Club Newsletter December 15, 2024

Issue 259 | December 15, 2024

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of you for making this past year as your SBMC President such a memorable one. A special thank you goes to our dedicated volunteers, including my officers and the committee chairs, whose hard work and commitment made our events throughout the year a success. Wishing you all a joyful and safe holiday season, a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!

Summary of Dr. Christopher Bernier's Talk last week:

Dr. Christopher Bernier, Superintendent of Duval County Public Schools (DCPS), outlined his priorities and challenges during his talk at the Southside Business Men's Club. Key focuses include enhancing student safety and achievement, both seen as interconnected. DCPS boasts a 92% graduation rate in traditional schools, with 91% rated A, B, or C. He highlighted successes like increased third-grade reading proficiency through initiatives such as the University of Florida Literacy Initiative.

Challenges include declining student attendance post-COVID, transportation constraints, and budgetary issues, with the district relying on reserves to cover expenses. Dr. Bernier discussed cost-saving measures like school consolidations and streamlining contracts.

He addressed misconceptions about charter schools, advocating informed parental decisions while emphasizing vocational programs to prepare students for college or high-demand jobs. Dr. Bernier stressed the importance of public education in attracting families and businesses, aiming to reshape the narrative around Duval County schools' quality.

Warm regards,

Mike Best

2024 President

ANNUAL HOLIDAY KIDS SHOPPING SPREE

**IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT**

Don't forget to mark your calendars for our first meeting kicking off the new year!!

Our first meeting on January 8, 2025 will be a special evening dinner at Maggiano's in the Town Center.

The cost for this dinner will be $41 for cash payments and $43 for credit card payments. There will be no extra charge for Non-Members at this special meeting. Details on time to follow.

Bring the family!

This will be our new venue for 2025, with our regular luncheons resuming on January 22 and held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month at the lower costs of:

Member Cash Payments: $35

Member Credit Card Payments: $38

Non-Member Payments: $48

To help us provide the venue with an accurate headcount and to save on costs, please consider pre-registering by the Monday before each luncheon.

Next Meeting

On Wednesday, January 8, 2025 we will be having a special evening meeting at our new venue, Maggiano's at the Town Center, during which we will induct our new Officers and Board. We will also hold our Annual Awards Ceremony.

December 25: No Meeting in observance of Christmas

January 22: Tyler Oldenburg, Chair of The Players Volunteers Association

Click here to pre-register!

To have your New Membership featured in our upcoming newsletters, make sure to attend one of our regular luncheons to have your FREE headshot taken by Mark Geil!

Our website has been redesigned! Check it out by clicking the link below!

When logging into your profile for the first time, you will have to use the “Lost Password” link to reset your password.

https://www.sbmcjax.com

HAPPY ANNOUNCEMENT

We would like to announce and congratulate Brandon and Kate Lacey on the birth of their daughter, Ava Kate.

The membership contest is in full swing!

You can win part of our $1,500 Cash Prize!

Here's how it works:

Every new member sponsored is worth one point.

Corporate sponsorships are worth 1 ½ points.

If your sponsored new member signs up for club sponsorship within one month of their membership start date you will receive another point.

January - March winner - $250 CASH

Congratulations to Jepp Walter with 4 new Members, including one Corporate!

April - June winner - $250 CASH

Congratulations to Ken Petsch and Angelo Volpe who tied with one Corporate each!

July - September winner will receive $250 CASH at the first meeting in October.

October - December winner will receive $250 CASH at the first meeting in January.

Overall winner will receive $500 CASH at the first meeting in January 2025.

2024 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

JANUARY 8: NEW OFFICER & BOARD INDUCTION, AWARDS CEREMONY

JANUARY 22: TYLER OLDENBURG, CHAIR OF TPC VOLUNTEERS ASSOCIATION

SPOTLIGHT SPEAKER

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

Chris Bagley at Sgtatarms@sbmcjax.com

GENE BUSHOR MEMORIAL ATTENDANCE AWARD

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

Chris Miller

WOODY COOPER

(Sponsored by Jepp Walter, Marlin Technology & Patrick Heatherington, Synovus Bank)

Mark Goldwich

Sponsor Spots Available!

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

3rdvp@sbmcjax.com

CLICK ON EACH LOGO TO VISIT THE WEBSITE!

Special Thanks to Our Club Sponsors:

PLATINUM SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS