september 2014 connections · 2017-10-05 · september 2014 • partner connections 7 non-profit...
TRANSCRIPT
September 2014
Non-Profit Business Council
artnerConnectionsPartner Connections Magazine connects partners to the CEP,
to each other and to our community.
Photos by Studio 45
4 P a r t n e r C o n n e c t i o n s • S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 4 S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 4 • P a r t n e r C o n n e c t i o n s 5
Publication team
Publishers: Klodiana Palushi, Tina Atha
Content Coordinator: Brittany Batsel Designer: Greg Miller
Contributing Photographer: Heather Sphon
aDVeRtiSinG
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Marion County.
For more information contact publishers:
Klodiana PalushiPhone: 352-470-7302
Email: [email protected]
Tina AthaPhone: 352-817-1866
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miSSion Statement
CEP Partner Connections’ mission is to connect partners to the CEP, to each other and to the
community. To support CEP Partner Connections or to learn more, please contact Publishers.
Volume 1 • Number 8
Dear Partners,The CEP and all of its partners have a common goal-making
Ocala the home of success. We believe in supporting fellow businesses and improving our community through many endeavors. So it is very fitting that in this September issue of Partner Connections, we start off the publication with a mes-sage from President and CEO of the CEP, Kevin Sheilley. In this message, titled exCEPtional Connections, we are happy to share the local projects that are in the works. These projects include the recent renovation and happenings with the IHMC, the renovation of the former Sprint building to create approxi-mately 15 new lofts and information about up-and-coming technology focused entrepreneurs.
We also are proud to honor the generosity of Ocala by spreading the story of CEP’s Non-Profit Business Council, which was created to be five years ago. Working to con-nect charities and strengthen them, this Council also hosts a program called Youth Philanthropy in Action, or (YPIA.) This program gives youth the chance to pick or create a worthy cause, and then according to peer vote, choose a cause that will receive a $500 donation. Along the way, participants will learn not only about philanthropy, but also about the distinc-tion between government, business and non-profits.
As many know, we have an assortment of incredible business startups in our Power Plant Business Incubator. One of which,
will be an exCEPtional Mornings featured speaker, 19 year old Josh Noel, who founded SonDuck. Also a student at CF, Noel is Digital Media major in addition to running his own marketing business. Noel will be speaking September 17 at 7:30 a.m. at the MCAD Auditorum.
Another great event coming up is the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Ocala event. We welcome you to join in a noncompetitive 5K walk, Saturday, October 25th at The College of Central Florida, 3001 SW College Rd. Registration opens at 7:30 and the walk will begin at 9:00.
In addition to our recent and future local ribbon cuttings, we also offer you an Event Calendar packed with activities that we know you will enjoy. Even though the month may be buzzing with activity, we also hope that on September 11th, you take a moment to remember a historical day 13 years ago, and honor any family or friends who may still feel a loss from that day.
As always, thank you for reading Partner Connections! God Bless.
Tina Atha Klodiana Palushi
Business Division Publishers Best Version Media
exCEPtional ConnectionsPublishers’ Update
Our mission at the CEP is to be the catalyst for a prosper-
ous community. Most often, we talk about our efforts at
recruiting new primary employers (Business Attraction), help-
ing existing companies to grow and expand (Business Reten-
tion), and assisting entrepreneurs start and grow new business-
es (Business Creation). Our efforts at Business Services aim to
provide the tools necessary to allow any business or business
person to grow their business through Networking, Talent De-
velopment, and Business Education. Business Advocacy is our
effort to partner primarily with local governments to create an
environment that allows businesses to thrive.
However, part of all of these efforts is our desire to see our
community where opportunities happen. The ultimate definition
of economic development is to create wealth and opportunity for
people, businesses, and governments. When our community is a
place where someone can come, find opportunities and find suc-
cess then we will attract new businesses, expand existing ones,
grow new companies, develop skills, and have a community that
encourages all of this. There have been several recent projects
which are helping our community be an opportunity place.
