Julianne Raymond
Member Development Manager
Q: What do you do at the Chamber and how long have you worked there?
A: My job at the Chamber is to bring in new businesses in order to properly support them with the resources, events and programs that we have here at the chamber and give them the opportunity to connect with other businesses in the greater Gainesville region. I have worked here for about four and a half years now.
Q: Where are you originally from?
A: I have been in Gainesville for almost 15 years. My family moved here the summer after my freshman year of high school, so I finished up high school here, graduated from Santa Fe and then stuck around to work for the Chamber. I am from Jacksonville, so I’m a Florida girl through and through.
Q: What is your favorite chamber event?
A: There are a lot of options! It would probably be the brewery tours; I love doing those. They’re so fun and a great chance to be with 50 other individuals and go to our local breweries to try out the best brews in town—maybe even in Florida.
Q: What is one example of your work we can see in the community?
A: The launch of the Greater Gainesville Young Professionals is an example of my work, and if people enjoy doing the “Drink GNV Brewery Tour”, that’s an example of mine and Tiffany’s work. Also, the new member holiday mixer is an example of my work because that was a new event that we put on for our new members to join us every year to celebrate them and give them the opportunity to meet other new members in the community.
Q: What is your favorite movie?
A: A movie that I could watch over and over again is Zoolander. I have repeatedly watched it since I was a kid.
Q: What is the best meal you have ever had?
A: Other than anything that my dad grills—because he is very good at grilling—I would probably say the Delmonico at Mark’s. It is really tasty and great for special occasions.
Q: When you were 10 years old, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A: When I was 10 years old, I wanted to be a lot of stuff! I wanted to be a singer, fashion designer, model, actress, writer and teacher. I wanted to be all of those things because it showcased the fact that I am creative and enjoy creating things. With the teaching aspect, I always enjoyed helping people and encouraging them to do better in life.
Q: What is your favorite song or musician?
A: It changes from month to month. I think as of right now, it is “Trying” by Bully, because I always put that on.
Q: What is your favorite dessert?
A: The chocolate covered potato chip clusters from Thornebrook Chocolates.
Q: What is a subject that you could lecture on without any preparation?
A: Other than the Chamber of Commerce, probably ideas for how to gain exposure and visibility within the community. I could also lecture on the best things to do in Gainesville and all of the musicians and places to go.
Q: Can you describe the Chamber in one word?
A: Supportive. Not only do we support our members, but we support anybody that is doing business within Gainesville. We have so many resources and connections here at the chamber and are able to really provide a lot of support to our business community.
