GAINESVILLE AREA CHAMBER Centennial Celebration 1924-2024

A Letter from

Our President

As we look forward to our centennial year—what an incredible milestone!—many of us will be reflecting on both the good and the bad that has transpired since the Greater Gainesville Chamber got its official start in 1924. While we can’t forget about the challenges we have faced as a country, a state and a community, what strikes me as I reflect is our resilience. I am constantly amazed and proud of how we stand together, regardless of the storms we weather.

The common thread throughout the decades, and one that I think is the key to our resilience, is the partnerships and collaborations that have been at the heart of our ability to survive and thrive. The Gainesville Chamber has always been and continues to be the voice of business in our region. With our vision to support Greater Gainesville as a global hub of talent, innovation and opportunity, we work to facilitate economic opportunity, business success and community progress.

And, as a proud membership organization, we exist to serve. Watching our members succeed is our greatest joy, and you’ll read about many of them in this Directory. While we sometimes focus on our changing business landscape, here we celebrate every member and give a particular shout out to those who have worked alongside us for decades, such as M.M. Parrish, celebrating 100 years along with us. Cox Communications, Florida Credit Union, Gainesville Health & Fitness, Pinner’s Fine Shoes, Southeast Car Agency and Walker Furniture have also stood the test of time, along with many others. And of course, we wouldn’t be the community we are without the University of Florida and Santa Fe College, who have been our partners since the ‘70s. Talk about resilience!

Through our 5-year strategic plan, which—not a coincidence—is called Collaborate 2025, we continue to build on its three pillars: Opportunity, Talent and Place. For our community to be a place to live, work and play, we need to ensure that every one of our residents has the chance to thrive, to use their talents and skills to the best of their abilities and to live in a place of which we can all be proud. We have made amazing progress over the decades, but as always, there is still much to be done.

We are now turning our attention to laying the foundation for another successful 100 years. Some of the keys we see to building that success are addressing our aging infrastructure, creating a more diverse business ecosystem and engaging our citizenry as active partners in our mission. We are experiencing unprecedented growth in our region and our state, and we need to be proactive in managing that growth. Though many changes are headed our way, working together will remain our greatest strength and we’re looking forward to all that the next 100 years has in store.

Eric L. Godet, Sr.

President/CEO

Past
Chairs

1924 E. Finley Cannon, SR.

1925 W.A. Shands

1926 M.M. Parrish, SR.

1927 C.A. Pound, SR.

1928 C.W. Welch

1929 Harold Coles

1930 O.H. Thomas

1931 O.H. Thomas

1932 Claude E. Lee

1933 C.S. Brookling

1934 C.A. Pound, SR.

1935 H.L. Gray

1936 R.H. Dittmar

1937 Pat C. Keeter

1938 H.C. Handler

1939 C.S. Thomas

1940 J.N. Anderson, JR.

1941 Latham Davis, SR.

1942 A.L. Combs

1943 H.R. Stringfellow

1944 L.C. Pepper

1945 Roy L. Purvis

1946 E.F. Cannon, SR.

1947 Jess C. Davis

1948 O'Neal Cox

1949 Earl Powers

1950 Harold Gertner

1951 S.T. Dell, JR.

1952 W.H. Chandler

1953 J. Milton Brownlee

1954 M.M. Parrish, JR.

1955 Pat C. Keeter

1956 G. Grier Kirkpatrick

1957 C.A. Pound, JR.

1958 L.W. Mims

1959 E. Finley Cannon, JR.

1960 Latham Davis, JR.

1961 S.J. "Red" Adkins

1962 J. Howard Hall

1963 W.E. Combs

1964 Perry McGriff, SR.

1965 Frank Watson

1966 Robert Coleman

1967 Joe Willcox

1968 W.R. "Sonny" Lee, JR.

1969 W. Marvin Gresham

1970 W. Henry Barber, JR.

1971 E. Finley Cannon, JR.

1972 H.E. Walker

1973 L.K. Cannon, JR.

1974 L.K. Cannon, JR.

1975 J.L. Stringfellow

1976 J.G. Dunlop

1977 Sam N. Holloway

1978 Ralph W. Cellon, JR.

1979 Robert R. Rowe

1980 James C. Emerson

1981 B. Quinn Waters

1982 Betsy Whitaker

1983 Davis H. Rembert

1984 Phillip J. Emmer

1985 Jeffrey Montgomery

1986 Rebecca Allen

86/87 John Schroepfer

1987 C.B. Daniel Jr.

1988 Steve De Montmollin

1989 Jody Davis

1990 Jerry Hines

1991 Jim Sproull

1992 Leonard Ireland

1993 Steve Dearing

1994 Judy Boles

1995 Mark Walker

1996 John Childs

1997 E. Scott Medley, MD.

1998 Robert Woody

1999 Marilyn Tubb

2000 Marilyn Tubb

2001 Jim Islam

2001 Rafael Bustillo

2002 Rafael Bustillo

2003 Andy Williams

2004 Charles "Chic" Holden

2005 Katherine Pierce

2006 Dick Mahaffey

2007 Mike Walsh

2008 Kinnon Thomas

2009 Joe Cirulli

2010 Eric Godet

2011 Thomas McIntosh

2012 Michael Gallagher

2013 Mitch Glaesar

2014 Mitch Glaesar

2015 John Carlson

2016 Todd Powell

2017 Rory Causseaux

2018 Kevin Monroe

2019 Bryan Harrington

2020 Nancy Eckert

2021 Gil Levy

2022 Clay Martin

2023 Domenic Scorpio

2024 Craig Wilburn
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Shane Andrew

Aidan Augustin

Theresa Beachy

Paul Broadie

Joleen Cacciatore

Angela Chan

Alan Chatman

Lee Anne Chesterfield

Susan Crowley

Traci d’Auguste

John DeCarmine

Marco DiGiosia

Eric Godet

Erin Henderson

Kevin Holmes

Angela Howard

Edwina Hurst

Darin Johnson

Eric Johnson

Brian Jose

Philip Kabler

Mark Kaplan

Eric Lawson

Darry Lloyd

Rupa Lloyd

Trey Long

Joseph Lowry

Clay Martin

Robert McDaniel

Bryan McDonald

Vinnie Moreschi

Brian Moses

Suzanne Norris

Ivan Oelrich

Erik Otte

Aime Pfannenstiel

Duke Pinner

Kristen Rabell

Mary Reichardt

Sergio Reyes

John Roberts

John Roscow

Domenic Scorpio

Juan Segarra

Melanie Shore

Shannon Snell

Jeff Thieman

Kinnon Thomas

Scott Thomas

Jon C. Thomas

Bruce Thompson

Mary Kate Walker

Craig Wilburn

Christine Worthmann

CHAMBER STAFF

Eric Godet

President/CEO

Ian Fletcher

COO/VP Talent & Education

Allen Pearce

Director of Finance & HR

Steve Cannon

VP Member Development

Vicki Gervickas

Director of PP & Grassroots Engagement

Tiffany Propes

Director of Events

Anne Polo

Director of Marketing & Communications

Julianne Raymond

Director of Member Development

Landon Harrar

Director of Economic Development

Mikayla Birnstiel

Economic Development Associate

Sandra Herreria

Executive Assistant to the President

Justin Clement

Member Engagement Manager

Joe Johnson

Workforce & Leadership Gainesville Manager

Pauline Williams

Information Specialist

David Bechtel

Administrative Assistant
100 Years

The Greater Gainesville Chamber Celebrates
Its Centennial

F rom its very beginning, our regional Chamber has worked in partnership with our community, contributing to the economic growth and vitality of the municipalities that make up Alachua County. We have served as a convener, bringing together the voices that represent our diverse and vibrant region and supporting and spurring on major community projects. We invite you to celebrate this wonderful milestone with us, as we reminisce over our many milestones—as a Chamber and as a region—and look forward to our next 100!

Becoming Gainesville

Gainesville was established in 1854 and named after Edmund P. Gaines. By 1860, Alachua County had over 8,000 inhabitants, while Gainesville, its main city, had some 232 residents. By the end of Reconstruction, Alachua County had a population of over 18,000, while Gainesville, with 1,400 residents, was a mercantile center for cotton and vegetable crops. During the next 25 years, the county continued to prosper as the citrus and phosphate industries gave Alachua a secure economic base.

After two major fires in the 1880s, Gainesville rebuilt with all brick structures and constructed an imposing new red brick courthouse to signalize its growth from town to city. Gainesville’s central location brought two more railroad connections, and with a population approaching 3,000, the city was one of the state’s largest. The town now had an opera house, paved streets, city water, telephones and electric lights.

Although severe freezes in the 1890s blighted much of this prosperity, Alachua County entered the 20th century with a population of some 32,000 people, and a growing economy centered in the phosphate, cotton and vegetable industries.

The first two decades of the new century brought Alachua County’s agriculture-based economy troubled times as the boll weevil blighted the cotton crops, and World War I brought an end to the phosphate industry. Still, one of the most significant events in the history of the county occurred when The University of the State of Florida was moved from Lake City to Gainesville in 1906, with its name simplified to University of Florida in 1909.

Both Lake City and Gainesville had offered land and money to the university, but Gainesville offered one more enticement — water at no charge, pumped from the city’s water works at Boulware Springs. Gainesville won, and UF’s free-water deal lasted until well after World War II. The University saved Gainesville from certain ruin during the Great Depression. Two buildings of significance to our community began as hotels. The Seagle Building—still our tallest—began its life in 1926 as the Hotel Kelly, and the Thomas Center opened in 1928 as the Hotel Thomas.

It was 1924 when the Alachua County Chamber of Commerce became a reality. The father and son real estate firm of James H. & M.M. Parrish Realtors joined the Chamber that year, and Coldwell Banker/M.M. Parrish Realtors is still a major contributor to our Chamber and our community. Minutes from the Chamber Board of Directors date back to 1925.

In 1933, the Chamber Executive Committee was formed, and the Independent Merchants Association merged with the Chamber. Other milestones from that decade include the first meeting of the Chamber’s Membership Committee in January of 1934 and the opening of the Gainesville Airport in 1935. Local literary star Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings won the Pulitzer Prize in 1939 for her novel The Yearling.

Growing Gainesville

Gainesville’s and the University of Florida’s trajectories took a major leap at the close of World War II, when thousands of veterans arrived with their funds from the GI Bills. Before the war, UF was for men only; women went to the Florida State School For Women in Tallahassee. Both colleges went coed in 1947, and Century Tower was built in 1953 to both commemorate the 100th anniversary of the university and to honor UF students killed in both World Wars.

