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Nassau County Chamber of Commerce Blog

Barnabas Offers Dental Services in Hilliard

1/26/2021

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Barnabas Center offers dental services in Hilliard to help adults in need in west Nassau County. The office is located at the Florida Department of Health (37203 Pecan Street, Hilliard FL 32046). Dental services are offered every Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

To be eligible for Barnabas’ dental services, adults age 18 and older must meet income guidelines, have no dental insurance, and provide proof of Nassau County residency.

Nassau County residents may apply for assistance by appointment only. To determine eligibility and schedule an appointment, call (904) 261-7000 for any of the following assistance:
  • Dental exams
  • Fillings
  • Cleanings
  • Extractions
  • Dentures
  • X-Rays

For more information about Barnabas’ programs, please visit www.BarnabasNassau.org.
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Chamber Announces Annual Business Award Nominations

1/26/2021

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The nominations are officially in! The Nassau County Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards process is an opportunity to highlight the impact of outstanding businesses and entrepreneurs throughout Nassau County. Winners will be announced and contacted during the week of February 8th.

​For questions or more information, please email info@NassauCountyFLChamber.com or call (904) 261-3248.


​And the nominees are...
LARGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Amelia Urgent Care & Occupational Medicine
Baptist Medical Center Nassau
First Port City Bank
Hot Paws Pet Grooming, Hotel & Spa
Liberty Landscape Supply
Meridian Waste
Millennium Physician Group
Orange Park Mall
Rayonier
Summer House Realty


MEDIUM BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Amelia Express Care
Joe's 2nd Street Bistro
Junior's Seafood
Palm III Realty
The Hurst Company, CPAs, P.A.
​Wicked BAO


SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Amelia Island Adventures
Amelia Island Kayak Excursions
FASTSIGNS of Fernandina Beach
Paisley Grace Makery
SJ Brewing Company
Surcheros Fresh Grill
Villa Villekulla Toy Store 


BUSINESS LEADER OF THE YEAR
Randy Bowman | Orange Park Mall
Michael Brooks | First Port City Bank
Mark Bullington | Amelia Island Kayak Excursions
Durand Childers | First Port City Bank
Neal & Marty Cochrane | Cochrane's Collision Center
Kerri Foster | Amelia Island Adventures
Jodi Henson | Small Business Development Center at UNF
Gil Langley | Amelia Island TDC and CVB
Octavio Martinez | Hot Paws Pet Grooming, Hotel & Spa
Kelley McCarter | Keep Nassau Beautiful
Tracy Nazzaro | Traders Hill Farm
Tim Poynter | Café Karibo
Jaret P. Rice | The Hurst Company, CPAs
James Schaffer | Summer House Realty
Jenny Schaffer | Summer House Realty
Don Shaw | Cambridge South
JoAnn Stewart | SJ Brewing Company


YOUNG BUSINESS LEADER OF THE YEAR
Dr. James Antun | 8 Flags Chiropractic
Bradley Bean | Rayonier Advanced Materials
Heather Bennett | Paisley Grace Makery
Aaron Bullington | Amelia Island Kayak Excursions
Theresa Duncan | Villa Villekulla Toy Store
Darrin Eakins | Nassau Pride
Greg Franklin | Franklin Equipment Sales
Martinique Lemke | Redbones Dog Bakery & Boutique
Jacob Logsdon | Amelia Express Care
Antoinette Richter | First Port City Bank
Ricky Rochester | Meridian Waste


CUSTOMER SERVICE PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Andrea Aroyo | Amelia Express Care
Pam Austin | First Federal Bank
Kathryn Bell | Millennium Physician Group
Kellie Boston | Boston Photography
Nik Bremer | Amelia Island Bait & Tackle
Aaron Bullington | Amelia Island Kayak Excursions
Amber Bullington | Amelia Island Kayak Excursions
Rachel Clark | Traders Hill Farm
Linda Crow | Crow Jewelers
Kim Ferman and Kelly Redlinski | Advanced Muscle Therapy
Dearsha Johnson | Story & Song Bookstore Bistro
Michelle Myers | Mint Magazine
Noelle Najimy | Hartke & Najimy Accounting Services
Olivia Harris | Whataburger
Amy Petroy | The Patio Place
Ricky Robbins | Amelia Island Coffee
Emiko Rocha | First Federal Bank
Jenny Schaffer | Summer House Realty
Tambre Webb | FASTSIGNS of Fernandina Beach
Nathalie Wu | Wicked BAO


NONPROFIT OF THE YEAR
Barnabas Center
Boys & Girls Clubs of Nassau County
Fernandina Beach Main Street
Fernandina Beach Pride
Keep Nassau Beautiful
Micah's Place
Nassau County School System
Nassau Humane Society
Nassau Pride
Starting Point Behavioral Healthcare
Take Stock in Children of Nassau County
Trinity Love Hoblit Foundation
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Notice of Sidewalk Closure on Will Hardee Road

1/26/2021

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
 
Contact: David Hearn
Nassau County Road & Bridge Department
904 530-6175
e-mail: dhearn@nassaucountyfl.com

The Nassau County Road Department is issuing a Notice of Intent to begin construction on the Will Hardee Storm Drain Repairs Project in Fernandina Beach beginning February 8, 2021. The Department will be replacing approximately 1,000 linear feet of failed metal underground storm drain between Safe Harbor Lane and Calais Lane, on the East side of Will Hardee Road.  Sidewalks will be closed for approximately 30-45 days in this area.
 
For additional information, please contact David Hearn, Assistant Road Director at 904-530-6175.
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Nassau County Fire Rescue Receives New Public Protection Classification

1/26/2021

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Media Release
Office of the Nassau County Manager
January 25, 2021


Nassau County, Florida, January 25, 2021 – In late 2020, Nassau County Fire Rescue participated in a Public Protection Classification (PPC) Survey conducted by the Insurance Services Office (ISO). ISO conducts these surveys nationwide to participating organizations to measure their ability to provide fire service to its residents and prevent property loss from structure fires.

ISO utilized their Fire Suppression Rating Scheduled (FSRS) to objectively evaluate four major areas including:

  • Emergency Communications Systems. ISO reviewed the County’s facilities and support for handling and dispatching alarms for structure for structure fires
  • Fire Department Review. This focused on the County’s fire suppression capability by measuring the department’s alarm response and initial attack to minimize potential loss.
  • Water Supply. This consisted of a review of the County’s water supply system to determine the adequacy for fire suppression purposes.
  • Community Risk Reduction. This includes the County’s adoption and enforcement of the fire presentation code, public fire safety education, and fire investigation.

We are proud to report that Nassau County Fire Rescue has received a rating of 3/3x on a scale of 1-10 (with 1 being the best), putting Nassau County Fire Rescue in the top 14% in the nation. This is up from the rating of 4/4x received previously in 2014. The new rating will go into effect April 1, 2021.

The new rating could positively affect Nassau County homeowners as most insurance companies use this information in some manner to establish premiums for fire insurance. However, this only applies to insurance companies that utilize the ISO ratings and for properties that are located within 5 miles of a fire station and within 1,000 feet of a creditable water source. Policy holders should contact their insurance companies directly to see if the new rating will affect their rates.

Great job to Nassau County Fire Rescue for ensuring the County has the adequate supplies and equipment to minimize loss of property from structure fires. Your service and dedication serves the citizens well and we truly appreciate all the you do!

***********************************************************************************
 If you have any questions related to Nassau County’s PPC Rating, please contact Fire Rescue Headquarters at (904) 530-6600. 
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Government Affairs Committee

1/25/2021

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The mission of the Government Affairs Committee is to influence the development of policies and regulations that aid in the creating opportunities for job creation, business growth, and financial success.

The Government Affairs Committee is responsible for the legislative program, whose volunteer members examines, analyze, and monitor relevant legislation of the governmental bodies. We monitor economic and regional issues of local and state governments that could have an impact on the business community. The committee maintains a continuing dialogue with elected and appointed government officials from the city, towns, county and state. Our overall focus is on supporting legislation and activities that benefit the economic development and overall quality of life in Nassau County.

The committee meets monthly to talk about issues of interest and if action is warranted, gives recommendations to the chamber’s board of directors. After the board adopts a position or policy, the Government Affairs Committee participates in disseminating the information to the membership and begins discussions with or presents positions to the appropriate officials. All chamber members are encouraged to bring their ideas or concerns about economic development in our region to any member of the committee.

​For more information about the Government Affairs Committee, please contact President Regina Duncan by calling (904) 261-3248 x104.
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Rayonier Advanced Materials’ Fernandina Plant Marks “10 Million Ton Milestone”

1/21/2021

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Rayonier Advanced Materials
Press Release
January 21, 2021


(Fernandina Beach, FL – Thursday, January 21, 2021) Rayonier Advanced Materials’ (RYAM) today announced its Fernandina Plant—a fixture of the Nassau County community since 1937—has produced 10 million tons of high purity cellulose. The local plant, which produced pulp and paper during the Great Depression and rayon tire cord during World War II, today manufactures a highly-refined performance fiber that can be found in LCD screens, pharmaceuticals, automotive filters and countless essential products.
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Pictured: Left to Right: Willie Jones – 47 years; Mike Crummey – 43 years; Glynn Mitchell – 49 years; Herbert Mitchell – 47 years; Carl Sweat – 45 years; Rick Langford – 45 years; Terry Mott – 45 years; Bobby Deloach – 45 years; Keith Nelsen – 44 years; Jack Sparkman – 43 years; Ed Cook – 44 years
“10 million tons is a major milestone,” said Mark Homans, the Fernandina Plant’s General Manager. “And countless stories underpin that statistic: Four generations of workers, vendors, customers and community partners made this achievement possible. We’re proud to be an integral part of our local economy and to call Nassau County ‘home.'”

Rayonier Advanced Materials’ 10 millionth ton rolled off the line on January 10th, 2021. The milestone was marked by the plant’s longest-serving employees—some of whom have worked at the facility since the 1970s [photo attached].

“Our 10 millionth ton is a reminder that our community, economy and environment are all connected,” said Paul Boynton, the company’s President and CEO. “Our products are part of countless daily routines, from eating breakfast and taking medicine to answering the cell phone and driving the car. Ordinary products require extraordinary manufacturing—and that’s what we’re celebrating: The combined efforts of thousands of employees, vendors, customers and community partners who made it possible; thank you to the entire RYAM “network” for making this happen!”

The operations of Rayonier Advanced Materials’ Fernandina Plant supports 300 employees, 1,229 local jobs and over 250,000 acres of rural forests. 95 percent of the plant’s total fuel comes from renewable resources, 98 percent of its electricity is self-generated and its total economic contribution to the region is $185 million. The plant’s high purity cellulose makes essential products possible, including: LCD screens and films, filters, construction materials, sponges, and shampoos.

Media Inquiries: Ryan Houck
Telephone: 904-357-9134
E-mail: media@rayonieram.com

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Take Part in the 14th Street Bicycle and Safety Survey

1/21/2021

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Do you frequently travel along 14th Street in Fernandina Beach? Take the City of Fernandina Beach survey to recommend traffic safety improvements for this corridor, with a focus on pedestrians and bicyclists.
​  
Click here to participate in the survey.


About TPO:
The North Florida TPO is the independent regional transportation planning agency for Duval, Clay, Nassau and St. Johns counties. We lead our region’s efforts in planning, funding and mobilizing resources to develop and maintain our transportation system.

The North Florida Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) is the independent regional transportation planning agency for all of Duval and the major parts of Clay, Nassau and St. Johns counties. We work closely with our agency members and partners to develop and administer transportation plans and programs. Additionally, we conduct studies and provide a regional forum to identify and address transportation issues.

That’s how we meet the transportation needs of our growing region. New and improved roads, transit services, greenways and technologies require extensive planning, funding and coordination among multiple government agencies, stakeholder groups and the public. And the North Florida TPO is leading the way.
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Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival Announces New Executive Director

1/21/2021

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Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival
Press Release
www.AICMF.com
January 20, 2021


Serving as the Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival’s Executive Director since 2013, Dr. Joe Marasco has guided the Festival through challenges and growth. His passion, dedication, and optimism have provided the necessary components to usher the Festival into its 20th season. With respect and appreciation, the Festival’s Board has given him a new title, Executive Director Emeritus.
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Dr. Joe Marasco receives “Emeritus” distinction; Eric Sakurai named new Executive Director
Eric Sakurai was appointed by the Festival’s Board as the new Executive Director. Eric has held a variety of corporate senior executive positions in operations and finance at major corporations in the Northeast and the Midwest. After his retirement in 2015, Eric held positions as the treasurer and board member with the Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival. He is also a former executive board member and mentor of Take Stock in Children of Nassau. Currently, he is a board member of the Guitar Foundation of America. He is a life-long, classical music enthusiast, and developed a strong passion for playing classical guitar in recent years. Eric and Gail, his wife of 50 years, have two grown children in Washington DC and Atlanta.

“In my new role as the Executive Director of the Festival, I look forward to working closely with patrons, volunteers, artists, board/staff members, and all music lovers to bring world-class music and education programs to our community,” said Eric Sakurai.

