Engagement Opportunities
The Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce is a 5-Star Chamber with a vision for our region to be the global hub of talent, innovation and opportunity. The Chamber advances this vision via a mission to facilitate economic opportunity, community progress and growth for our more than 1,300 member businesses and the more than 80,000 people they employ.
The Chamber offers a variety of opportunities for current members to get involved with programs and initiatives they care about, build business relationships and share their expertise with the community. For instance, in addition to the Chamber’s many events, members have access to opportunities to participate on task forces and event judging panels, and to volunteer as part of the Chamber’s Speaker’s Bureau. These and other activities can lead to roles in Chamber governance.
Councils and Committees
As a business community, we can do together what no business can do alone. When you get involved in Chamber activities, you help your bottom line and support community progress.
We want you at the table. Consider getting involved in Chamber governance by joining a council or committee.
Public Policy Committee
The Chamber’s Public Policy Committee is comprised of leading members of the Greater Gainesville region’s business community. The committee is charged with advocating for a business-friendly environment at the local, state and federal levels. This includes researching issues, collecting input from membership and then advising the Chamber Board of Directors on specific action items if needed. The Public Policy Committee also educates elected officials and the public of the business community’s concerns. Participation is open to all members in good standing.
If you are interested in joining the Public Policy Committee or learning about other ways you can get involved, please contact our Public Policy and Grassroots Engagement Director Vicki Gervickas at vicki@gainesvillechamber.com.
Compact Leadership Council
The Chamber’s Compact Leadership Council aligns education and business community goals and actions to develop an industry-aligned talent pipeline and create education and career opportunities for students. Investment required for participation.
If you are interested in learning more about the Compact Leadership Council and how you can get involved, please contact our COO Ian Fletcher at ian@gainesvillechamber.com.
Membership Task Force
The Chamber’s Membership Task Force develops and implements membership recruitment and retention strategies, and reviews sponsorship programs.
If you are interested in learning more about the Membership Task Force and how you can get involved, please contact our Vice President of Member Development Steve Cannon at stevec@gainesvillechamber.com.
Chamber Diplomats
The Chamber Diplomats are a group of representatives from Chamber member businesses who volunteer as an active extension of the Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce’s staff. Their mission is to cultivate, promote and maintain a positive relationship between the Chamber, our members and the community.
If you are interested in learning more about our Chamber Diplomats or how you can become one, please contact our Vice President of Member Development Steve Cannon at stevec@gainesvillechamber.com.
Regional Partners
Our Regional Partners consist of economic development staff and managers from Alachua County municipalities, Alachua County government, the University of Florida, Santa Fe College, Gainesville Regional Airport and the Regional Planning Council that focus on collective economic development strategy and opportunities.
To learn more about Regional Partners and how you can get involved, please contact our Public Policy and Grassroots Engagement Director Vicki Gervickas at vicki@gainesvillechamber.com.
Chamber Events
The Chamber hosts numerous events to connect members to opportunities to expand their network, education, customer base and regional exposure. With more than 80 percent of Chamber businesses represented by small companies, many of these events aim to provide their owners with contacts, information, and an actionable mix of plug-and-play solutions and long-term strategies.
Ribbon Cuttings
Chamber Ribbon Cutting celebrations commemorate member celebrations of new or expanding businesses, new locations, renovations/remodelings, or milestone anniversaries. Moreover, Chamber ribbon cuttings celebrate the growth and development of our local business community.
To learn more about hosting a Ribbon Cutting for your business, please contact our Vice President of Member Development Steve Cannon at stevec@gainesvillechamber.com.
For information on upcoming Ribbon Cuttings, please visit our Events Calendar. We would love to see you there!
Networking Events
The Chamber hosts a multitude of member engagement events that provide attendees a great opportunity to build relationships and gain visibility in the community. Additionally, the Chamber offers various sponsorship opportunities that will provide added value for your business exposure. Events include Business Before Hours, Business After Hours, Business to Business Expo and more!
If you would like more information about hosting and/or sponsoring a Chamber event you can review our Sponsorship and Partnership Opportunities, or you can contact our Vice President of Member Development Steve Cannon at stevec@gainesvillechamber.com.
Stay informed on upcoming events by visiting our Events Calendar. We would love to see you at our Chamber events!
Circle of Champions & Media Partners
The Chamber’s Circle of Champions and Media Partners are leading businesses that serve as yearlong sponsors dedicated to providing additional support for the Gainesville Chamber to positively affect economic growth and provide additional exposure for local business. Investment required for participation.
If you are interested in learning more about our Circle of Champions and Media Partners Program you can review our Sponsorship and Partnership Opportunities book or contact our Vice President of Member Development Steve Cannon at stevec@gainesvillechamber.com.
Leadership Programs
Talent is our region’s greatest asset. It is what drives economic growth and makes our region an exciting place to work, do business and play. The Chamber’s Leadership Programs strengthen our talent base by cultivating leaders at all levels of their careers. Through Leadership Gainesville and the Intercity Leadership Exchange, the Chamber brings together diverse groups of individuals to examine complex issues facing our region, exploring opportunities, needs and resources.
If you are interested in learning more about the Chamber’s Leadership Programs and how you can get involved, please contact our LG Program Manager Joe Johnson at joe@gainesvillechamber.com.
Greater Gainesville Young Professionals
Greater Gainesville Young Professionals is a program designed to help local employees aged 21-39 engage more with each other and the community. The organization is built on four pillars: Connect, Strive, Thrive and Discover. Through these, we foster relationships to be built in the community and with the community.
If you’re interested in learning more, reach out to Program Director Julianne Raymond at julianne@gainesvillechamber.com.