As went the rest of the country, so did Gainesville, with the 60s and 70s bringing tremendous change and growth to our region. The construction of I-75 in the mid-60s started our community’s move west, with businesses building on Archer and Newberry Roads, including the Oaks Mall, Publix and the initial Butler Plaza in the 70s. UF Health opened in 1964 and the Gainesville Raceway—host of Gatornationals—opened in 1969. In 1965, the drink that changed everything—Gatorade—was launched and Santa Fe Junior College opened its doors in 1966.

In 1960, Gainesville’s population was 29,499; by 1974, we had grown to 72,555, a 145.9% change. UF had 13,000 students enrolled, while our 15 public schools had 10,508 children enrolled. The City had just 526 vehicle registrations in 1960, but 1,839 by 1974.

In 1971, Gainesville was voted an All-American City. Fittingly, this decade was particularly active for the Chamber. Cost of living and money and energy savings were front-of-mind topics for our members and our community. The Chamber—forming a Process Review Committee—worked with both the County and the City in developing a “state-of-the-art” process for comprehensive planning and development. During this period, the County also contracted with the Chamber to provide Economic Development services.

1973 saw the founding of Leadership Gainesville, though it would take a few years before Chamber members everywhere began to identify by particular primary colors. A new Downtown Advisory Board was formed, committed to giving “direction to the Commission in reshaping the central city.” In 1974, the hot topic was the Alachua County Civic Center, an effort to “make available to all citizens of Alachua County a multi-purpose community structure for stage shows, ballet, country music shows, high school basketball, symphony orchestras, pop and rock music, square dancing, exhibitions, boat shows, agricultural shows, weddings meeting rooms, banquets, conventions, auto shows, science fairs, religious events, business meetings, and more.” The building proposal was priced at $7 million.

The Chamber’s contributions to community improvement based on research was in evidence, with the Chamber’s Crime Study report released in April of 1975. “Before any meaning progress can be made toward reducing crime, concerted effort must be launched to improve education, legislation, utilization of available resources, record keeping, news coverage, and communications among the links of the criminal justice system, as well as a better understanding of the role of law in a free society,” contended the report. The Chamber also convened a Power Rate Task Force in the mid-70s.

A member survey was conducted to help the Board of Directors determine its position on the sale of alcoholic beverages on Sunday and a Handgun Study Committee was convened. The Chamber also hosted numerous Get Out the Vote activities.

Despite the rapid growth of our region, our bountiful natural resources remained uniquely ours. Our varied tree canopy has been recognized by the National Arbor Day Foundation, earning Gainesville the “Tree City, USA” designation every year since 1982.

1982 was also of particular significance to the Chamber, when Betsy Whitaker became our first female Board Chair.

Nurturing Artists and Athletes

The 90s and 2000s cemented Gainesville and our region as a destination for sports, arts and culture. The University of Florida’s football program rose to prominence with the arrival of Coach Steve Spurrier, who built a National Championship winning team in 1996, which Urban Meyer and Tim Tebow built on in 2006 and 2008. Florida Gator athletes have competed in the Southeastern Conference since 1933, and have been ranked in the top 10 by the National Collegiate Athletic Association since the 1983-84 season. To date, UF has won 47 national team championships across its many teams.

Our community is also well known for our theatre and museum options. Gainesville Community Playhouse is the oldest community theater group in Florida, christening its current theater building in 2006. The Harn and the Matheson Museums opened in the 90s, with the Cade Museum following in 2002.

Gainesville’s music scene has contributed groundbreaking musicians to our world, including Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Steven Stills, Don Felder and Bernie Leadon of The Eagles, Less Than Jake and Sister Hazel. In 2002, No Idea Records put on its first three-day rock festival in Gainesville, christened The Fest, which remains an international draw.

Also drawing artists and craftspeople from around the world, our arts festivals include the Downtown Arts Festival and Art Show, the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire and the Santa Fe College Spring Arts Festival. Bringing more retail and food options than ever before, Town of Tioga opened in late 2006 and Celebration Pointe followed in 2021. The Alachua County Sports and Events Center brings local, regional, national and international sports enthusiasts to competitions in a wide variety of sports.

In 1995, Money Magazine named Gainesville the country’s “most livable city” and in 2003, Gainesville became known as the “Healthiest Community in America” when it won the only “Gold Well City” award given by the Wellness Councils of America. Headed up by Gainesville Health & Fitness Centers, and with the support of Shands and the Gainesville Chamber, 21 businesses comprising 60 percent of the city’s workforce became involved in the “Gold Well City” effort. As of July 2011, Gainesville remained the only city in the country to win the award.

The Chamber also reached several important milestones in the last couple of decades. We moved into our current downtown location in 1997. Continuing our leadership in economic development and community improvement, the Chamber completed its Energy Competitiveness Report in 2013, convened the i3 Infrastructure Investment Initiative in 2016 and was a contributing partner to UF’s Racial Inequity Study in 2018.

We were honored with our first 5-Star Accreditation in 2009, a designation awarded by the US Chamber of Commerce to only 1% of the country’s Chambers. Leadership Gainesville celebrated 50 years in 2023, and the Greater Gainesville Young Professionals formed in 2022.

With 1,300 members and their 80,000 employees, our Chamber is 100 Years Strong. With our rock-solid commitment to our community’s prosperity, we are ready for the next 100!

#ChamberStrong
Milestone Members

MM Parrish, 1924

The Parrish
Family Legacy
in Gainesville
Real Estate

For over a century, the Parrish family has been integral to the growth and success of Gainesville’s real estate market. Their legacy began in 1911 when J. Parrish’s great-grandfather migrated from Kentucky and recognized the area’s potential. He convinced his father to join him that same year, and together they established the family’s foothold in local real estate.

“The business took various forms over the decades, expanding at times to include insurance, development, and construction,” said J. Parrish, owner of M.M. Parrish Realtors. “But real estate remained at its core, with a Parrish always at the helm. In those early days, no licenses were required to practice real estate. You simply had to say you were in the business, and you were.”

For Parrish, this long lineage represents a special connection both to the past and the local community. He takes pride in his family’s century-long participation in the Gainesville Chamber of Commerce, forging relationships and exchanging ideas with fellow business leaders.

“To me, the Chamber represents a connection to the past, knowing that my family has been plugged in and connected with the Gainesville Chamber of Commerce since the beginning 100 years ago,” Parrish said. “It’s fun for me to think about the relationships that existed and the roles that different players have had throughout the years. It’s about all the connections back through history and I think that’s really cool. The one-on-one conversations you have on the sidelines at Chamber events have so much value.”

The company has marked many milestones along its journey, including constructing the south end zone of the University of Florida’s football stadium and ranking as the top Coldwell Banker franchise in Florida for four consecutive years. Even during the Great Recession, their office claimed the number one spot statewide in the Caldwell Banker network, underscoring their resiliency.

“Any organization that has been around for 100 years has accomplished some things of note along the way,” said Parrish. “Given the challenges that everyone was facing in 2008, being recognized as the number one office in the state was a feelgood moment that stood out.”

Parrish remains optimistic about the future, despite industry uncertainty and disruptors. With over 1,000 new residents flocking to Florida daily, Gainesville is poised for massive growth. He expects to keep providing the reliable service that has defined the Parrish family’s legacy for over 100 years.

“There is a lot of uncertainty in our industry at the moment,” Parrish said. “We have the infrastructure and natural resources to accommodate tremendous growth over the coming decades and there is no indication that it is going to slow, so the future of the brokerage is pretty bright.”

Through dedication across generations, the Parrish family has become an institution in Gainesville real estate. Their story represents the very history and promise of the community. Here’s to another century ahead.
Milestone Members

Walker Furniture, 1940

Mary Kate Walker

For three generations, Walker Furniture has followed an important guiding principle: Take care of all your customers and they will take care of you. From their first sale to today, this customer-first attitude has earned them the loyalty and love of the community, and helped this business grow from humble beginnings – a single, 1,600-square foot store – into what they are today – four buildings with more than 50,000-square feet of furniture showroom.

Walker Furniture opened in 1940 when Ledger K. Walker relocated his family from a farm in southern Georgia to Gainesville. This career switch came about as a way for Ledger and his wife, Myrtice, to give their son Benny more opportunities; this growing University town was just the place. Through lean years and boom times, Walker Furniture served the Gainesville community and worked to deepen its Chamber ties, recognizing its place as the third longest serving member of the Chamber of Commerce and working to uphold the Walker family’s and Chamber’s vision of success.

“The Chamber means a lot to our business and our family as a way of networking and connecting us to the community,” said Mary Kate Walker, part of the third generation of family ownership at Walker Furniture. “Since we opened the doors in 1940 there have been many furniture stores open in Gainesville, and though we were, for a long time, one of the youngest furniture stores, because of our customers we’ve thrived for 85 years.”

What does the future hold for Walker Furniture? According to Mary Kate, the business and family legacy will carry on “as long as our customers decide to trade with us.”

When Joe Cirulli opened Gainesville Health & Fitness in 1978, he was already a veteran of the health club industry. For the first five years of his career, he worked for other owners, seeing six gyms and health clubs open and then close their doors. This rocky entry into the industry was a wake-up call and it shaped how he approached his clientele and business practices when he welcomed his first clients into Gainesville Health & Fitness.

“Early in my business, I kept the focus internal, asking myself, What do we need to do to survive and be successful?” says Cirulli.

The answer was to become involved in his community, and to do that he turned to the Chamber.

Cirulli says, “joining the Chamber gave us the opportunity” to connect with Gainesville. “I’ve watched [the Chamber] grow over the 30+ years and I admire the great strides it’s made in the community. We’re proud to be part of an organization that makes not only its member businesses better, but serves the entire community.”

In the 30+ years Cirulli’s been a member of the Chamber, he’s seen the city, the Chamber and his business grow. “I started Gainesville Health & Fitness with $1,700 and 1,500 square feet. Like all entrepreneurs, I didn’t let a lack of money stop me. I realized the most important way to build a business was through creativity and a will to never fail; with that attitude I knew I could succeed.”

Cirulli’s mission and the mission of the Chamber work in lock step and always keep Gainesville in mind.

“Our mission is to inspire an entire community. And we will only do that in Gainesville,” he said. “We think local, invest local, and grow local. We will continue to grow and innovate every year through expansions, new programs and equipment, new classes and trends that enhance what we do. We’re committed to continuous improvement so we can better the lives of everyone in the community.”