IHMCThe Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition may
well be one of Ocala’s best kept secrets. Its unusual name and
unique mission leave a number of people wondering what goes
on in the former Ocala Library just off the downtown square.
However, IHMC is the epitome of an opportunity place.
IHMC is a not-for-profit research institute with scientists
and engineers investigating topics related to understanding
cognition in both humans and machines. Headquartered in
Pensacola, the Ocala research center opened in 2007. The
facility is currently undergoing a renovation with the basement
being converted to offices to house more researchers. This
facility houses some of the most distinguished natural language
researchers in the world and it is here, in downtown Ocala!
In addition to ground breaking research, the facility hosts a
number of lectures bringing more renowned and recognized
speakers to our community. Additionally, IHMC hosts programs
and initiatives to engage young people in STEM related areas such
as robotics. Let me repeat the most important part—this facility
and researchers bringing opportunity is in downtown Ocala.
Sprint BuildingNearly adjacent to IHMC’s facility is the former Sprint build-
ing. The Ocala City Council recently approved plans for local
developer Sandy McBride to renovate the building, formerly
an office building, into approximately 15 lofts. The project will
result in a nearly $3.7 million investment in the community.
Our community already offers a wide variety of housing.
From gated communities to historic homes, zero lot develop-
ments to sprawling country estates can be found here. The lone
exception is downtown lofts. What upper story living exists is
quickly filled whenever a unit becomes available. The addition
of 15 or more units will not absorb all of the demand but it will
be significant addition. You will truly have the opportunity to
have any type of housing here, in our community.
EntrepreneurshipWhen you combine IHMC, the loft project, and the growing
technology base with now established companies like Seven Gun
Game and Ocoos, joining new and growing businesses like R+L
Carriers, Ansafone, and a nearly full Power Plant Business Incu-
bator, one can discover that virtually any opportunity (including
research, technology, and urban living)
can found here.
Growing these opportunities and
more is what will continue to keep our
community Moving Forward! ■
Best,
Kevin Sheilley, President & CEO of the CEP
Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the
views of Best Version Media (BVM). BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of any content submitted by
residents, homeowners associations, organizations and advertisers. All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the
submitting party. Best Version Media © 2014. All rights reserved.
exCEPtional Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Non-Profit Business Council . . . . . . . . . . 6Small Business Investment Program. . . . . 10The Buy Local Business Expo . . . . . . . . 13Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Making Strides Against Breast Cancer . . . 18exCEPtional Mornings Speaker & Bio . . .20Ribbon Cuttings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
ICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2On Top of the World Communities . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3HDG Hotels & Developing Management. . . . . . . . . . . 5Verteks Consulting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8Career Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10Camelot Assisted Living . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10Showcase Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11Hawthorne Village Retirement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Studio 45 Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Therapeutic Touch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13Family Care Specialists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
BJ Trophies, Awards & Gifts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15Walts Brake & More . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15Advanced Imaging Centers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16Ocala Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17Mail Marketing Pros. Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18Remax Premier Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19Street Bistro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20CEP Business Expo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21Angie Lewis State Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23The Bridge At Ocala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Inside This Issue Advertising Index
Klodiana Palushi Tina Atha
S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 4 • P a r t n e r C o n n e c t i o n s 7
Non-Profit Business Council
Feature Story
By Brittany Batsel, CEP Content Coordinator Photos by Studio 45 Photography
Philanthropy is a word of ancient
Greek origins, which literally means
love of humanity. Today the word is most
closely associated with charity, which one
could argue is the highest form of love. It
seems like today there is a charity for
everything. Every need both
noble and ignoble
is represented.
Fortunately,
most charities
are of good intent. However, that still does
not make it any easier for a worthy case
to be seen or heard through the cacoph-
ony of causes. Everyone wants to give,
at least in some way, and everyone feels
different about the direction their time or
money should take. This scattered nature
of benevolence leaves most charities bick-
ering and competing amongst themselves
for a finite amount of resources within the
community.
