and attract talented individuals to the Greater Gainesville region. The Chamber’s new Job Postings area will be a great first step toward achieving our goal, but we need your help!
Chamber Members can simply log into their account and navigate to the new “Job Postings” tab on the left to add your job and internship opportunities to our database. With the support of our incredible Members, we’ll be able to recruit and retain worthy additions to our workforce.
|
|
NEW VIDEO
PIVOT Series: Pomodoro Cafe & Servpro
On YouTube and our website now
The ALL IN GNV PIVOT Video Series is a professional development virtual response where we feature dozens of speakers and guests who share their ideas, experiences and reflections on how COVID-19 has affected them both personally and professionally as they learn to pivot through these new uncharted waters.
In this PIVOT Video episode, we talk with two local companies; Pomodoro Café and ServPro Alachua County West. Learn how these two community partners went above and beyond during the COVID-19 epidemic to help feed and keep our essential workers safe.
|
|
UPCOMING EVENT
Lunch & Learn – Microsoft Teams: So Much More Than Instant Messaging
Wednesday, March 17, Noon
Whether you are already using Microsoft Teams or are thinking about using it in the future, you will learn how to increase your businesses productivity and learn about the benefits of working remotely.
Is Microsoft Teams right for you?
In this session overview of Microsoft Teams, we will cover:
1) Features at a glance including app integration
2) Learn how teams enables remote work and increases meeting effectiveness
3) Learn how to use KPI's offered by Teams to gain insight into employee productivity
4) We will share tips, tricks and shortcuts to help you operate better
5) The benefits of using a cloud based service for your business productivity
Presented by: Cox Business
Speakers:
Calli Trabeaux, Cox Business Product Manager of Managed and Cloud Services
Rich Lounsbury, Cox Business Cloud Solutions Consultant
ABOUT LUNCH & LEARNS:
Small business is the strength of our local economy and Chamber. The Chamber is committed to helping ensure business growth for all of our members. These workshops are dedicated to assist in developing and educating our small business owners and their employees on topics such as wellness, social media, strategic planning, websites, career development and more.
This event will be held live on ZOOM.
Chamber Members: Free to Attend
Future Members: $10.00 Registration
|
|
Sponsored by Carr, Riggs & Ingram CPAs |
|
MEMBERSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT
Join Us As We Congratulate
Le Macaron French Pastries on their opening in Celebration Pointe with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Wednesday, March 10, 4 – 7 p.m.
Le Macaron French Pastries
Celebration Pointe
Join us to celebrate the opening of Le Macaron French Pastries in Celebration Pointe with a Ribbon Cutting Celebration!
One of the newest businesses to join the Greater Gainesville region, Le Macaron French Pastries is a wonderful place that offers perfect delicacies. They offer French macarons, gelato and pastries as well as European style beverages and more! Their delicious treats can simply be described as "Little luxuries that make people smile."
Join us for speeches, giveaways and more!
The first 25 people will to arrive will receive a special gift bag plus the Free Macarons for a Year winners will be announced! The ribbon cutting ceremony will commence at 4:30pm.
We look forward to seeing you there.
|
|
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY
2021 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.
For 2021 marketing and exposure opportunities, contact Steve Cannon, VP Member Development, at [email protected] or call 352-334-7127.
|
|
Make Your Voice Heard on March 16th
Get to Know Your Candidates for the Gainesville City Election
As you know, one key step to ensuring the business voice is heard is to become informed on the issues that matter to our community and to vote. Though the pandemic has necessitated a new way of doing many things, we are committed to helping you make your voice heard. Our Get to Know Your Candidate interviews for the Gainesville City Commission District 1 and At-Large seats are available. Our candidates are anxious for you to get to know them better—hear what they have to say here.
Your vote matters. Note these important dates for the Gainesville City Election:
- Early voting is underway: Friday, March 5 through Saturday, March 13
- Election Day: Tuesday, March 16
For more information about this election, a list of candidates on the ballot and voting procedures—including adjustments due to the pandemic—visit the Alachua County Supervisor of Elections website at www.votealachua.com or call the office at 352-374-5252.
|
|
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEWS
Gainesville Office Market Shows Resilience Despite COVID
Palms Medical Group leases 24,335 ± SF Medical Office space at Hampton Oaks
The GNV Commercial Advisory Team (Owner Rep) and the Hurst Harrell Team (Tenant Rep) at Colliers in Gainesville, FL are pleased to announce the successful lease of Hampton Oaks to The Palms Medical Group. Hampton Oaks is a 24,335± SF medical office building located off of SW 62nd Boulevard just 0.8 miles from North Florida regional Medical Center, and 1.3 miles from I-75. The lease was executed on March 2nd.