Ilene’s Gator Store, 1960

Ilene Silverman-Budd

Family businesses leave long legacies and Ilene’s Gator Store stands as proof positive. The Gator Store story begins in 1935 with The Collegiate Men’s Shop, which Joseph Silverman renamed Silverman’s for Men and Woman. Joseph kept true to the store’s downtown location, proximity to the University, and town pride, resisting the temptation to leave downtown and staying put on the 200 block of West University for 50 years.

Over the years, traditions grew and changed. In 1989, three years after the passing of Joseph Silverman, Silverman’s for Men and Women closed, but Ilene kept the family’s passionate flame for fashion burning and soon opened Ilene’s for Fashion, carrying on the legacy for another generation.

Today, Ilene Silverman-Budd carries on the family tradition of offering up fine clothing and accessories imbued with Gator pride at Ilene’s for Fashion. With selections for women and men – and even options for children – that blend style and school pride, Ilene’s for Fashion lives up to their tagline: Where Gator Fashion Meets Gator Passion.

Ilene’s for Fashion keeps shoppers coming to Thornebrook Shopping Village, but she’s expanded online with IlenesGatorStore.Com, the digital version of her brick-and-mortar shop, where residents, Gator fans and alumni of the University of Florida the world over can shop for their favorite fashions.
Milestone Members

Gainesville Health
& Fitness Center, 1978

Joe Cirulli

For three generations, Walker Furniture has followed an important guiding principle: Take care of all your customers and they will take care of you. From their first sale to today, this customer-first attitude has earned them the loyalty and love of the community, and helped this business grow from humble beginnings – a single, 1,600-square foot store – into what they are today – four buildings with more than 50,000-square feet of furniture showroom.

Walker Furniture opened in 1940 when Ledger K. Walker relocated his family from a farm in southern Georgia to Gainesville. This career switch came about as a way for Ledger and his wife, Myrtice, to give their son Benny more opportunities; this growing University town was just the place. Through lean years and boom times, Walker Furniture served the Gainesville community and worked to deepen its Chamber ties, recognizing its place as the third longest serving member of the Chamber of Commerce and working to uphold the Walker family’s and Chamber’s vision of success.

“The Chamber means a lot to our business and our family as a way of networking and connecting us to the community,” said Mary Kate Walker, part of the third generation of family ownership at Walker Furniture. “Since we opened the doors in 1940 there have been many furniture stores open in Gainesville, and though we were, for a long time, one of the youngest furniture stores, because of our customers we’ve thrived for 85 years.”

What does the future hold for Walker Furniture? According to Mary Kate, the business and family legacy will carry on “as long as our customers decide to trade with us.”

When Joe Cirulli opened Gainesville Health & Fitness in 1978, he was already a veteran of the health club industry. For the first five years of his career, he worked for other owners, seeing six gyms and health clubs open and then close their doors. This rocky entry into the industry was a wake-up call and it shaped how he approached his clientele and business practices when he welcomed his first clients into Gainesville Health & Fitness.

“Early in my business, I kept the focus internal, asking myself, What do we need to do to survive and be successful?” says Cirulli.

The answer was to become involved in his community, and to do that he turned to the Chamber.

Cirulli says, “joining the Chamber gave us the opportunity” to connect with Gainesville. “I’ve watched [the Chamber] grow over the 30+ years and I admire the great strides it’s made in the community. We’re proud to be part of an organization that makes not only its member businesses better, but serves the entire community.”

In the 30+ years Cirulli’s been a member of the Chamber, he’s seen the city, the Chamber and his business grow. “I started Gainesville Health & Fitness with $1,700 and 1,500 square feet. Like all entrepreneurs, I didn’t let a lack of money stop me. I realized the most important way to build a business was through creativity and a will to never fail; with that attitude I knew I could succeed.”

Cirulli’s mission and the mission of the Chamber work in lock step and always keep Gainesville in mind.

“Our mission is to inspire an entire community. And we will only do that in Gainesville,” he said. “We think local, invest local, and grow local. We will continue to grow and innovate every year through expansions, new programs and equipment, new classes and trends that enhance what we do. We’re committed to continuous improvement so we can better the lives of everyone in the community.”
Southeast Car Agency 1980

Bob and Tom Cousins, Co-Owners

You could say it all started with a Chevy Chevette.

“That was the first car I sold,” said Bob Cousins, co-owner of Southeast Car Agency, along with his brother, Tom. “We’ve come quite a long way since that Chevette left the lot.”

Southeast Car Agency was established in 1979 by Bob’s father, John Cousins. The car sales side was new for the family, who, up until then, had focused on car rentals with a National Rental Car franchise at the airport.

“It felt natural to move from car rentals to car sales,” Bob said. “My brother and I, we started selling cars in ’82 or ’83 and for the first few years, we maintained the
rental side, but we felt we could serve our customers and the Gainesville community better
with a focused business.”

With the transition from rentals to sales, the business moved, leaving the airport for their 39th Avenue location. It was a good move, one that allowed Bob and Tom to concentrate on delivering outstanding customer care and helping shape how many customers think about pre-
owned autos.

“We received Gainesville’s very first Ethics in Business award, and that made us extremely proud. That award proved that our dad’s way of doing business – lessons he instilled in us early on – had a positive impact on our customer community and on Greater Gainesville,” he said.

Along with that Ethics in Business award, Southeast Car Agency
has been named the FIADA (Florida Independent Automobile Dealers Association) “Dealer of the Year” award on numerous occasions and has been the runner up for the National Automobile Dealers Association’s“Dealer of the Year” award.

“Our focus has always been on
the customer and the community,” said Bob. “Our Chamber membership has been a great way to connect our business to other members and to the public, and we’re proud to be part of an organization that works toward community-wide success.”

Now, after the slow pandemic years, Southeast Car Agency is poised for a bright future.

“We’re excited to have the chance to grow again by staying true to Gainesville and earning new customers from our hometown. Sales are strong, customers are happy, and we’re looking forward to continuing to serve our community.”
McGriff-Williams Insurance, 1984

Bryan Williams

McGriff-Williams Insurance celebrates a major milestone in 2024: it’s their 40th anniversary. That’s no easy feat for any business, but when it’s a business owned and operated by friends who keep their focus on serving the community, the longevity isn’t much of a surprise.

In 1983, Lee McGriff opened the doors as an exclusive Nationwide agent. A former collegiate-level football coach, Lee was driven to succeed and for three years his agency did just that, but in 1986 he partnered with Mack Williams – a local with family business roots in Gainesville – to form McGriff-Williams Insurance and the business soared. Twenty-two years later, these insurance experts decided to broaden their offerings and McGriff-Williams Insurance became an independent insurance agency, able to serve their Greater Gainesville clientele better than ever before.

What’s been the secret to their success? And what drives them to do more? Loyalty. McGriff-Williams loyally serves their clients, many of which have been with the company since day one, but they also stay loyal to their employees and several have 20-year (or longer) tenures with the company. From their staff of 26, the McGriff-Williams Insurance family has grown to include 43 children, keeping both Lee and Mack motivated to ensure they build a legacy that will benefit the generations to come.

But they owe part of their success to the Chamber. “The Chamber helps us to stay plugged into our local community with opportunities to support other small businesses and give back to our hometown,” they say.

What’s the future hold? More of the same: excellence around every corner.

“We’re excited to remain locally and family owned, and we strive to give our clients the best service possible from right here in our Gainesville office. We serve as a resource to those in our community and take every opportunity to educate consumers and industry affiliates on the ever-changing insurance market. Our clients can trust us with what means the most to them and what they work hard for: their family, business, home, belongings and loved ones.”

A thriving economy is one built on small and family businesses, and for Duke Pinner of Pinner’s Fine Shoes, he’s the second generation to make footwear the focus of his business.

“Our family came to Gainesville in 1958,” said Duke. “My dad, Bill, was sent down to help save a store owned by International Shoe Company in downtown Gainesville. He turned it around, but the store lost their lease.”

Far from discouraged, Bill Pinner found a partner and the pair of them leased the Belk Lindsey Shoe Department, running it for nearly a decade, building a reputation for quality and service, and growing a large, loyal clientele.

“My dad elected to come out to our current location [on West University] in 1967 and open Bill Pinner Footwear,” Duke said. “I purchased the business from him in 1987 and we became Pinner’s Fine Shoes.”

Under Duke, Pinner’s Fine Shoes continues a legacy of greatness. Shoe brand On recognized Pinner’s as Florida’s number one single-door retailer; the shop has a large and loyal clientele; and the styles here connect to Gainesville buyers, offering both contemporary and classic designs.

“We’re proud to have brought a level of design and quality to Gainesville that would not usually exist in a city our size. Because of this, we’ve built a loyal following of customers from all across Florida and beyond,” Duke says.

In 1985, Bill Pinner Footwear – and by extension, Pinner’s Fine Shoes – joined the Gainesville Chamber of Commerce. The camaraderie and relationships between business owners and businesses, and the Chamber’s dedication to Gainesville as a whole drove the Pinners to join. “[Our Chamber] means everything to me and to all of those businesses in Gainesville that care about our community.”

From Duke’s perspective, the Gainesville community is thriving and business is good, and he hopes to carry on that success, saying, “I have a great passion for what I do and for this community, we hope to continue what has been created as long as possible.”
Jeff Montgomery, Past Chair 1985

As Chamber President in 1985, I was honored to speak at the ribbon cutting for the new Progress Center in Alachua. That opening provided the touchstone for the future Progress Corporate Park, home of RTI Surgical, Axogen, and many other job creators. It was truly a ‘home run’ for our Chamber and the Gainesville area at large. Best wishes to your next 100 years.”
One of Gainesville’s most recognizable buildings, the U.S. Post Office resided here from 1909—1964. It was renovated in 1980 as the beloved Hippodrome State Theatre.

Scott Medley, Past Chair 1997

“After serving several years on the Chamber Board, I was elected Chair for 1997. I believe I may have been the only Practicing Physician to serve as Chair of the Chamber. As my (aging, failing) memory serves me, that year Gainesville was selected as one of the ‘The Best Small Cities in the U.S. to Live In.’ I also was honored to ‘Cut The Ribbon’ for the new Chamber Building that you now occupy
(I have the photo to prove it!).”
Leadership
GAINESVILLE

T he first such program in Florida, Leadership Gainesville was developed by Chamber executives in the early
1970s as a forum for community leaders to discuss issues of importance locally and statewide. Today’s LG is a community immersion experience that, over 10 months, helps develop the skills leaders need to excel, enhances self-awareness and provides a deep dive into what makes our region special.