Thankfully, Ocala is not only a generous
community, but a clever one as well. Five
years ago the Non-Profit Business Council
was formed, out of a realization that
when everyone helps everyone, everyone
benefits. Specifically, when all the
various charities come together
to share knowledge, ideas, and
resources, all the charities
come out stronger. And when the
charities are stronger, the people
who are suffering in a moment of
weakness, the people who need
assistance, are the ones who
ultimately benefit.
Like most great things in
life, the Non-Profit Business
Council has humble origins.
In 2009, Jenny Harmon and
Cathleen Blagay met with
the intent of learning about
each other’s organizations.
They shared ideas and soon
decided that they should
form a committee that would share ideas
and establish the distinction that non-
profits are businesses that suffer from a
dearth of time and money just as in the
for-profit world. The coalition that was
formed quickly pulled in such pillars of
the community as Lisa Lombardo, Allison
Campbell, Beth McCall, Meghan Shay,
Barbara Fitos, and Frank Hennessey.
One thing that occurs with this wide
swath of various charities is overlap. As
Lisa Lombardo said, “We wanted to not
duplicate our services; making sure we
were being efficient as non-profits—we
have limited resources—so the more ef-
ficient we can be with our time and what
money the organizations have, that’s
crucial to the success of the organiza-
tion.” Lisa then went on to explain that
non-profits were vital to the community,
because they directly boost quality of
life, which in turn lifts economic devel-
opment, as people and businesses are at-
tracted to healthy, vibrant communities.
That is why the CEP is the spearhead
for this lofty council, under Jaye Baillie’s
oversight, because the CEP’s purpose for
existence is raising the standard of living
in Ocala and Marion County.
One of the wonderful things the
Non-Profit Business Council does is
an initiative called Youth Philanthropy
in Action, or YPIA for short. This is
where eighth-grade stu-
dents are introduced,
over the course of six
weeks, to philanthropy.
At first, most students are
unaware of not only the
meaning of the word phi-
lanthropy, but also other
things like the distinction
between business, govern-
ment, and non-profits.
During the six weeks, stu-
dents are paired off by mutual
interest, and then asked to
imagine they had $500 to give
to a good cause. They are challenged to
find a worthy cause, either existing or one
they create themselves, and then argue
the case for why their cause is the most
Continued on Page 9
6 P a r t n e r C o n n e c t i o n s • S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 4
Lisa Lombardo.
Jennifer Martinez
S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 4 • P a r t n e r C o n n e c t i o n s 9
worthy. At the end of the course, a vote is
cast by the entire class, and a winner by
peer selection is chosen.
Unbeknownst to the students is that
the $500 is not just mythical Monopoly
money—it is a real sum of money that
goes to the winning team’s cause. Since
2012, over 400 students have been
through YPIA, and 18 different chari-
ties have received $500. Among some of
the beneficiaries are “Wounded Warrior
Project,” “EARS Wildlife Sanctuary,” “Hu-
mane Society,” and at Belleview Middle
School a dormant art program was resur-
rected for all the students to enjoy—and
that program is still going strong.
For a community to be prosperous, the
future must be the first thing taken into
consideration. And as we all know, the
children are the future. So through the
Non-Profit Business Council, the CEP is
playing a role in developing our com-
munity, not just through the finances,
but through the minds of the youth—and
more importantly, through their hearts.
With an eye on the future, the Non-
Profit Business Council believes Ocala
and Marion Country, as a whole, is in a
great place, primarily because as a com-
munity, we are generous. People here
love to help people here. And as Lauren
Deiorio pointed out, “You have to look at
the demographics of the county itself. We
are not a rich county. We’re not Collier
County, like Naples, so a lot of what the
community relies on is the non-profit
community to meet the needs of those
individuals that are living here who may
not have food or clothing, or any of the
basic needs. So I view our non-profit
groups here as very healthy.”