The Hurst Harrell Team was tasked in locating a prominent medical office building for Palms Medical Group (PMG.) PMG is a not-for-profit health care provider committed to bringing quality, affordable primary care to the communities of North Florida. With over 15 locations, they excel in delivering the support and treatment their patients need with convenience and accessibility. The challenge here was finding the perfect location given an extremely limited inventory of medical office spaces to suit the size requirements for PMG. The GNV Commercial Advisory Team and The Hurst Harrell Team, both associated with the Colliers Gainesville office, facilitated negotiations for the transaction and managed the transaction process and communication flow with each party.
“The office market, both nationally and locally, has been extremely challenged by the effects of COVID- 19 as many businesses are rethinking how to efficiently use office space. One of the primary sectors that is growing amidst the pandemic is the medical industry and we were happy to represent Palms Medical Group to continue their mission of offering affordable and timely health care services to our community.” – Jason Hurst (Colliers)
|
|
EDUCATION NEWS
Magnet program application window for 2021-22 school year opening soon
The window for local families to apply for their children to attend one of the district’s academic or career-technical (CTE) magnet programs is set to open at noon on Monday, March 8 and will close at 4 p.m. on Monday, April 5.
The timeline for notifying families about acceptance into a program is still to be determined.
The district will once again be using an online process that will allow families to apply for multiple programs with a single application.
As is the case for the current school year, 75% of the new students in each magnet program will be selected by the school. The other 25% will be chosen through a districtwide lottery program. Students must meet certain academic, attendance and disciplinary criteria to be eligible for each magnet, and must also meet program standards to remain enrolled. However, standardized test score requirements will be waived for all programs since tests were cancelled last spring due to COVID-19.
The application, magnet program requirements and other information can be found on the district’s website at www.sbac.edu/magnet. Hard copies of the application will also be available at each school.
For specific questions about a particular magnet program, families can contact the school directly. For all other questions, they can email [email protected] or call (352) 955-7629.
|
|
UPCOMING DEADLINE
Apply now to Lockheed Martin scholarship programs
Deadlines to apply: March 11 and April 1
The Lockheed Martin STEM Scholarship Program is open to students pursuing bachelor's degrees in engineering, computer science or physics who demonstrate need and come from underrepresented or underserved communities. Up to 200 renewable scholarships of $10,000 each are offered for full-time study at a U.S. accredited four-year institution. The deadline to apply is April 1, 2021.
The Lockheed Martin Vocational Scholarship Program is open to students pursuing associate degrees, credit-bearing certificates or industry-recognized credentials in technology and advanced manufacturing disciplines. Up to 150 scholarships of $6,600 each are offered for study at a U.S. accredited vocational-technical school, trade school, two-year community college or state college. The deadline to apply is March 11, 2021.
|
|
MEMBER NEWS
Campbell Spellicy Engineering Named Engineer For New Swamp Restaurant
Campbell Spellicy Engineering was recently selected as the project engineer for The Swamp Restaurant, coming soon to Gainesville’s Innovation District.
Gainesville, Fla. — Campbell Spellicy Engineering, a locally-owned, full-service mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering firm, was recently selected to design the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire systems for The Swamp Restaurant’s brand new location. After closing their doors at their original location in June of 2020, The Swamp Restaurant recently revealed plans to re-create the former building at a new location, in the heart of Gainesville’s Innovation District. The new 6,000 square foot building will encompass the original charm and aesthetic of the former property, while offering a more efficient building for a new generation of people to enjoy.
Architects for the project, Monarch Design Group, quickly identified Campbell Spellicy Engineering for this job, and were supported by Innovation District stakeholders, Trimark Properties, The Swamp Restaurant Owner Ryan Prodesky, and Construction Partner CHW, in this decision. Leveraging nearly 20 years of successful collaboration between Monarch Design Group and Campbell Spellicy Engineering, this design team will reunite once again to complete yet another successful restaurant, following projects recently completed together, like Swamp Boil, and Top Hog.
