SHARE:  

Volume 90 Issue 2 | November 19, 2023

american-flag-wavy.jpg
american-flag-wavy.jpg
Jacksonville Florida's Oldest Business and Civic Organization Founded in 1932
OUR MISSION
The purpose of this organization is to promote the Civic, Economic and Social Improvement of Greater Jacksonville.
grey-flourish-icon.gif
UPCOMING PROGRAM



There will be no meeting this week.

We wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving.


We will resume on November 29 with Eric Mann, President and CEO of First Coast YMCA.



To view future Guest Speakers and Events, please visit our Upcoming Events Calendar.

happy_thanksgiving_card.jpg


Join us for our weekly meetings at Fogo De Chao in the Town Center.




The salad bar offers many vegetarian and gluten-free options. A protein is served every other week and alternates between steak, pork, and chicken.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

This week at our general meeting, we heard from Dr. Dana Kriznar, Interim Superintendent of Duval County Public Schools. Kriznar spoke on the 2020 Strategic Plan that the school board and leadership is using as a guideline. They are:

  • LITERACY: DCPS will improve from the bottom quartile of Florida Standards Assessment reading and writing performance in June 2019 to the top quartile of performance statewide by August 2026.


  • HIGH-PERFORMING SCHOOLS: DCPS will be recognized as being high-performing with the percentage of district-operated schools earning an A, B, or C rating increasing from 2019 to 2026.


  • SOFT-SKILLS: DCPS will improve the post-secondary readiness of graduates by increasing the percentage of students earning soft skills credentials from the baseline in August 2023 to August 2026.


  • VOCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES: DCPS Career Technical Education (CTE) programs will be recognized as high performing with the percentage of programs becoming novice or moving from 1 performance level to the next (advanced, master, or national model) increasing from the baseline in July 2021 to July 2026.


She outlined the makeup of schools in Duval, with 41 Charters, 97 Elementary facilities, 23 Middle Schools, 20 High Schools, 5 Combination, 6 ESE, 1 Virtual, and 12 Alternative. Kriznar pointed out that attendance has been down since Covid-19. One out of three students miss 20 days or more per year. This is a problem that needs a lot of work.


As far as security (a big priority for everyone), there is increased camera surveillance, radio access and panic alert systems for all teachers, only one access door for lower schools, and in the high schools, everyone must go through metal and weapon detectors. Every school has a security officer that has numerous trainings in handling emergencies, and in the larger schools, there are two officers on each campus.


Many members inquired about the tech classes that used to be offered. Currently, the Duval County Schools promote career academies. There are 201 courses that are vocational in style, encouraging students who are vocational-driven to try their hand at different career paths.


This next Wednesday, we do not have a meeting, so that we may spend time with our families and friends. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving, with special reunions with those we find dear. We will meet back the following week with a great speaker and a kick-off to our holiday programs.


Happy Thanksgiving!


Jeanne Maron

2023 President

CHRISTMAS KIDS SHOPPING SPREE

christmas-present-boy.jpg

The Christmas Kids Shopping Spree will be held on Saturday, December 2. We are in need of volunteers to assist with taking the kids around Target to do their shopping! This is always such a fun and rewarding experience and we hope you will be a part of it!


We will be meeting early that morning at the Target on San Jose Blvd (exact time to be confirmed soon).


If you would like to volunteer, please contact Rene Zook at 904-705-9038 or renezook@kw.com.


This year we have proudly committed to 41 kids!

However, if you are interested in voluntarily sponsoring an additional child, please feel free to donate $150 for one child or any donation amount you would like.


You can do so by clicking here!


2024 SLATE OF BOARD AND OFFICER NOMINEES

Below are the nominees for Officers and Board Members for 2024. The vote will be held at the annual meeting on December 6.


President - Michael Best

First VP - Ken Petsch

Second VP - Mark Geil

Third VP - Mike Slagle

Fourth VP - Adam Canni

Sargent at Arms - Wayne Baker

Treasurer - AJ Richwine


Three Year Term

Paul Bednar

Shela Stallings

Chris Bagley


One Year Term (Completing Three Year Term For Adam Canni)

Woody Sitterson


One Year Term

Gloria Vinson


HOLIDAY PARTY

2024 SMBC MEETINGS


For 2024 (as per requested by the majority of our surveyed membership), the Southside Business Men's Club will change their meetings to the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at Season's 52! More info to follow.

SPOTLIGHT SPEAKER OPENINGS

This opportunity is free to all members in good standing and gives you the chance to speak about your business, family, interests, or anything else you would like to "spotlight" for five minutes. You can place business cards, flyers, or informational materials on the tables to showcase your business.


NEW! Upgrade your Spotlight Speaking Engagement!


For the low cost of $50, in addition to your five-minute speaking segment, you will be able to feature a blurb of up to 500 words and 1-2 photos in the newsletter prior to the luncheon.



If you would like to sign up and reserve a future meeting date, please email SBMC Sergeant-at-Arms Mike Slagle at mike@assigncommercialgroup.com. You can also sign-up at the registration table during our Wednesday meetings.


SBMC PHOTO GALLERY
camera.jpg
Check out our photo gallery for pictures from our meetings and events!

Click here to view!
 
grey-flourish-icon.gif

SPOTLIGHT SPEAKER

Member Introductions

NEW! Upgrade your Spotlight Speaking Engagement!


For the low cost of $50, in addition to your five-minute speaking segment, you will be able to feature a blurb of up to 500 words and 1-2 photos in the newsletter prior to the luncheon. Contact Mike Slagle to sign up!


If you are interested in signing up to be a Spotlight Speaker next year, please contact

Mike Slagle at mike@assigncommercialgroup.com







GENE BUSHOR MEMORIAL ATTENDANCE AWARD

(Sponsored by A.J. Richwine, Market Point Advisors)



Anne Urban




WOODY COOPER

(Sponsored by Jepp Walter, Marlin Technology)


LaTanya Jackson



















Sponsor Spots Available!



If you are interested in becoming a Sponsor and seeing your company's logo here, please contact Mark Geil at:

markageil@gmail.com

CLICK ON EACH LOGO TO VISIT THE WEBSITE!


Special Thanks to Our Club Sponsors:


Platinum Level

Gold Level