A 5-Star Accredited Chamber of Commerce
May 27, 2020
The following is our latest on coronavirus response and news:

  • EMERGENCY ORDER EXTENDED: Alachua County has extended its Emergency Order for the ninth time, effective through June 1.
  • LIFESOUTH ANTIBODY TESTS: Lifesouth is continuing testing all blood donors for COVID-19 antibodies. The antibody test conducted by LifeSouth is authorized for use by the FDA and detects if someone has developed antibodies to COVID-19. A positive test result may indicate past exposure and some immunity to the virus. This antibody test is not a diagnostic test and will not determine if the person currently has the virus.
  • LATEST INFECTION RATES: Alachua County has had a cumulative total of 370 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases since the county's first confirmed case 78 days ago. For more information, visit the City's COVID-19 Dashboard.

For a more exhaustive list of updates, visit the Chamber's COVID-19 page.
The Chamber's Together page is a landing page for anything you may want to know for how the community is addressing the COVID-19 crisis. Below are some examples of information you can find using our Together page.

Some examples of resources on our Together page:





For more information on resources for small business, enacted regulations, and information on how to help, visit the Chamber's Together page.
Below are our COVID-19-related business updates from the past week. To submit an announcement or update, visit our  eJournal page  and scroll down. Please limit your message to 50 words, and include useful links if possible.

  • Byppo has waived all vendor fees and customer fees to support the community. Curbside Pickup via BYPPO offers minimal contact between customers and vendors. All ordering, payments, tips are processed online. Chompers can order from their seats with Byppo's online menu to avoid prolonged social contact. Vendors can recieve orders without touching cash or menus. For vendor information, contact vendor@byppo.com.
  • Horses Helping People (HOPE) is partnering with the Amazing Give to do a Zoom Thursday, May 28, at 7 p.m. ET to learn more about the Amazing Give Emergency Relief fundraiser and how you can help HOPE make it through the COVID-19 crisis and keep programs going for the rest of the year.
  • Water Bear Photography is now ordained to perform weddings as a complimentary service to elopement packages during the COVID-19 crisis.
  • Lifesouth is now testing all blood donors for COVID-19 antibodies. The antibody test conducted by LifeSouth is authorized for use by the FDA and detects if someone has developed antibodies to COVID-19. A positive test result may indicate past exposure and some immunity to the virus. This antibody test is not a diagnostic test and will not determine if the person currently has the virus.
  • Avera & Smith is offering free policy reviews for businesses that are being denied interruption coverage benefits by insurance companies. These disputes are spiking as the pandemic halts operations across the country. Avera & Smith has the proven trial record to help you navigate these choppy legal waters and help ensure the financial viability of your business.
  • Sexton & Schnoll, CPAs is hosting a webinar on PPP forgiveness Tuesday, May 26 at 1 p.m.
  • WCJB TV20 announced today that their 2-week virtual telethon raised over $107,000 for Catholic Charities. These funds will be used by Catholic Charities to help pay rent, utilities and other essentials for people impacted by COVID-19.
  • Paramount Grill is opening for limited in-house dining on Friday and Saturday Nights, as well as Sunday Brunch.
  • Since March 1, GRACE Marketplace has helped 69 people move into permanent housing.
  • UF Innovate | Sid Martin Biotech alum Oragenics, Inc. is joining forces with contract research organization Aragen Bioscience to accelerate the development of TerraCov2, a #COVID19 vaccine candidate.
  • Gainesville-Alachua County Association of REALTORS will host Food Drives Friday May 22nd and on Friday May 29th from 9 am – 2 pm on both days. GACAR members and members of the community are invited to make donations. This will be a Parking Lot Food drive that donors drive up to and drop off the donations. 1750 NW 80th Blvd in Gainesville. There is a crucial need for non-perishable food items at this time.
  • Over the past two months, Saint Francis House has hosted 518 guests for 6,088 total night stays and provided 12,337 meals.
  • The Cade will open initially on Fridays and Saturdays for limited capacity, experiential museum tours and has partnered with Violet Defense to maximize guest safety. Purchase your tour tickets today at bit.ly/cadetours.
  • Atris Technologies has a new blog post on Business Continuity Planning amid crises like the one we've faced the last two months.
  • ITProTV is offering its studios for rental for those who have to do a virtual proposal or presentation. Take it a level above just Zoom or Skype when you partner with the professionals at ITProTV.
WORKFORCE UPDATE
"Now Hiring" Video Series