Our non-profit groups are healthy, and
the main reason they are healthy, aside
from the charitably of the citizens of this
county, is the power gained through effi-
ciency with the formation of the Non-Profit
Business Council. Since everyone weighs
the needs of others with a different value
system, no two people will agree on which
charities have the highest priority. This is
what leads to in-fighting in other communi-
ties, as resources are fought over instead
of shared. But here in Ocala, if Mr. X is at
Charity Z, and Charity Z sees that Mr. X is
not a perfect fit for their cause, Charity Z
will recommend that Mr. X go see Ms. Y and
Charity A. All those letters may be confus-
ing, but the numbers are not. The numbers
say that charitable donations are up, and
that is because all the charities are working
together, in a very charitable fashion. ■
NPBC meets 1st Tuesday of the month. For more information on the NPBC, contact [email protected] or visit Ocalacep.com
Allison CampbellMeghan ShayJennifer Hatchett
Continued from Page 7
10 P a r t n e r C o n n e c t i o n s • S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 4
By Felecia Judge and Jarod Kintz
Here at the CEP, we wear many hats –
one of which is Captain of Industry
with a two-prong focus: creating higher
wage jobs and steering capital investment
into the community. Many believe this is
accomplished through business creation
or business attraction. While this is true,
and the CEP does both quite well, we
look beyond the horizon. Helping a new
business startup or luring a business to
relocate to Ocala may make for great
headlines, but the bigger fish stories come
from existing businesses when they begin
to grow.When a business is growing, it’s
assumed to be smooth sailing on calm
seas. However, oftentimes for a company
to grow it requires relocating to a larger
facility, if one is available or building
new. And this is where those calm seas
can become stormy. Moving means
money, and time, and a lot of research.
When the merger between the previ-
ous Chamber of Commerce and previous
Business
Small Business Investment Program
Continued on Page 12
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Economic Development Corporation was
completed, the new entity – the Ocala/
Marion County Chamber & Economic
Partnership, or CEP – took a proactive
approach to economic development.
Among several areas of focus that were
implemented, one was an aggressive
business retention program, something
that our community had been without.
Marion County’s existing businesses
were growing, or wanting to grow, but
couldn’t or simply just didn’t know how
to overcome financial, logistical, or other
barriers. This became evident when the
Business Retention team began to meet
with these business owners to identify
what opportunities were currently, or
could be, available to them.
During this process, the CEP and the
City of Ocala began to discuss what they
could do collectively to help these busi-
nesses and provide them with viable solu-
tions to some of the obstacles preventing
future growth. They reviewed utility
connection costs, electrical upgrade re-
quirements, installation of communication
equipment, and several other factors that
come into play when someone relocates
or expands in a current location o ver a
six-month period, the City and the CEP
developed an incentive plan that could as-
sist the business owners with expansion
costs which would then, in turn, provide
them with the flexibility to hire additional
employees. In April of this year, the Small
Business Investment Program (SBIP) was
created to foster economic growth within
the city limits and utility services areas.
The goal of the program is to attract new
business and encourage existing busi-
nesses to grow and expand by providing
them with assistance to offset the cost of
growth. Some of the opportunities include
waiving or crediting of fees, aid with
capital improvements, or infrastructure
modifications.
The SBIP is aimed at small and
medium-sized businesses employing 5 to
50 employees and is available to those
organizations who exhibit the need for
financial assistance up to $25,000. The
CEP is the county’s designated econom-
ic development organization and is the
central resource for the business com-
munity. We encourage any organization
considering expansion or relocation to
first contact the CEP to determine what
assistance is available and how we can
help navigate the way. ■
Business Expo
The Buy Local Business ExpoThose of us who call Marion County
home already know it’s one of the
best places in Florida to live. And this
Fall the CEP will showcase why it’s also
the best place for business!
The Buy Local
Business Expo
will take place on
October 9, from
1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
at the Ocala Hilton.