“We’re excited to work together again on another project with Monarch Design Group and CHW” said Kevin Spellicy, President and Mechanical Engineer for Campbell Spellicy Engineering. He added, “We want to focus on keeping the nostalgia and aesthetic of the old property intact, while incorporating new modern efficiency and functions. By doing so, we hope to recreate a Gainesville Icon that can stand the test of time for the entire community to enjoy for decades to come.”
|
|
UPCOMING EVENT
Stay in the Swamp Virtual Career Fair April 9
Friday, April 9, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Join UF for the annual Stay in the Swamp career fair held virtually this year! This unique event offers opportunities for companies looking to hire students across all majors from the University of Florida who wish to extend their time in Gainesville. This annual event connects local employers and students in an effort to keep talent in the region. Students not only want to learn about your company's open positions but also why your company and employees thrive in Greater Gainesville!
|
|
UPCOMING EVENT
Midpoint Park & Eatery Officially Opens in Gainesville Innovation District
Midpoint Park & Eatery
931 SW Second Ave
Gainesville, Florida’s newest food park and event venue is now open to the community!
Monday, March 1, 2021 marked the soft opening of Midpoint Park and Eatery, a family-friendly outdoor venue for Gainesville residents to gather, eat, and mingle. The park features four unique, local restaurants with chef-driven eats located in stationary food trucks.
“We are excited there will be an additional space for the community that will incorporate good eats, art, special events and celebrations” said John Fleming, Managing Partner of Trimark Properties, Midpoint Park & Eatery’s developer and management company. “Midpoint Park and Eatery is a destination that can be enjoyed by everyone in the community, where individuals can enjoy a leisurely Sunday afternoon with friends or grab lunch with coworkers during the week,” said Fleming.
The park, which is located at 931 SW Second Avenue in the Gainesville Innovation District, will now be open 7 days per week from 7 A.M. to 10:30 P.M., though the hours of the individual restaurants will vary based on their menu offerings.
Two of the restaurants that have signed leases at the park, Mexi Cocina and Keller’s Kitchen, opened their doors and began serving food on Monday. Da Kine Poke, another restaurant set to join the park, is expected to open later this week. The fourth restaurant space is still available for lease.
The three restaurant that have already signed leases at the park feature a dynamic and delicious blend of cuisines: Keller’s Kitchen, a brand-new restaurant, is an American bistro-style kitchen offering modern breakfast, lunch and dinner fare; Mexi Cocina serves birria tacos, burritos and quesadillas with bold Mexican flavors and locally-sourced ingredients; and Da Kine Poke offers fresh and flavorful poke bowls.
“A permanent food truck park that also serves as an event venue is such a unique concept and something you don’t normally see in a town the size of Gainesville,” said Matthew Luedecke, Director of Commercial Leasing at Trimark Properties. “Midpoint has created a special opportunity for local restauranteurs looking to test new food concepts, and has added a spot for high-quality cuisine at affordable prices to the Innovation District.”
|
|
MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENT
Free Weight Loss Maintenance Study
Are you interested in losing weight and keeping it off long-term? The UF Health Promotion Lab is seeking volunteers to take part in Project STAR: a research study aimed at helping people learn skills to lose weight and keep it off long-term. Eligible volunteers will receive a no-cost, 16-week program followed by an additional 20 months of smartphone-based support. You may be eligible to participate in this research study if you:
• Are between 18 and 70 years of age
• Own an Apple or Android smartphone
• Are willing to complete the full 2-year program
|
|
MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENT
Gainesville’s Dignity Village: Homeless to Housing A 2020 Crown Communities Award Winner
Gainesville, Fla. – A successful project by the City of Gainesville and GRACE Marketplace in the fight to end chronic homeless has earned a 2020 Crown Communities Award from digital news outlet, American City & County.
The collaborative undertaking helped connect individuals living in Dignity Village, a makeshift encampment on City-owned land, with social services and permanent housing. The camp was closed in 2020.
“This award recognizes the efforts of all those who remain committed to transitioning people experiencing homelessness into permanent housing. That’s the only solution to homelessness, and we do so with a focus on treating each neighbor with love, dignity and respect,” said Assistant City Manager Deborah Bowie.
In 2014, Dignity Village formed next to GRACE, the area’s largest shelter and service provider, when a nearby tent city closed. By 2019, a transition plan was developed to identify the occupants and match them with a housing specialist to coordinate placement into stable housing.
GRACE Executive Director Jon DeCarmine believes receiving national recognition on the closure of the Dignity Village provides validation that the city and its partners are moving in the right direction.
“We hope the recognition by American City & County will help other communities that are looking for a successful model designed to help those experiencing homelessness that’s driven by what people want and need,” DeCarmine said. “With the assistance of the City, our outreach teams were able to reduce the Dignity Village roster by 86 percent in one year,” he said.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