Leadership Gainesville Class 50

Amber Bolinger

Ashley Oelrich

Audrey Williams

Benjamin Torpey

Brenda Bowers

Brittney Olinger

Christie McLelland

Christopher Bullock

Damian Niolet

Deana NaNa Lindsay

Derrick Terrell

Dianne Gates

James Miller

Jason Diven

Jason Roe

Jennifer Breman

Jillian Diaz-Perera

Joy Loy

Justin Clement

Kandra Albury

Kate Clement

Kate Fornshell

Kathleen Weinert

Kevin A Ahmadi

Lesley Holler

Linda Rocha

Lisa Baltozer

Mark Barley

Marsha Kiner

Mary Chase

Matthew Zovak

Mikayla Birnstiel

Nathaniel Watson

Paul Madej

Paula Purpera

Pinar Rayon

Rochelle Trygar

Sara Culpepper

Sarah Tarlini

Savanna Downing

Shari Jones

Stacie Greco

Stevie Doyle

Thomas McInnes

Tiffany Martin

Tori Wilkins

Vaughn Thomas

Walter Taylor

Willette Nelson-Prime

Yvette Robinson

Zachary West

Leadership Gainesville Class 49

Jamarr (Jay) Akins

Amanda Ashley-Taylor

Sarah Bastani

Lavern Battles

Brittany Benton

Shelby Bobbett

Bonnie Bowman

Mike Calsam

LeAnn Campbell

Patty Carroll

Brenda Cesar-Banales

Sarah Chrest

Travis Clements

Lauren Cohn

Renee Davis

Phillip Dodson

Nick DuVal

Bianca Evans-Donaldson

Joey Ford

Richard Gary

Adam Gurske

Landon Harrar

Travis Hastay

Edwina Hurst

James Keaton

Cherie Kelly

Tina Kirkpatrick

Jane Kupfer

Sharifa Lawson

Christy Lewis

Shaleah Lookadoo

Tatila (Tia) Paul

Gregory Pingue

Shannon Ritter

Anna Sampson

Carjie Scott

Kiera Simmonds

Andrew (Kevin) Smith

Amanda Sowers

Charlene Stephanelli

Tracey Torres

Michelle (Shelley) Vickers

Ashley Waddington

Zach Wilcox

Ken Willner

Leadership Gainesville Class 48

Jose’ Alzate

Dekova Batey

Steven Belk

Laura Bialeck

Raymond (R.D.) Bonnaghan

Jack Causseaux

Eric Daff

Eric Dibert

Katherine Durst

Kenyarda Feathers, Sr.

Alex Flinchum

Amy Fox

Stephanie Freas

Brooke Harmer

Sandra Herreria

Michele Holloway

Lizzie Jenkins

Rebecca Lamb

Marissa Magnelli

Gloria Moskal

Jason O’Brian

Christina Ramos

Krystal Robles

Elizabeth Rodgers

Sybil Samuel

Michael Smith

Jennifer Staples

April Strickland

Marilyn Taylor

Sandra Torres-Pintos

Paul Trippy

Marianne Vernertson

Sylvia Warren

Julie Wehmeyer

Summer Weinhardt

Frank Wells

Jessica Williams

Erika Young-Gilchrist

Leadership Gainesville Class 47

Steve Behrmann

Anne Blay

Christine Bonnell

Kimberly Brown

Dr. Tyran Butler

Troy Cannaday

Jason Cason

Sandy Chheda

Dwan Courtney

Erica Daughtry

Rebeca Denahan

Magaly Dooley

David Flores

Josh Garland

Vicki Gervickas

Garrett Gispanski

Orlando Millan

Jennifer Moises

Angela Moore

Anne Polo

Christina Ramos

Amanda Rutherford

Cali Sanford

Kristine Skelley

Poornima Srinivasan

Adam Steenbeke

Pauline Williams

Krista Worth

Leadership Gainesville Class 46

Billie Adkins

Lauren Asmus

Jessica Baker

Jim Bakhaus

Michael Biagini

Nyimah Boles

Kristin Bond

Anna Bouwens

Andy Burrough

Christian Cao

Angela Chan

Neill Clark

Bob DeHoff

Rachel Eubanks

Emily Grissom

Jennifer Homard

Roman Janos

Guy Jopling

Carolynn Komanski

Levi Lewis

Tyler Melvin

Chris Musgrave

Leslie Payne

Aimee Pfannenstiel

Brandon Phillips

Travis Quinn

Julianne Raymond

Mark Raymond

Tamara Redding

Priya Rudradas

Matthew Ryon

April Shuping

Ayesha Solomon

Neeta Someshwar

Dr. Eric Spivey

Jacquelyn Stirling

Jennifer Thomas

Caeli Tolar

Daurine Wehbe

Lauren Weseman

Kirstin Widding

Timothy Williams

Sydney Wipke

Anne Wolf

Leadership Gainesville Class 45

Shaw Adcock

Angelica Arbelaez

Christi Arrington

Saveela Asad

Cole Barnett

Rahkiah Brown

Scott Bruce

Lindsey Day

Randall Dexter, Jr.

Chessie Flanders

Mark Gadja

Theresa Glaesar

Kevin Golden

Brian Goldman

Jennifer Harrell

Elizabeth Hart

Kevin Holmes

Jason Hurst

Ramona Jackson

Christian Joiner

Pamela Koons

Traci Lee

Anastasia Leptic

Will Lewis

Jessica MacLaren

Steven Marr

Jack McDonald

Chad McGinnis

Teresa McLaughlin

Peter McNiece

Erin Morton

Joseph Munson

Allison Myers

Eric Neiberger

Dana Noyes

Danika Oliverio

Talia Pate

Thomas Porter

Marty Provost

Ricardo Quintana

Becky Raymond

Shannon Reintgen

Jennifer Sagan

James Schindler

Kelly Shaer

Jennifer Siorek

Adel Talley

Jeremy Thomas

John Thomas

Karthik Vemula

Elliot Welker

Sharon Whitgraft

Bradford Williard

Craig Wittus, Jr.

