Talent Overview

Talent & Education Overview

A key Chamber focus is leveraging our tremendous education assets–the state’s preeminent university, the nation’s No. 1 community college and a K-12 school district ranked among the top six percent of Florida school districts. Via initiatives such as the Alachua County Education Compact and under the leadership of the Compact Leadership Council, we leverage business engagement to facilitate the transformation of career and education opportunities available to Alachua students.

Alachua County Education Compact (ACEC)

The Alachua County Education Compact (ACEC) is mobilizing the community around education to better prepare students for higher education and sustainable careers. This collaborative initiative – which includes leaders in education, business, philanthropy, workforce development, government, parents and families – aims to improve systemic outcomes in education by aligning the efforts of our education partners to prepare students to seize career opportunities in emerging industries.

Compact Leadership Council

The Compact Leadership Council oversees the efforts of the ACEC and works to align education and business community goals and actions to develop an industry-aligned talent pipeline and create education and career opportunities for students in the region.

ACEC Foundation

The Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation is a non-profit established in 1992 that leads education reform and workforce development initiatives designed to benefit the Gainesville region. The primary purpose of the foundation is to enhance local education and to provide other charitable work, which supports and enhances education and the development of a more productive, skilled and inclusive workforce in Alachua County.

CareerSource North Central Florida

Qualified workforce is an essential element of a strong local economy; therefore, the Gainesville Area Chamber has partnered with the district’s workforce development entity, CareerSource North Central Florida, to provide workforce development business services to local employers. Through this partnership, CareerSource NCFL supports the community by building a world-class workforce and providing employers with services to recruit, train and retain employees.