We have released the second video in our  Now Hiring Video Series . This first video features Payne Construction Group. If you would like to participate in this series to get the word out about your job openings, contact  Andrea Mender .
REMINDER
Are you hiring amid the coronavirus outbreak?

To ensure you find the best candidates, please contact Andrea Mender at andrea@gainesvillechamber.com.
REMINDER
Hot Jobs through CareerSource NCFL

Each week, CareerSource North Central Florida staff members identify current Hot Jobs that employers are eager to fill.

If you’d like a vacant position to be included on this list, please call (352) 244-5112.   ...See this week's Hot Jobs
To apply for jobs listed:
  1. log on to www.employflorida.com
  2. Click on “Job Search” under “Quick Menu” on the left side of the page
  3. Select “Job Number Search” from the menu across the top of the page
  4. Enter the job number from the list above in the “job number” box
  5. Click on “search”
MEMBER NEWS
Was your business denied interruption coverage benefits? Get a free policy review

The pandemic has been halting business operations across the country. As a result, disputes are spiking between businesses and insurance companies that are denying interruption coverage benefits. Business disputes can be complicated, but Avera & Smith is more than prepared to help.

Avera & Smith business litigation attorneys have represented business owners, entrepreneurs and others for over 65 years. The firm has extensive trial experience and also understand the potential benefits of resolving business disputes outside the courtroom.

Avera and Smith lawyers are dedicated advocates for your best interests, your professional reputation and the financial viability of your business.
MEMBER CONTRIBUTION
We Will Survive - Beautifully
Jennifer Webb, Magic Communications

What does it take to become a survivor? How can we cope more effectively right now and create a legacy? What can we learn from past survivors that will help us adapt?

Gloria Gaynor sang a song years ago that became an anthem for women everywhere, called I Will Survive. It’s catchy and makes you feel strong and empowered and capable of doing anything. And in the song, you realize your strength comes after you overcome your fears and challenges. It comes after you’ve been through a lot. Her first words of the song are…

"At first I was afraid, I was petrified
Kept thinking I could never live without you by my side
But then I spent so many nights thinking how you did me wrong
And I grew strong
And I learned how to get along…"

And the message of course is that she’s learned, she’s become tough and resilient and she will survive. Male or female the meaning is the same, we go through tremendous challenges that sadden us and frighten us and create losses in our lives, and we come out more resilient and capable as we realize our abilities to create new alternatives and cope.

Continue reading here.
MEMBERSHIP NEWS
Leadership Book Club

I’m sure you have had the term “Leaders are Readers”.  Successful people believe that ongoing professional development is key to improving your skillset while staying abreast of the latest ideas and trends.  The concept we are thinking of is creating a group of fellow Chamber members who would read the same book each month, then meet for approximately one hour either virtually or in-person to discuss the highlights and main takeaways of said book.  The format of the book club will be determined based on the level of interest in participation we receive. 

We are asking for your feedback.

If you like the concept of participating in a book club forum and would be interested in learning more, email Steve Cannon at  SteveC@GainesvilleChamber.com  and express your interest.
MEMBERSHIP NEWS
Let Customers Know You Are Open for Business

As we navigate through the restart phases of our economy, guidelines will change. It is important to communicate with your customers the most current guidelines as established by our elected leaders. To assist you in this effort, we have created a simple template you may use to post at your business entrance to let your customers know the occupancy capacity of your business. As guidelines change, simply print a new sheet and fill in your new occupancy capacity. We hope this makes it easy for you to communicate with your customers. Your Chamber is committed to supporting your local businesses. Thank you for choosing to operate your business in our community. #SHOPGNV