Ryan Woods

Leadeship Gainesville Class 44

Amy Azoulay

Jennifer Basener

Joseph Brooks

Andrew Brophy

Dante Buckley

Trish Bulko

Corey Bush

Hartley Carlson

Rebecca Catalanotto

John Coffill

Ester De Jong

Seyi Falade

Amanda Ferguson

Katie Garrett

Amy Gnann

Kaitlyn Graves

Christopher Gregory

Summer Griggs

Dieter Haager

Laurie Hall

Jared Hart

Nicolas Harvey

Jason Hurst

Jacquelin Jackson

Loretta Keegan

Michael Langieri

Christopher Lough

Brenda McDowell

JoAnna McHugh

Sean McIntosh

James McKenzie

Kristy Moffat

Megan Niewold

Janese Nix

Tavarous Parks

Joseph Pavlich

Jennifer Phelps

Tracey Reeves

Taylor Rose

John Sanchez

Luisana Segu

Kevin Spellicy

Jordane Spitze

Heather Swanson

Kristen Thompson

Corinne Turcotte

Jennifer Watson-Reddish

Rebecca Wentworth

Bradley Wilcox

Austin Williams

Elisha Young

Jorge Zukoski

Leadership Gainesville Class 43

Holly Anderson-Bender

David Arreola

Frank Avery

Scott Balloon

Josh Blackford

Adam Boudreaux

Laurel Brown

Kimberly Buchholz

John Carmean

Raydel Cornelio, PhD

Bryan Croushore

Heather Damron

Travis Davidson

Matt Davis

Gregory Dubois

Dominique Easterling

Wesley Emmanuel

Krista Fields

Alexander Ganz

Lauren Guidi

Teresa Guthrie

Nancy Halbrook

McCabe Harrison

Desiree Hayes

Monique Heathcock

Ray Holt

Michael McDaniel

Robert McDaniel

Susan McQuillan

Scott Monnett

Jayne Moraski

David Newell

Steven Nickels

Allison Nygaard

Erik Otte

Michael Peterson

Tim Roark

Catherine Schrader

Alissa Shepard

Corey Souza

Matt Thomas

Jorge Villalobos

Julie Waldman

Danielle Wear

Karen West

Daina Woodman

Norinda Yancey

Leadership Gainesville Class 42

Raquel Acencio

Mary Alford

Scott Arvin

Lakshmi Balasubram

Amanda Biser

Alyssa Brown

Anthony Caggiano

Cheryl Calhoun

Dana Clayton

Carlee Daylor

David Donnelly

Caroline Earls

Sara Emmanuel

Beth Eng

Ashley Fletcher

Lestine Ford

LaKendra Garrison

Pamela Gretter

Aaron Hickman

Lisa Hogan

Mackenzie Hough

Barry Jacobson

Walter (TJ) Jarvis

Malcolm Kiner

Leslie Ladendorf

Jodi Long

Frank Mason

Sean McCoy

Jonathan Mills

Maxwell Minch

Varsha Mohinani

Natalie Morrison

Omar Oselimo

Randy Persad

Matt Pinkoson

Courtney Quirie

Che Reed

Michael Rosenblatt

Ralph Sabio

Star Sansone

Jenna Savage

Leonard Sprague

Michael Stanton

Wade Swikle

Alison Walker

Tammy Whisler

Fremon Williams

Tanaya Williams

Leadership Gainesville Class 41

Bea Awoniyi

Erica Lynn Brown

Ricky G. Brown

Waldemar J. Cabrera

Jesse Caedington

Steve Cannon

Shelley Chappell

Nakita S. Daniels

Gavin K. Diaz

Dave Ferro

Cale Flage

Cindy Flowers

Karly A. Gallops

Ja’Net Glover

Aaron Harden

John A. Hartnet, III

Tawanna Hines

David C. Houder

Dwight L. Hulse

Charlie Jackson

Matthew Keene

Winn Keeton

Dequan King

Don Koehler

Kristen M. Lovano

Virgina MacKoul

Sean McCory

John McNeely

Mandy R. Millam

Genile Morris

Brandon Nappy

Gabriel Nossa

Camelia Pflum

Jennifer E. Rivers

Richard Sanders

Misty R. Saunders

Stephen Scheel

Eric J. Segal

Vasudha Singh

C. Ryan Thompson

Daira Vargas

Jose M. Vega

Chris Wells

Rod Whited

Cory Wise

Jeremy D. Wright

Jacob Wychulis

Zachary Zedalis

Leadership Gainesville Class 40

Tarin Acaron

Katherine Allen

Cynthia Allen

Lisa Armour

Staci Bertrand

Jared Bowens

Naima Brown

Joe Burns

Dwaine Bush

Darrell Card

Charles Cooper

Nicholas Deconna

Daniel Drotos

Gayle Dykeman

Kimberly Faenza

Jason Gonos

Jason Haeseler

Gina Hall

Allen Haynes

Victor Hazy

Jocelyn Holt

Stacy Joyner

Gil Levy

Tammy Lindsey

Chris Marhefka

Todd Martin

Caleb McDow

Kevin Monroe

Nicole Mullaly

Megan Murphy-Menezes

Elaina Nichols

Kathryn Osterhout

Corle Patton

Valerie Riley

Arelis Rosario

Daniel Sarkis

Juan Segarra

Pavle Stojkovic

Adrian Taylor

Carolyn Webber

Heather White

Tiffany Williams

Leadership Gainesville Class 39

Erik Anderson

Ashley Banks

Shareen Baptiste

Sophia Carter

Channing Casey

Christopher Coleman

Kelly Douglass

Eric Drummond

Carole Duval

Byron Flagg

Ife Goodson

Jane Harris

Jamar Herbert

Amy Howard

Blair Janes

Robert Krefting

Meghan Latorre

Robert Lauramoore

Michael Lavoie

Chantele Martin

Makaya McKnight

Allison Megrath

Amber Miller

Prem Paul Murrhee

Jackie Paris

Chad Paris

Jane Parkin

Mike Powell

Douglas Pratt

Jennifer Quinn

Michael Remer

Greta Rice

Claire Rini

Daniel Rodkin

Craig Sainz

Rachel Stimler

Carrie Tam

Meg The Losen

Chris Towne

John VanDuzer

Jordan Webb

Leadership Gainesville Class 38

Nicholas Banks

Phil Bennett

Lindsay Brennan

Kara Cupoli

Katie Davis

Gerry Dedenbach

Megan DeGance

Jennifer Denault

Sheryl Eddie

Michael Garrett

Andreana Graham

Kristen Hadeed

Patrick Hagen

Timothy Hiebert

Jenny Highlander

Michael Hutley

Nicole Irving

Kimberly Jamerson

Samuel Julien

Seth Lane

Suzanne Levings

James Lilkendey

Wendy Lord

Robert McNichols

Candice Noble

Calvin Paris

Betsy Pepine

Heather Remer

Kyle Robinson

Deborah Rost

Jeffrey Schulte

Yesi Sevilla

Shariq Siraj

Melissa Smiles

Catisha Turner

Joseph Walker

Faylene Welcome

Freddy Williams

Byron Winn

Richard Withers

Leadership Gainesville Class 37

Mason Alley

Michael Blank

Travis Butcher

Donna Carroll

Rudy Castano

Devon Chestnut

Arthur Clark

Lesley Cox

Michael Curry

Patricia Everitt

Virginia Gibson

Eric Godet

Jennifer Grinnan

Gregory Grisson

Tyler Guynn

Leland Hall

Troy Hart

William Holdsworth

Steve Jeppson

William Johnson

Donald Kellogg

David Knop

Alison Law

George Long

Krista Mitchell Cornell

Eugene Morris

Sarah O’Steen

Tracy Riggins

Robin Rimes

April Schroeder

Stephanie Sims

Debbie Sorgi

Kim Stroman

Rhonda Stroman

Adam Towers

Jennifer Tyler

Margot Wilder

Stephen Wycoff

Leadership Gainesville Class 36

Julia Ackerman

Gia Arvin

Linda Bennett

Kari Brill

Pam Burns

Shane Carkhuff

Erica Castano

Albert Coronel

Kevin Coulson

Christopher Cupoli

Matt Davis

Christine Evans

Karen Fiore

Michael Giampietro

April Green

Tim Hall

Mark Hall

Timothy Hayes

Teresa Heal

David Hendryx

Kevin Ireland

Virginia Johns

Lindsay Krieg

John Mitchell

Vincent Moreschi

Kian Ostovar

Nell Page Rainsberger

David Patterson

Jackie Price

John Rollins

Destani Shadrick

Kara Sutton

Karen Thomas

Brandon Tinckham

Julie Todd

Nikki Wagner

Anita Webster

Jorja Williams

Leadership Gainesville Class 35

John Applewhite

Brent Baris

Misty Barnett

Jodi Bennet

Harbin Bolton

Donna Bradbook

John Bunting

Joshua Cole

Julie Collins

Ryan Cooke

Scott Costello

Joyce Dorval

Christy Finnegan

Blake Fletcher

Mary Kate Flynn

Mark Gaignard

Clay Gibbons

Kathy Gratto

Andy Gray

Byers Hickmon

Chris Johnson

Dug Jones

Nora Kilroy

Jaime Kurnick

Joseph Lowry

Emilee MacDonald

John McClanahan

Laurel Nesbit

Angel Pachkowski

Iris Patten

J.D. Pettyjohn

Andrew Rocco

Jeff Rose, M.D.

Ted Stover

Eric Strange

April Sweet

Jon Thomas

Matt Webster

Randy Wells

Bryan Williams

Pete Zimek

Leadership Gainesville Class 34

Laude Arnaldi

Brent Baris

Edward Blue

Ellen Boukari

Gregory Bradley

Joleen Cacciatore

Robert Cohen

Sheila Crapo

Mark Crews

Anthony Crisafulli

Eddie Daniels

Jonathan DeCarmine

Guillermo Diaz

Nancy Dohn

Nancy Eckert

Melinda Farrell

Trey Fogg, III

Jennifer Garrett

Clay Gibbons

M. David Gracy, Jr.

Bryan Harrington

Denise Jordan

Judy Jubien

Martha Kern

Jennifer Kolacia

Kik Koppitch

Anne Kress

Brittany Lee

Jill Lingard

Tracey Lovitz

Rachel McGriff

Ivan Oelrich

Margarita Purvis

Karen Rice

Kevin Robertson

Cindy Rose

Domenic Scorpio

Evan Stone

Jon C. Thomas

Leadership Gainesville Class 33

Alexander Alston

Erica Byrnes

Daniel Clark

Maureen Cox

Joy Curry

Elizabeth Davies

Morgan Dunn

Cindy Fielding

Kelly Flowers

Alex Gonzales

Kimberly Hankerson

Thomas Hawkins

David Horrell

Nona Jones

Lisa Kinsell

Joseph Lowry, Jr.

AuBroncee Martin

DiAnn McCormack

Jeffrey Morgan

Michael Morse

Beth Nazaro

William Northcutt

Joanne Orrick

Marilyn Ouellett

Sheryl Patrick

Allan Penksa

Evan Pitts

David Ramsey

Mark Rozycki

Jeff Shamis

Diane Smith

Bradley Spatz

Rick Staab

Jon Thomas

Patrick Trammell

Leadership Gainesville Class 32

Jennifer Anchors

JR Anchors

Debbie Asbury

David Bachus

Cynthia Batts

Rodney Bickel

David Bisbee

Florida Bridgewater-Alford

Anthony Clarizio

Michelle Colburn, Au.D.

Rick Crider

Lauren Dukes

David Flaherty

Ian Fletcher

Bridget Grogan

Thomas Halasz

Laura Irish

Keith Kameg

Kimberly Kinsell

Donna Mann

Helen McIver

Darleen Morgan

Charlie Pino

Lauren Poe

Eleni Polopolus

Marc Schnoll

Wendy Scott

David Shlafer

Marjorie Speer

Colette Taylor

Sarabeth Vaughn

Ken Vogel

Mark Wellner

Leadership Gainesville Class 31

Patrick Banis

Peter Baquero

Trevilynn Blakeslee

Edward Bonahue

Tim Bowen

Debbie Boyd

Karen Bricklemyer

Janet. Broiles

Nicol Brooks

Christina Brown

Lori Chappel

Larry Cretul

Elizabeth Ems

John Fairless

John Farrell

Gregory Fleming

Jennifer Hagen

Ron Hall

Matt Hintze

Peter Johnson

Phyllis Klein

Mary Jo Korly

Ronnie Lovler

Terri Lowery

Jeanna Mastrodicasa

Kim Mitrook

Bonnie Mott

Jesse Pugh

Ruben Ramos

LaWanna Reaves

Tom Reilly

Lyn Sargent

Art Stone

Clay Sweger

Candace Taylor

Jim Troiano

Lynette Vermillion

David Welch

Gregory Whitford

JoAnn Wilkes

Gene Zdziarski

Leadership Gainesville Class 30

Tracy Baglia

George Binstead

Erik Bredfeldt

Sherry Califf

James Carnall

Jeffery Cloutier

Dale Cook

Chris Curry

Frank Davis

Markus Dietrich

Georgiann Ellis

Meredith Farrar

Margaret Fields

Stephen W. Flowers

Liana Glanville

Alison Glover

Sharla Head-Jones

Doug Hornbeck

Vinnie Johnson

Shelley Katz

Steve Lipsky

Debra McElroy

Michael Nickel

Susan Parker

Alex Patton

Steve Phillips

Eric Pugh

Trent Robbins

Gail Sasnett-Stauffer

Cathy Schackow Patterson

Karan Schwartz

Ernest Sellers Jr.

Jill Shea

Steve Shepherd

Jacqueline Terry

Damion Wasylow

TD Welch

Brite Whitaker

Jimmie Williams

Leadership Gainesville Class 29

Carol Bishop

Bryce Burger

Susan Causier

Brent Christensen

Rhonda Clark

Linda Crider

Hannah Hamilton

Theresa Harrison

Bill Hassel

John Howell

Fred Jackson

Steven Lachnicht

Irene Larsson

David Lee

Joan Maxfield

Mort Nembhard

Yvonne Newman

Susan Parrish

Jeffrey Quigley

Ida Rawls

Steven Rector

Liz Reyes

Heather Riegle

Jim Ruel

Eric Sapp

Michael Schwartz

Jani Sherrard

Bruce Smith

John Stevenson

Tanja van der Veen

Harvey Ward

Morris Windhorst

Shawn Woodin

Leadership Gainesville Class 28

Patti Breedlove

Lawson Brown, Jr.

Liza Bush

Timothy Davis

Matthew Dominy

Raquel Edwards

Jackie Hargrove Elliott

Lisa Gagne

Jon Gardner

Danny Gilliland

Arline Hampton

Jeffrey Hogue

James Johnson

Jennifer Kielbasa

Roland Loog

Donna Lutz

Johanna McElrath

Sandra McMillan

Marco Oliveri

Neil Palka

James Parrish, Jr.