Exhibitors will be located throughout
the entire facility, including in a special
designated area, the “Manufacturers Pa-
vilion”. This will offer an opportunity for
exhibitors and guests to see the remark-
able products that are made every day
right in our own back yards. The Expo
will not only serve as a platform for busi-
nesses to promote their products or ser-
vices to consumers, it will also provide
a unique and exclusive opportunity for
B2B connections during the exhibitor-
only networking and social
event which will take place
from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
The synergy created at
the Buy Local Business
Expo is part of a larger
CEP initiative aimed at educating the
public about the benefits of buying
locally. Buying products from local retail-
ers, wholesalers, and manufacturers puts
your hard earned money directly back
into your own community and thereby
strengthens the local economy. This, in
turn, adds to the county’s gross domestic
product and stimulates business growth
and more job opportunities. ■
For more information on how to
participate in the Buy Local Business
Expo, please visit the CEP’s website at
www.OcalaCEP.com; go to “Supporting
Businesses” and the Buy Local Expo
will be listed under Signature Events.
You can download the registration form
from there, or you can email William@
OcalaCEP.com to have one sent to you.
But hurry, because space is limited and
booths are selling quickly!
In partnership,
Felecia Judge
“Create jobs, Expand markets, Prosper.”
Continued from Page 10
14 P a r t n e r C o n n e c t i o n s • S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 4 S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 4 • P a r t n e r C o n n e c t i o n s 15
Tuesday Talks: CEP Business Advancement Series8:30 AM, Repeated at 4 pm
September 2E-Procurement and Economic Development IncentivesCity of Ocala
September 16Crime Prevention Strategies for BusinessesMarion County Sheriff’s Office
Friday Talks in DunnellonFriday, September 2611:30-1pmGruff’s Tap and Grill12084 S Williams Street
Non Profit Business Council’s CEO Roundtable: Exclusively For CEO’s of NonProfitsTuesday, September 212-1:30Lunch Provided
Non Profit Business Council: All area Non Profits Invited2 pmCEP Board Room
“Transfer of Wealth” Workshop for Non ProfitsWednesday, September 248 am-12 pmThe Appleton Museum of Art$35 per person or $100 for 4
New Toastmaster Club-Information SessionFriday, September 5Brown Bag Lunch11:30-1pmOrganized by Beth Ramsey, Harness The Power Within
CEP’s NetWorks Referral GroupsFour Groups are now accepting new members-Attend one of these Open Houses to Learn More!
NetWorks Open House: Learn About CEP Small Group Networking and Referral Groups Tuesday, September 9
11:30-1 pm
Complimentary Lunch Provided By The Ale House
Calendar Of Events
Dunnellon Area NetWorks Open House: Learn About CEP’s Small Group Networking and Referral Groups
Thursday, September 188 am-9 amRegions Bank-Dunnellon20381 East Pennsylvania Ave
exCEPtional Mornings: CEP’s Monthly Business Breakfast Featuring Topics of InterestWednesday, September 17Marion County Agricultural Auditorium7:30-9 amCEP’s Business Awards with Featured Speaker Navroz Saju, HDG Hotels$10 for advanced reservations, $15 at the door
Business After HoursHawthorne Village Retirement Community4100 SE 33rd Avenue
Friday, September 185-7pm
Ribbon Cuttings9.5-LA Studio-21 East Fort King Street: 4:30 pm
9.17-AAA Insurance-3033 SW College Road: 10:30 am
9.25-Little Duckling Sale and Expo-3010 NE 14th St Ocala (Central Christian Church)-10 am
9.25-Next Generation Realty-14031 Del Webb Blvd Summerfield: 4:30 pm
Unless otherwise indicated, all events are at the CEP 310 SE Third Street.For any questions or to make reserva-tions, contact William Parson, Direc-tor of First Impression, 629.8051 or contact [email protected]
For more detailed information or to register online, please go to OcalaCEP.com
July’s Business After Hours at Paddock Mall. See photo’s on page 16
1|8h_Walts Brake & More_0714.indd 1 6/24/14 1:10 PM
16 P a r t n e r C o n n e c t i o n s • S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 4
Business After Hours at Paddock Mall
18 P a r t n e r C o n n e c t i o n s • S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 4 S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 4 • P a r t n e r C o n n e c t i o n s 19
Residents Come Together To Make Strides Against Breast CancerBy Jessica Clayton
The American Cancer Society invites residents of Ocala and
surrounding areas to join the fight against breast cancer
by taking part in Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. Making
Strides is a noncompetitive 5K walk that brings together cancer
survivors, their family and friends, business partners, and com-
munity members in an effort to end breast cancer. This is the
largest network of breast cancer-fight-
ing events in the United States, with
more than 300 Making Strides events
across the country each year.
