Chairman Mike Gallagher is Fired Up for 2012

2012 Chamber Chairman Mike Gallagher is Focused on Helping Business Thrive

Many of you will remember back to early 2011 when the Chamber brought in Simon Sinek, the author of “Start with Why.” His message was this: people connect with WHY you do what you do, rather than just WHAT you do.

After a lot of thought and discussion about the Chamber’s WHY, the staff came up with this: “Because thriving businesses build a thriving community.” Let me repeat that. “Because thriving businesses build a thriving community.” You’ll be hearing that statement a lot this year.

It’s simple. Without a thriving business community, we wouldn’t have Gainesville’s rich creative community. We wouldn’t have strong non-profit organizations that care for those in need. We wouldn’t have the tax revenue needed to fund infrastructure improvements and to preserve our community’s natural beauty.

And notice that I didn’t say “succeed.” We took it one step further to “thrive.” Thriving businesses and thriving communities provide opportunities for all, leaving no one behind.

I am fired up for 2012. I’m fired up to continue pursuing a business agenda with our local government, an agenda to help our members thrive.

I’m fired up to continue or Innovation Gainesville efforts, efforts to help our entrepreneurs and innovative companies thrive.

I’m fired up to work with local governments for future infrastructure improvements, improvements that will make this community thrive.

I’m fired up to bring new classes, events and opportunities to our members - to help you thrive.

A University of Dayton graduate, Gallagher has served on the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors since 2004. He is also a member of the Florida Council of 100 and serves on the Boards of Directors of America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), Florida Chamber of Commerce, Florida Chamber Foundation, Associated Industries of Florida, Gainesville Council for Economic Outreach, and past chair of United Way of North Central Florida. He is also active in various community and non-profit organizations and a member of several health insurance, hospice and senior living industry and professional organizations. Prior to moving to Florida, Gallagher was a senior executive with Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania and before that, a Partner with Coopers & Lybrand in Columbus, Ohio.