Vonnie Peabody

Patricia Perkins

Kenrick Pierre

Colleen Power

Brent Riley

Ward Scott

Joseph Shea

Andy Sherrard

Rosemary Skell

Thomas Summers

Maureen Tartaglione

Kyle Taylor

Hilary Van Winkle

Jancie Vinson

Michael Walsh

Leadership Gainesville Class 27

Bennye Alligood

Kenneth L. Babin

Peter Fritz Backhaus

Vivian M. Bender-Walker

Dick Bradley

Jim Cook

Linda B. Dixon

Nancy G. Fischer

Kathleen Grimes

Gregory Allen Grooms

Carl S. Harness

Tyrone Power Harris

Eugene Craig Haufler

Rick Howe

Michael Bryan Kitchens

Megan Koppitch

William D. Lecher

David Mason Loyed

James C. Marsh, Jr.

David M. Miller

Tony Miller

Madeleine Annita Mills

Mark E. Minck

William Logan Montgomery

Rhonda S. Mowry

John Edward Power

Paul E. Ramey

Brent F. Russell

Laraine Collins Sapp

Richard K. Scher

Lynn Schackow

Kevin G. Smith

K. Kinnon Thomas

Jeffrey W. Warren

N. Camille Whiddon

Thompkins W. White

Kristin Williams

Patricia A. Woodard

Leadership Gainesville Class 26

Rachel Bishop-Cook

John H. Brunner

Kathryn B. Canon

Michelle Cook

Ian C. Dennis

Cheryl E. Diamond

Teresa D. Faul

David G. Feather

Melanie J. Ferreira

Julie S. Frey

Ted Gilson

Tashia Hale

Victor F. Hall

Michael C. Hill

Nan Islam

Joseph Johnson

Linda Lanza-Kaduce

Odetta MacLeish-White

Maria Gutierrez-Martin

Debbie Mason

Carolyn Ransdell Morgan

Marlene Moss

Lynn M. Powers

Alan F. Preston

Brian R. Scarborough

Barbara Searle

Carolyn J. Shaffer

Steven G. Shehan

Karen H. Smittle

John B. Spence

Kristy F. Speronis

Donna K. Stricker

Richelle M. Sucara

John Thompson

Dean B. Ward

Frank C. Waters III

Patricia R. West

David W. Wood

Leadership Gainesville Class 25

Mary Adkins

Polly Anderson

Kim Baldry

Walt Barry

Susan Bottcher

John Carlson

Mel Clark

Betsy Clemons

Judith Davis

Wanda Denny

Carol Ann Dykes

Laura Gillman

Jack Greer

Kip Harrison

Scherwin Henry

Doris Horton

Jay Hutto

Karin Hyler

Sally Lawrence

Liza Lemaster

Susan McGrath

Jay Nordqvist

Emily O’Hara

Jan Patterson

Jim Pearce

Peggy Prichard

Rochelle Prince

Kay Quinn

Barbara Richardson

W.J. Rossi

John Skelly

Jan Soroka

Sharon Spreen

David Stockman

Norm Thomas

Mike Thornton

Diana Tukalo

Kent Walker

Rhona Williams

Thor Wishart

Leadership Gainesville Class 24

Roger Austin

Billy Beltz

Ed Book

Bill Cake

Allison Cammack

Juddy Carter

Cliff Crawford

Cindy Delaparte

Stacey Garnett

Don Harrison

Regina Howell

Donna Huseman

Denise Hutson

Delphine Jackson

Julie Johnson

Gilda Josephson

Kirk Klein

Jeff Lane

Regina Lovings

Ken Lowman

Clay Martin

Doris Martin

Marilyn Mesh

Mike Mironack

Mary Monaco

Dana Nemenyi

Jean Powell

Bob Reller

Bob Rohrlack

Barbara Rosko

Stephanie Seawright

Sandra Snyder

Kim Tesch-Vaught

Kathy Viehe

Jim Vignola

Andy Williams

Susanne Wilson

Sonia Winters

Rick Wolf

Leadership Gainesville Class 23

Lawrence P. Albertson

Eltha Leana Amaye-Obu

John F. Amerson

Louise H. Anderson

Nancy Toman Baldwin

Gary V. Bishop

Susan S. Boate

Wayne Bowers

Mariana B. Boyles

Deborah M. Brown

Phyllis Brumfield

Kevin L. Clarke

Robert Clarke

Sally Dickinson

William T. Engel, Jr.

Pamela Hunter Feaster

Gail Fitzsimmons-Welker

Tim Fogarty

Elaine Carson Funk

Greg H. Gay

Constance R. Gesualdi

Deborah J. Green

J. Wilbur Holloway

Gail Jane

Malcolm C. King

Dan K. McPhail, Ed.D.

Robert W. Miller

James R. Osteen

Keith Perry

Elizabeth Trawick Pooley

Linda M. K. Portal

Margaret Sparkman Posey

Alice C. Reuman

Ida Rawls Reynolds

Mariana H. Rojas

George F. Schaefer

Cynthia A. Shaw

Caroline V. Smith

Christopher Stokes

Leadership Gainesville Class 22

Marilyn Andrews

Anne P. Arick

Janice B. Bice

Debbie Branson

Mary L. Chambers

Susan Crosson

Larry Danker

Sadie Darnell

Craig C. DeThomasis

Joseph A. Domenech, Jr.

Elizabeth Drake

Cherie H. Fine

Alison E. Gerencser

Frank Graddy

Thomas H. Gyllstrom

Pegeen Hanrahan

William D. Hickmon

Debra L. Hill

Jennifer Ann Jackson

Deneace Marie Joshua

Margaret McKnight Karrh

Kevin Charles Kelly

David A. Keough

Wendy V. Kinser

D. Laura Livengood

Brian Russell Lockwood

Wes Marston

Thomas P. McIntosh, Jr.

Jeannene E. Mironack

Robert C. Muni

Gene Price

Les C. Rankin

Roberta A. Reily

Gregory J. Roberts

Richard E. Scarborough

Alan Shapiro

Deidra Cain Smith

Daniel L. Whiddon, Jr.

Alberta Etha White

Linda Gilchrist White

Leadership Gainesville Class 21

Chris Bird

Doreen Blake

Carol Bosshardt

Inger Cheves

Gwendolyn Dawson

Melissa Drake

Brian Earley

Sheila Efferen

David Etherington

Lynda Everitt

Bill Feaster

Von Fraser

Carl Galambos

Buddy Hall

Tammy Huey

Edward Jennings, Jr.

Emily Lentz

Celia Martin

Kevin Mathis

Will Gray May, Jr.

Dave Minton, III

Mike Mynatt

Martha Osmun

Carol Oyenarte

Alfred Peoples

Darlene Pifalo

Lucille Rhim

Carla Rhine

Vicki Sanborn

Teresa Scott

Linda Sexton

Audrey Shively

Karen Smith

Emery Springfield

Sebrina L. Street

Sue Wagner

Carl Walls

Sam Williamson

Guy York

Leadership Gainesville Class 20

Jill Baird

Sandy Barnard

Myron Bilak, Ph.D.

Bruce Brashear

Fred Brenneman

Roger Brower

Tim Deegan

Becky Fowler

Kelly Greenan George

Mitch Glaeser

Joy Glanzer

Darrell Johnson

Daryl Johnston

Kevin Kelley

Gwendolyn Love

Nancy Malone

Robert Marmon, P.E.

Alicia Maun, M.D.

John McAvoy

A. Gary Muller

Denis Newman

Nancy Niblack

Irma Phillips, Ed.S.

R. Dale Pope

Michele Rist

Daniel Roszel

Gwendolyn Saffo, PHR

Karen Scarborough

Ray Schackow

Elaine Scoggins

Phil Smith

Jean Stubbs

Ramona Sabis

Cynthia Thompson

Jim Tobin

Terry Tougaw

Terry Van Nortwick

Kent Walker

Pamela Winter

Anne Wallace

Leadership Gainesville Class 19

John Presnell Atkins

Carole P. Bonds

Patrick T. Callahan

Terry L. Chester

Lawrence D. Christian

Patricia V. Cline

Pamela T. Deegan

Rory J. DeSimone

Karen M. Fleming

Charles F. Hall

Russell (Rusty) J. Hammer

Colleen Hayes

John E. Hudson

John E. Jones

Emily G. Kinnaird

David Charles Lawrence

Patsy J. Lindamood

Mary E. Nutter

Kathryn A. Parker

Donna E. Pitts

Frances T. Pop-Stojanovic

Andrew (Andy) H. Potter

Gregory Powell

Thomas Rochford

Deborah Rossi

Howard Scharps

Debby Simone

Regina Smith

Stephen (Steve) F. Smith

Joan M. Suchorski

Roger N. Swanger

Angelyn G. Thomas

Howard K. Wallace, Jr.

Naomi C. Williams

Leadership Gainesville Class 18

Cory Adler

Milton Baker

Judy Brashear

Jane Burman-Holton

Karen Cappe

Wayne Castello

Connie Cellon

Chuck Clemons

Debby Combs

Ed Culpepper

Eddie Dugger

Kristi Ganey

Darryl Gosnell

Jim Hencin

Bill Hoehn

Karen Johnson

Sandra (Sandy) R. Jones

Suanne Knopf

Rob Lash

Nancy Mason

Abby Milon

Myra Morgan

Deneatrich Munnerlyn

Meg Niederhofer

Donnie Odom

Donna Omer

Bob Page

Philip Pharr

Greg Sausaman

Fred Schilffarth

Skip Smith

Bob Tancig

Leslie Taylor

Ron Thornton

Carol Villemaire

Barry Wagner

Dale Williams

Rhonda Wilson

Leadership Gainesville Class 17

Charles L. Allen

Dr. Philip N. Ankrim

Tricia J. Bachus

Richard A. Belz

Rick Blahauvietz

Paula F. Bowlan

John S. Brochu

Donald J. Bugos

Walter P. Byrd

Mary Chance

Mary Day Coker

Gail G. Collins

Susan Skipper Crowley

Don L. Davis

George W. Dekle

Marcia Ellett

Larry T. Ellis

Gloria W. Fletcher

Mary Gamble

Sharon L. Green

Susan A. Hall

Lynda D. Heslin

Richard E. Hord

Larry R. Humes

Robert K. Hutchinson

Sissy Long

Beverly G. McDougall

Bill Puckett

Timothy B. Ray

Len B. Register, III

Jennifer N.S. Scott

J. Bob Shaw

Jeanne M. Singer

Edward W. Smith, Sr.

Douglas L. Starr

Kay R. Tew

Charles V. Vodanovich, Jr.