The Making Strides Against Breast
Cancer of Ocala event takes place on Saturday, October 25th at
The College of Central Florida, 3001 SW College Rd. Registration
will open at 7:30 and the walk will begin at 9:00.
“Each person who joins a Making Strides team and shows
their support makes a difference in the
fight against breast cancer,” said Jessica
Clayton, Specialist Community Events
for the American Cancer Society. “This
event continues to be instrumental in
providing support services to individuals
battling the disease and, one day, finding
a cure. The American Cancer Society
has discovered landmark treatments
such as Tamoxifen and
Herceptin, and research
funding continues in the
hopes of finding a cure.”
Since 1993, Making Strides Against Breast
` has been the American Cancer Society’s rallying
cry to build awareness and funds to fight breast cancer. In that time,
10 million walkers have collected more than $594 million to fund
breast cancer research and support and educational programs.
While significant progress has been made, more needs to be done
in the fight against the disease. Breast cancer remains the most
common cancer among women in the U.S. other than skin cancer,
and is the second leading cause of cancer death after lung can-Helping You Reach More Customers
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cer. The chance of a woman developing invasive breast cancer at
some time in her life is about 1 in 8. In 2014, approximately 232,670
women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000
will die from the disease in the U.S. ■
To find out more about Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Ocala please visit www.makingstrideswalk.org. For informa-tion about breast cancer, contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.
Some Local Information:
2013 Event Information: Event Raised $152,585 for the American Cancer Society’s MSABC
105 fundraising teams
2,800 participants
$28,500 in sponsorship
The 2014 event goals are:
To raise $160,000 for ACS Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
117 Fundraising teams from the community
3,000 participants
33,000 sponsorship goal – We have already exceeded this. Currently we are at $33,500 in sponsorship dollars to include the following sponsors:
• Ocala Eye – Gold Sponsor
•Marion County Sheriff Office- Gold Sponsor
• Townley Manufacturing- Gold Sponsor
• Lowes Home Improvement- Silver Sponsor
• Ocala Health System- Silver Sponsor
• Deluca Toyota- Silver Sponsor
• Charlie Stone- Silver Sponsor
• Ocala Plastic Surgery- Silver Sponsor
• Radiology Associates of Ocala – Silver Sponsor
• Robert Boissoneault Oncology Institute- Silver Sponsor
• Center State Bank – Track Marker Sponsor
• GateWay Bank of Central Florida- Track Marker Sponsor
• Skin Cancer Center of Central Florida- Track Marker Sponsor
Contact info:Jessica Clayton 352-629-4727 | [email protected]
20 P a r t n e r C o n n e c t i o n s • S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 4 S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 4 • P a r t n e r C o n n e c t i o n s 21
Manufacturer of the YearThe Manufacturer of the Year recognizes companies that
strive for manufacturing excellence, have a positive economic
impact, remain committed to workforce development and are
outstanding community stewards. Manufacturers have had
more than their fair share of adversity. Yet many are thriv-
ing—creating jobs, increasing sales, moving into international
markets. It’s achievers like these who are worthy of special
recognition. This award serves to bring attention to the area’s
manufacturing community and the economic and social contri-
butions made to Marion County.
