A 5-Star Accredited Chamber of Commerce
June 16, 2020
The following is our latest on coronavirus response and news:

  • WORKSHOP TOMORROW: The Greater Gainesville Chamber, Gainesville Black Professionals, the Community Foundation of North Central Florida, the University of Florida and Santa Fe College have partnered with the Racial Equity Institute to offer the workshop, “Understanding Racial Equity: A Groundwater Approach.” The workshop will help attendees better understand how systemic racism affects our community by building a practical understanding of what it is. There is no fee to attend, but registration is required. Register here.
  • TWO ALACHUA COUNTY SCHOOLS SELECTED TO RECEIVE COVID-19 ED GRANT: Today, Governor Ron DeSantis and Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran announced 60 schools, representing 28 districts in Florida, were chosen to participate in the first phase of the Florida Civics and Debate Initiative (FCDI). On January 27, 2020, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the multi-year, $5 million grant from the Marcus Foundation, Inc., to elevate civic knowledge, civic skills and civic disposition for middle and high school students through speech and debate. To view a list of the 60 schools participating in the first phase and to learn more about the Florida Civics and Debate Initiative, visit www.floridaeducationfoundation.org/fcdi.
  • Q1 REPORT ON SMALL BUSINESS ACTIVITY: A recent report from Visa using proprietary information shows how small businesses fared in Q1 amidst the pandemic. Click here for the report. 
  • GNV4ALL MEETING THIS WEEK: On June 16th GNV4All will be having a meeting, at 6 pm. Join the Zoom Meeting here. 
  • QUALIFIED CANDIDATES: The qualifying period for candidates for office closed at noon on June 12. All qualified county-level and soil and water district candidates can be found here. Qualified representatives for congress and the state legislature can be found here.
  • STRATEGIZE YOUR RE-ENTRY PLANS: If you need to determine how to build a 30/60/90-day plan that works for your business, create a strategy that allows you to capitalize on your goals and easily pivot and adjust marketing plans, you should plan to attend Rebuilding Revenue: How to get your business back on track now. The program will feature experts who will be discussing ways to help businesses strategize their re-entry plans and make sure they're equipped with the tools needed to still reach their 2020 goals. Click here to for more info.
  • CASE NUMBERS: As of Monday, Alachua County has had a cumulative total of 551 cumulative confirmed positive COVID-19 cases since the county's first confirmed case was 97 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.

  • Biomat USA Plasma Center is accepting plasma donations to help others fight COVID-19. If you have or someone you know has recovered from COVID-19, your plasma could be used to help treat those still fighting the virus.
  • AGTC announced the launch of a nationwide mobile vision testing program to conduct follow-up assessments during COVID-19 for patients enrolled in its ongoing phase 1/2 clinical trials.
  • Thursday, June 18, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.: StartGNV is hosting an AMA with Virginia Grant of Gainesville Black Professionals. The event is free with registration.
  • Huntington Learning Center has now reopened and is providing much-needed academic help for all students. Huntington is also extending the grand opening special of $100 off of Academic Evaluation.
  • The United Way of North Central Florida‘s VITA program has started back up for the remainder of tax season after closures due to COVID-19. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers FREE tax help to taxpayers who need assistance. Services will be made available on a limited, contact-free basis. Operating days and hours include Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Dale Carnegie is hosting a webinar to help you Build a High-Performing Virtual Team. This Live Online webinar introduces the tools, attitudes and actions leaders need to encourage maximum performance in team members working online.
  • IndepenDANCE Studio will open for in-person classes beginning July 6th. They are working hard to prepare the studio for a safe, clean and prepared in-person 5-Week Summer Class Session. Online class options will still be available as well.
WORKFORCE UPDATE
See our "Now Hiring" Video Series on our Propel page

We have four installments of the Now Hiring Video series available on our Propel GNV page, including discussions with Tacachale, Payne Construction, Union Correctional Institute and Florida State Prisons. 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”
No Small Matter: A film about Early Education in America
Thursday, June 18, 1:45 - 4:45pm

No Small Matter is a feature-length documentary film and national engagement campaign that brings public attention to this vital question by sharing powerful stories and stunning truths about the human capacity for early intelligence and the potential for quality early care and education to benefit America’s social and economic future. This multifaceted project reveals how our country is raising its youngest citizens, why making the most of this time in their lives is so crucial, and most importantly, what we can do to change the perception of when learning begins. The first major theatrical documentary to tackle this topic, No Small Matter is designed to kick-start the public conversation about early care and education. The ultimate goal: to produce an entertaining, accessible, and inspiring film that redefines the audience’s understanding of the issue and helps drive it to the top of the political agenda.
The Digitization Age: A conversation with Jaime Casap
Wednesday, June 17, Noon - 1pm

We were living in extraordinary times. Digitalization has impacted our lives for a few decades now and it will affect all segments of our world at some level of degree. We are at the very beginning of the digitalized age and the pandemic is only going to expedite its growth. To prepare for this future students need to understand the role digitalization plays and develop the critical human skills required for this new age. The idea of “lifelong learning” has been around for a generation. Still we haven’t ever really put in practice to make this idea a reality. We have the tools and technology to bring lifelong learning to life our students will not survive the future without the ability to learn new skills continually. In his presentation he explores these ideas and make a case for the ability to learn as the most critical skill students need to master.

POLICY UPDATE
The Count Continues!
The 2020 Census Needs Your Help

We are making strong progress with the 2020 Census. We’ve jumped ahead of the state and are neck and neck with the nation, with our completion rate at 60.4% (the nation stands at 60.9% and Florida at 58.4%.) Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to help our community!
 
Now the 2020 Census needs your help in another way , as they prepare to send Census takers out into the community later this summer and into the fall. The Census will be training these valued employees over the next two months, and is looking for local conference space to do so.
 
Training sites are needed beginning on June 26th and continuing through mid-August. Ideally, the site would have two rooms available from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., have parking nearby, wifi access, air conditioning and restroom access. To meet physical distancing requirements, one trainer will work with just three trainees per session, and the trainer will clean and disinfect the space prior to and following each session. Any conference room that normally accommodates 15 or more guests will be large enough. If you can provide space for these critical training sessions, contact Grassroots Engagement Manager Vicki Gervickas, vicki@gainesvillechamber.com . Your help is invaluable!
 
If you haven’t had a chance to do your Census, there’s no time like now, and please continue to remind your employees, co-workers, friends and family. Visit www.2020census.gov for all the information you need to complete your census. And, to keep track of how the completion numbers look in your neighborhood, click here
 
Remember, We’re Counting on You, Alachua County!
POLICY UPDATE
Participate in Florida Institute for Political Leadership
June 23 - 25, 9:30 a.m. - Noon

We are delighted to partner with the Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership, the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce and the Dunnellon Chamber & Business Association to host The Florida Institute for Political Leadership (FIPL) on June 23, 24 and 25, 2020. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the FIPL has been moved online, 9:30 am to noon each of the three days.

Across the state of Florida, there are more than 4,500 electable positions and thousands of appointed officials that make and shape policy for millions of Florida families and businesses. From local boards, city and county commissions and school boards to the State Legislature, we need leaders to serve our community. 

The FIPL is non-partisan and classes have a local focus. FIPL is free and open to all members of our community. Don't miss out on this opportunity--register today at:  www.fipl.org/citrusmarion . Contact Vicki Gervickas, Grassroots Engagement Manager,  vicki@gainesvillechamber.com  for more information.