Bob F. Watson

Janie S. Williams

Edward A. Woodbury

Leadership Gainesville Class 16

Jean B. Armstrong

Rosalie M. Bandyopadhyay

Rubye McGlynn Beal

Judy E. Boles

Gary R. Brooks

Lewis Brown, Jr.

Pamela W. Carpenter

Vida Ree Cason

Alwyn M. Cassil

Samuel (Sam) P. Clark

Martha Copeland

Isis Carbajal de Garcia

Lynn H. Domenech

Lora Lee Douglas

William (Bill) J. Emerson

Wayne G. Fields

Patrick John Gray

Jerry L. Hines

Carey V. Jones

Penelope Houk Jones

Jean Kiner

Margaret M. Krpan

Kurt Larsen

Martha Ann Lott

Barry H. Luke

Larry McDaniel

James (Jim) Page Miller

Patricia (Patty) M. Montanez

Floreese N. Moore

Stephen M. Oelrich

Carole A. Oglesby

James S. Olin

Robert (Bob) J. Ryan

Stephen G. Summerlin

Jerry C. Tidwell

Carolyn Baker Turner

Marilyn J. Wagener

Michael E. Warren

Mark David Wise

Joan Megahee Wood

Leadership Gainesville Class 15

Thomas William Barnes

Carol Virginia Brient

Oel G. Burk

Barbara N. Buys

Sandra Arrington Coburn

William Patrick Cockrell

Dr. Joyce Y. Cosby

L. Diana Cunningham

Stephen M. Dearing

Leilani Doty

Robert (Bob) C. Douglass, Jr.

Edward (Ed) Coleman Ellett

John Robert Glanzer

Arthur G. Haller

Craig R. Hedgecock

Gina M. Hill

Leonard Elwyn Ireland, Jr.

Martin W. Johnson

Darlene Kostrub

Richard A. Lehner

Corinne Lazenby-Llewellyn

Richard A. Parker

Cecelia (Ceil) D. Patterson

Pat Polopolus

George Rosko

George E. Sandin

Linda R. Smart

Dennis M. Smith

Linda R. Sproull

Charles V. Steadham, Jr.

Earline Wesley

Paul D. White

Susan W. Williams

Robert L. Woody

Janet A. Wotten

Leadership Gainesville Class 14

Elaine Brewton Besalski

James (Jim) F. Bishop, Jr.

H. Anthony (Tony) Blalock

Virginia Childs

Barbara Anne Cohen

Linda R. Cox

Carl Crawford

Johnny D. Days

Kent Doke

Rodney Estes

Eugene C. Fleming

Dione C. Geiger

Carol J. Gormley

Lynda Rogers Knight

David (Dave) Kratzer

William J. Lateulere, Jr.

Dennis A. LeSage

George S. Ling

Leanetta L. McNealy

Judith Mesot Lyons

Melissa Jay Murphy

Carolyn B. Pannell

C. Richard Parker

Ed Poppell

Lynn J. Williams Read

Gloria Roberson-Mwango

Thomas Robinson

Robert E. Roundtree, Jr.

Gail J. Salzburg

Shirley S. Shields

Michael C. Sloan

Samuel Patterson Stafford, II

Ester S. Tibbs

Dale Emory Turlington

Mary Louise Weber

Daniel Brent Williams

Leadership Gainesville Class 13

Eve D. Ackerman

Elaine K. Brown

Edward L. Cason

Renae Gray Clements

Robert F. Fernandez

John C. Fielding

Sheila M. Fitzpatrick-White

Mary C. Geary

Wassie I. Griffin

Donald W. Harkins, Jr.

Darrell F. Hartman

Leslie S. Haswell

Mary Lou Hawkins

Dorothea F. Heiden

Deborah Johnson-Hellrung

Louis P. Kalivoda

Joan Ling

Anne Mendenhall

Larry E. Noegel

Jerry Noland

J. Wayne Norton

Ronald E. Nutter

Paul J. Otradovec

William David Pope, III

Pamela H. Riddle

S. Eugene (Gene) Ritch

Donald L. Royston

Gerald (Jerry) Schaffer

Melanie Ann Shore

James E. Skiles, III

Carl L. Smart

Ruth F. Smith

Sandra G. Smith

Kendall L. Spencer

James F. Sproull, Jr.

Margaret S. Zeanah

Leadership Gainesville Class 12

Phyllis L. Allison

Linda Reynolds Andiric

Ann L. Ares

Suzanne A. Bachus

Bonnie A. Clark-Cameron

Karen R. Crapo

Paula P. Criser

Anne Rogers Cuddeback

George T. Delaino

Stephen J. deMontmolli

James M. Donohoe, Jr.

Robert E. Dykes

Frank H. Forbes

Linda S. Gray

Betty J. Handley

Beckie D. Harloff

John H. Haswell

William D. Higginbotham, Jr.

Jeannine F. Hogue

Leo Frederick Hood

Virginia C. Leavitt

William B. Martin

Brenda D. McCaslin

Lillie B. McGee

William W. McIntosh

Roscoe J. McNealy

James R. Newman

Robert L. Sullivan

Deborah A. Thalasitis

Norbert F. Thomas

Barbara R. Tyler

Gerald Warren, II

Jean K. Westin

Willie C. White, III

Leadership Gainesville Class 11

Charlotte Arinson

Phyllis R. Bleiweis

Joseph (Joe) E. Bradshaw, Jr.

Alvin B. Butler

Sally F. Cameron

Barney Lee Capehart

Barry A. Currier

Tammy Sullivan Evans

Jack M. Everitt

Pam F. Fey

Maurice V. Giunta

Gary D. Gordon

Oscar L. Harris

Williard L. Harrison

Donald A. Hempson

Thomas (Tom) G. Hollinger

John J. Hotaling

Judy B. Hury

Joey A. Jacobs

Sara V. Jarvis

Catherine Jenkins

Michael L. Kurtz

Douglas P. Magann

Helen L. Mamarchev

Jeffrey (Jeff) M. Montgomery

Janet G. Owens

Jerry M. Painter

Robin F. Rosenthal

Bruce K. Stechmiller

Everett H. Stevens

William C. Stout, Jr.

Robert L. Van Winkle

Mark D. Walker

Geraldine Ward

Carol B. Willis

Carole E. Zegel

Leadership Gainesville Class 10

Bill Boyd

William Dan Boyd, Jr.

Steve Brandt

Richard (Rick) G. Buckner, Jr.

Sheila Ann Buros

Bonnie Cooper

Ed Crapo

Paula Criser

Daniel E. Eiland

William (Bill) O. Evans

John Fradd, Jr.

Nancy M. Giunta

Pamela C. Green

Mike Harper

Randy M. Kammer

Bryce Malsbary

Denise Silvia Mansheim

James (Jim) F. Marling

Jane D. Myers

John Pat O’Neal

Richard Olinger

Karl Owens, Jr.

Howard M. Rosenbalt

Bill Rosselle

Bill Ryals

James (Jim) E. Scott

John P. Spindler

Betsy Styron

Tommy Taylor, III

Judith S. Waldman

Richard Ward

Nancy Watts

Scott Whitaker

Kathy Williams

Merry Lynne Wilson

Gail B. Zavelson

William Zegel

Leadership Gainesville Class 9

Helen G. Andersen

Tom Ares

John Battenfield, IV

Wayne Blessing

Sandra Blount

Dr. Clinton G. Bush, III

Ralph Lee Cameron

Jean Chalmers

Laura Chambless

Ian S. Easton

Dean R. Harloff

Sue Hart

Charles I. Holden, Jr.

Virginia Hunt

John James

Synester P. Jones

John Ketteringham

Carolyn C. Kitchens

Richard M. Knellinger

James W. Knight

David LaCroix

Frank J. Lagotic

Robert (Bob) J. Lynn

Anne Marie Mattison

Gail Monahan

Cathy M. Nell

Jim Painter

Howard Patrick

Sally-Lou Patterson

Sue Park

Alec Skiffington

Nancy Ward

Mary Anne Westphal

Mary J. Young

Leadership Gainesville Class 8

Betty Alsobrook

Joseph (Joe) H. Anderson

Roy Benson

Dr. Roger T. Brill

Michael S. Brodeur

Andy Cheney

Buddy Crevasse

Margaret Cole Eppes

F. Wesley Eubank

Clifford L. Gionet

Dr. Donald Hancock

Jacquelyn D. Hart

Dr. Jay Herrington

Stephen W. Higgins

Robert C. Hudson

Carolyn L. Hufty Neff

Mae Vesta Islar

Leanard D. Jackson

David P. Kienast

Mary B. Koss

Wayne E. Mason, Jr.

Penny McCormick

Gary L. Miller

Rick Mulligan

William D. Olinger

Leila Weaver Pratt

Kathy Putnam

James E. Rockwell

Jacqueline Singleton

Lona Stein

Atkins Warren

Leadership Gainesville Class 7

Hawes N. Adams

Rebecca S. Allen

John William Beagle

Faye Strickland Cake

Glenna D. Carr

Ritsy Carpenter

Gloria L. Dickson

Kenneth S. Duffield, Jr.

William Phillip Dunn

Bonnie S. Ellis

Peter C. K. Enwall

Marion Healy Freund

Mary Ann Green

Ronald E. Hall

Starling O. Hamilton

Howard I. Hodor

Helen H. Howard

John G. Kausch

Robert F. Kelly

F. Parker Lawrence

Dr. Charles S. Mahan

Diana B. McPherson

Salvatore Dennis Mollica

Dr. Lemuel B. Moore, III

Sandra T. Olinger

George A. Rafferty, Jr.

Mary Alice Rhodes

Lena C. Richardson

Karol R. Stewart

Roy E. Templet

Patricia A. Trubow

Alexander R. Whan

Dr. Heijia L. Wheeler

Gail Workman

Leadership Gainesville Class 6

John Banks

C.E. (Ed) Barber

Richard J. Benoit

Lonnie W. Bryan

Dr. Randall B. Caton

Dr. Paul S. Clayton

Bette Congi

John J. Davis

Vickie Deen

Mary (Polly) F. Doughty

B. Warren Fair, Jr.

Thomas Murray (T.M.) Feiber

Barbara Gans Gallant

John B. Galm

Ed Goolsby

Michael R. Gordon

Evelyn Gottenstater

Maureen Hadeed

Evelyn Helen Hemp

Lois L. Hensel

John S. Hodgman

Greg Johnson

Elizabeth N. Jones

Anne T. Longley

B. Jeanne Martel

Hugh M. Matthews

Paul E. Metts

Bernard J. Murphy

Jim Price

Ann Pauline Smith

Vann Smith

Charles C. Snowden, Sr.