Start-Up Award The Start-Up Award recognizes a startup company, in busi-
ness for less than three years which has developed into an
outstanding, thriving business. The company should demon-
strate enthusiastic vision, a clear commitment to doing busi-
ness in Marion County, innovative product(s) and/or service(s),
increased jobs, increased sales, ability to overcome adversity
and positive impact on the community.
Not-For-Profit Business of the YearRecognizes a not-for-profit organization in Marion County that
has a significant impact on the well-being of our community over
the past year. Criteria used to evaluate finalists include impact,
community involvement, innovative business approaches and
unique programs and services provided. The Not-For-Profit Busi-
ness of the Year keeps administrative costs down while investing
in employees, services, programs and ultimately, the future of
Marion County. Nominee must be a 501(c) organization. ■
Featured Speaker: Navroz SajuSeptember 177:30am @CF - Extension Auditorium - Livestock Pavilion | 2232 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala, Fl 34470 RSVP [email protected]
By Jarod Kintz
Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership
(CEP), together with event
sponsors Hotel Development Group
and Clear Channel Outdoor, is looking
for businesses in the area that have
achieved outstanding success in the
past 12 months to enter the 2014
Awards of Excellence. The winners
will be awarded at the 17 September
exCEPtional mornings breakfast.
The breakfast will feature not only presentation of our award
recipients, but also a presentation by Navroz Saju with HDG.
This family’s story is truly inspirational and a classic American
success story. If you have not heard this presentation before
you will not want to miss this fantastic speech.
Winning businesses will have demonstrated a commitment
to excellence through innovation, sustainability, employment
growth and development, customer service, financial suc-
cess, and community involvement. Review the award criteria
and complete an application for your business. There are six
awards to choose from:
Business of the Year AwardThe Small Business of the Year Award is intended to recognize
and honor businesses that have demonstrated “Best Practices” of
entrepreneurship, such as sound business planning, fiscal responsi-
bility and work process innovation in operating their business. This
award will be issued for small, medium, and large business levels.
Business of the Year Categories:
1. SMALL BUSINESS – employ one to
25 full time equivalent employee(s)
2. MEDIUM BUSINESS – employ 26 to 100 full time equiva-
lent employee(s)
3. LARGE BUSINESS – employ 101+
full time equivalent employee(s)
exCEPtional Mornings
Street Bistro Ad_0814.indd 1 7/29/14 2:49 PM
Ribbon Cuttings
22 P a r t n e r C o n n e c t i o n s • S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 4
RECENT6/17/14 - Starbucks Paddock Mall6/24/14 - Bonjoe Gourmet Chips6/25/14 - Dream A Little Dream6/26/14 - Painting With A Twist7/08/14 - PDQ 7/10/14 - RX Care7/12/14 - Golden Hills Pharmacy7/22/14 - Burger King, 9:30 AM7/24/14 - GeniusTECH, 4:30 PM7/25/14 - Mark Raisch Singer/Entertainer, 4:30 PM7/30/14 - Human Potential, 4:008/12/14 - Young Living Essential Oils, 4:00 PM 8/13/14 - CarePatrol of North Central Florida, 11:30 AM8/14/14 - Hardwood Smokehouse, 4;00 PM8/15/14 - The Runner’s Pace, 4:30 PM8/22/14 - Advance Auto Parts, 10:30 AM
UPCOMING9/5/2014 - Crave LA Studio, 4:30 PM9/17/2013 - AAA Insurance, 10:30 AM9/25/2014 - Little Duckling Sale & Expo, 10:00 AM9/25/2014 - Sellstate Next Generation Realty, 4:30 PM
Burger King
GeniusTECH
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Mark Raisch Singer/Entertainer
CarePatrol of North Central
Young Living Essential Oils
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September 2014