Kay Shannon the Losen

Rosa B. Williams

Leadership Gainesville Class 5

George Barsom

Joe Bennett

William (Bill) W. Brame

Ann Bromley

Ray Burns

Gene Bush

Dick Cannon

Frances Cauthen

Bill Cellon

Cynthia Moore Chestnut

Mary C. Chiles

Elizabeth Conklin

Bruce Delaney

Dr. Don Erbes

Bobbie Lee Eubank

Marnie Moore Feasel

James (Jim) G. Feiber, Jr.

Alton Fisher

Charlotte L. Fullen

Bob Glafcke

Sam H. Goforth

Curt Green

Venora Griffin

Bob Haley

W. Thomas (Tom) Hawkins, M.D.

Anita Heard

Alan Hetzel

Billy Hurst

Joseph (Joe) R. Isabel

John H. Jones

Tim W. Kaskey

Phil Larson

Wes Larson

Jerry Martin

Jim Milliken

Robert (Bob) S. Mitchell, II

Horace Moore

Charles Neal

Dr. Jacqueline Orlando

Davis M. Rembert, Jr.

Gillette C. Tarbox

Anita Mitchell Tassinari

Laraine Schlegel Teiss

Steve Wilkerson

Earl Young

Leadership Gainesville Class 4

Pete Agee

Edward (Ed) O. Baur

Karen Beach

Rod Canon

Doug Case

Dr. Lowell D. Chesborough

John Davis

Wood Foss

Robert (Bob) E. Franks, Jr.

Betty Jo Hodge

Judy Johnson

Roberta (Bobbie) Lisle Kline

Allen Lastinger, Jr.

John Lotz

Dr. Dan McKinnon

Paul McKnight

Bob Moore

Dorothy D. Nevill

Rob Oglesby

Jim Owens

Edward (Ed) Peddie

Elvoy Raines

Philip (Phil) Riker, III

Mildred Rutherford

Ann Ryals

Dennis Squitieri

James (Jim) R. Stewart

Portia L. Taylor

George Tubb

Jane Walker

Susan Whittaker

Marvin Zima

Leadership Gainesville Class 3

John Adams

Mary B. Barrow

Patsy M. Blount

Ann Braden

Tom Brown

Bob Cameron

Collie Carlton

Robert Cates

Dr. George R. Conger

Will Corbin

Dr. William Deal

George Elmore

Jim Emerson

Donna Faxon

Jim Forsman

Bob Frenzel

Charles Harwood

Gene W. Hemp

Samuel S. Hill

Kenneth J. Hodge

L. Clark Hodge, Jr.

Samuel N. Holloway

Monika Kirkpatrick

Delores S. Krausche

Karl the Losen

Wayne D. Mason

Patsy McCollough

Chuck McKeown

Dale McPherson

Paul E. Peters, Jr.

Bill Purvis

James D. Salter

Ted Satterfield

Otto Spangler

Richard D. Tarbox

Paul Weinrich

Bob White

Leadership Gainesville Class 2

Dr. Robert (Bob) A. Bryan

E.W. (Buddy) Burch, Jr.

Ben Campen

C. B. Daniel, Jr.

Dr. Kenneth (Ken) F. Finger

N. David Flagg

Les Goldman

Helen Hood

A. Bice Hope

P. Jan Hughey

Ed Jennings, Sr.

John W. Kirkpatrick, III

William (Bill) F. Koss

Chester Leathers

Franklin (Frank) K. Lentz

Carlton Lipsius

Frank G. Martin

Fern Maturo

Jim McKinney

Barbara Reeves Menzies

Barry Rutenberg

Marilyn Tubb

Kit Walton

J. Kenneth (Ken) Watson

Ronnie Young

Leadership Gainesville Class 1

Don Allen

Joel Buchanan

E. Finley Cannon Jr.

L. K. Cannon Jr.

Ralph Cellon, Jr.

Charles Chestnut, III

John Childs

James (Jim) E. Clayton

Harold Farmer

Melvin Fried

Michael V. Gannon

Sam Gowan

Barry D. Graves

Carroll Gray

Harold Hansen

Forest Hope

Charles Justice

George Kirkpatrick

Peggy Kirkpatrick

Wayne McCubbin

Stephan P. Mickle

William Minshall

Robert K. Myers

William L. Perusek

Herbert Potts

Stephen A. Rappenecker

Norma Sanderson

Betty Siegel

James L. Stringfellow

Steve Taber

Howard Weston

Betsy Whitaker

Jacob Zucker

“I love having my eyes and heart opened to learning and recognizing areas I still have to look at and work on personally. It helps me to grow and potentially impact everyone around me in an amazing way.”

—Rochelle Trygar, LG Class 50

“Over the past ten months, I’ve had the privilege of learning about the inner workings of our vibrant city, while forming meaningful connections and honing in on my leadership abilities. I’ve made lifelong friends, vastly expanded my professional network, and explored the amazing initiatives, businesses, and educational institutions that make Gainesville a great place to live and work!”

—LeAnn Campbell, LG Class 49

“LG is for anybody who wants to know their community better, who wants to make connections in the community that they might not ever have the opportunity to. I was able to have one-on-one conversations with experts in medical fields, with elected officials, it was really invaluable learning what this community has to offer.”

—Anne Polo, LG Class 47

“I think what really makes Leadership Gainesville different than a lot of the other leadership development programs is the mix of pure leadership development but also community immersion that you really don’t get in any other program.”
—Kevin Spellicy, LG Class 44

“LG creates these very unique opportunities by putting people together in different groups of different opinions and you know we see these bonds form and it’s just amazing.”
—Tiffany Williams Propes, LG Class 40

“LG is an experience of a lifetime. I wish everybody in our community had to go through it because they would appreciate Gainesville more.”

—Joe Johnson, LG Class 26
Fred Bear started his archery business more than 90 years ago. He moved Bear Archery from Michigan to Gainesville in 1978.

Skender (Jim) Islam, Past Chair 2001

I was scheduled to be chairman in 2001, but after open heart surgery and a diagnosis of terminal cancer for my wife, I decided to step down. I like to think that era was the beginning of the modern Chamber. My company was a member of the Chamber for almost 50 years”
The Next
100

The Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce is our community cheerleader. Your Gainesville Chamber is a 5-Star Accredited Chamber of Commerce, a designation that places us in the top one percent of Chambers nationwide. We are a proud membership organization, with 1,300 businesses and their 80,000 employees working together to make Gainesville truly great for everyone in our community. As we celebrate our Centennial Year—#ChamberStrong 1924-2024—we remain rock-solid in our commitment to our community
and ready for the next 100!

Collaborating for
Community Progress

Our 5-year community progress strategy—Collaborate 2025—outlines our mission to help current and future community residents accomplish their goals, focusing on three pillars of engagement: Talent, Opportunity and Place. Our message is simple: Life is Great in Greater Gainesville. Why? Because you can get a better job or create one; you can get a great education; and you can enhance your quality of life.

Talent

Ask any business anywhere in the world what their greatest challenge is and they are very likely to say “attracting and retaining talent.” Here in the Greater Gainesville region, we have a leg up on the competition, thanks to our top-5 ranked public university, the University of Florida, and our nationally recognized college, Santa Fe. As our local economy diversifies, we have many more opportunities for our graduates to stay and grow their careers here. At the Greater Gainesville Chamber, we are committed to helping ensure all residents—from 0 to retirement age—receive the education and skills development they need to reach their full potential. And, whenever possible, provide the opportunities for them to do so right here in Greater Gainesville. Partnerships with our child advocates, our K-12 school system, our college and university and our workforce agency turn ideas into action.

Opportunity

The Greater Gainesville region has earned its international reputation for entrepreneurship. With our thriving start-up culture and innovation and biotech hubs attracting new companies here almost every week, our community is well-positioned to provide opportunities for every worker at every career stage. The Greater Gainesville Chamber offers a wealth of options to help our members connect and collaborate, and we are committed to care and advocate for our existing businesses while looking for and attracting the new businesses that will enhance the opportunities in our region:.

• Networking

The role for which Chambers of Commerce are best known—networking—and a role we enthusiastically embrace with high-quality events and conferences. Hardly a week goes by without an opportunity to meet and greet the people who run and work at the incredible variety of businesses we have locally.

• Leadership Gainesville

The longest running leadership program in the state lives right here in Gainesville. Leadership Gainesville, or LG, is a 10-month program that helps our businesspeople with the skills they need to grow their impact in the community. Upon graduating from LG, leaders carry the relationships they develop through the Leadership Gainesville Alumni Association (LGAA).

• Greater Gainesville Young Professionals (GGYP)

GGYP is a group of individuals in the Greater Gainesville community between the ages of 21-39. Their focus is on personal and professional development, creating and strengthening relationships, investing in the community and exploring our beautiful region.

Place

There is no place like home—just ask the Gator Nation! Whether you were born here, came to school here or relocated here, you likely already recognize all the special things that make Greater Gainesville Great. With the goal of continuous improvement and ensuring everyone in our community has the chance to live their best life, the Greater Gainesville Chamber partners with many local organizations devoted to making our place the best place.

Why Join the Greater
Gainesville Chamber?

The depth and breadth of our services are represented by our four departments: Member Development, Economic Development, Public Policy and Talent and Education, all supported by our Events and our Marketing and Communications departments. We are supported by a 50+-member Board of Directors, who represent the very diverse businesses and organizations—from the smallest of entrepreneurs to our international employers to our committed non-profits—that make up our outstanding community. We also maintain strong relationships with our local, state and federal elected officials and their staff. As a one-stop shop, it is no exaggeration to say we have our fingers on the pulse of our community.

And though we love our events and all the opportunities to meet and greet with our members and our community, the Greater Gainesville Chamber is much more than a networking group. Why join the Chamber? Here’s why:

• Increased visibility in the community: between our in-person events, our website and our social media presence, we make sure our members are featured front and center.

• Credibility: Do you know that when people move to a new location their first stop is most often the local Chamber of Commerce? Our logo and branding campaigns raise the profile of your business.

• Business development and education: our skill-building events provide many options for professional growth.

• Community engagement and service: Our Chamber partners with our policy leaders to ensure the business voice is heard and that we are working together to float all boats.

• Diversity: Our members come from all walks of life and represent every part of our great community. One of our affinity groups, committees or councils is sure to fit you. We also tailor our dues structure to fit, from the sole proprietor to the international company.
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