Festival Board President Emma Mills Bledsoe said, “As we welcome Eric to his new role, we all stand and applaud Dr. Joe with our most sincere thanks for his years of dedicated leadership and service.”

The Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival is celebrating its 20th season with an array of internationally recognized award-winning musicians from multiple genres. Respecting the safety of both musicians and the audience, the Festival has arranged for both live and virtual venues. The first concert, featuring the Dover Quartet with Cellist Christopher Rex, is free and may be viewed online Sunday, January 31, 2021, at 2 pm. Information about this and all concerts and tickets are available at www.AICMF.com.

About the Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival
Celebrating its 20th Anniversary season, the Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival is one of the nation’s most renowned classical music festivals. The Festival is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
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Celebrating 5 Years of Teen Mentoring and Summer Employment Partnership Between Baptist Medical Center Nassau and Boys & Girls Clubs of Nassau County

1/20/2021

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Xanah and Xarah Sproul are recent graduates of Yulee High School.  These twins’ aspirations of working in the health and medical fields are now within reach thanks to a partnership between Baptist Health and our local Boys & Girls Clubs of Nassau County (BGCN).  Throughout their high school careers, they participated in weekly mentoring sessions and introductions to various aspects of health care while earning a weekly stipend. They also worked at Tipping the Scale (TTS) summer internship jobs at the hospital each summer after turning 16.

“Thanks to the Tipping the Scale opportunity, I have decided to pursue higher education and focus on a pre-med track in Medical Humanities.  The experience in this program, the mentors, and the opportunity in general have helped me realize that I want to go to medical school after I receive my bachelor’s degree,” said 2020 graduate and scholarship awardee, Xanah Sproul.
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The program was created to help students stay in school through mentoring relationships, job-readiness training, and real work experience.  One key aspect is that students get to develop their communication, social, and work skills while helping to identify their future goals.

“I learned about Tipping the Scale through two of my friends who were involved in it already.  I thought it would just be fun, but it turned out to be the best decision ever,” said recent scholarship recipient Reggina Alexander.
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“This scholarship means my daughter can continue her education without worrying about how she is going to pay for classes and books,” added Reggina’s mother, Carlesa Kirkland-Glover.

Since 2015, the TTS program has had over 25 students involved and has awarded 5 scholarships for those seniors who complete the program and desire to attend college. The program has expanded from supporting 8 students each year to now offering space for 16 with plans for future expansion. Students in TTS begin the program in the 9th grade are also members of BGCN until graduation.
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Baptist Nassau and BGCN board member, Bill Gower, was instrumental in bringing this program to the county.  He summarized: “Tipping the Scale is a tremendous opportunity where BGCN teens join the program in the 9th grade and attend weekly sessions at Baptist Nassau Medical Center with our facilitator and a designated Baptist employee mentor. The student receives life guidance, experience in the healthcare field, and earns a weekly stipend of $10.00 per session (48 sessions annually).  Also, when students turn 16 they can interview for 8-week summer internships at 40 hours per week. These jobs span most facets of the Medical Center operation. When students graduate, they are eligible to apply for the TTS Scholarship. The award covers tuition and books and can be applied to each successful semester until they earn an undergraduate degree at their college of choice.”

Baptist Health Foundation’s generosity provides the funding for the TTS program.  Also, they have assisted in procuring employee mentors, providing facilities at Baptist Nassau Medical Center, and gifting a major donation to help start the Scholarship Endowment. Baptist Nassau President Ed Hubel has been very involved and supportive: “Baptist Nassau takes pride in the contributions within our community and partnering with BGCN and TTS.  Our mentoring provides the youth of Nassau county an opportunity for success to graduate high school, demonstrate good character, attend college in the future, and live a healthy lifestyle.  These young adults will be OUR future leaders, business partners, and mentors”.
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BGCN provides support and leadership for teens who demonstrate a desire to join the TTS program.  Steve Nadeau, President of Boys & Girls Clubs of Nassau County Foundation, expressed his impressions of the impact TTS is having on local teens: "TTS has significantly benefited the BGCN teen members over the last several years due to the year-round commitment of mentors provided by Baptist Medical Center Nassau.  These mentors meet with our teens individually once a week to introduce them to a variety of opportunities for future employment in the healthcare industry and they help our teens prepare for job interviews and other challenging projects throughout the year.  In short, the TTS program helps our teen members dream big and prepare for bright futures." 
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Current 8th and 9th graders who have an interest in the TTS program can find out more by contacting the Miller Freedom Center at 904-261-1075.
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First Selection of Individuals From the COVID-19 Vaccination Wait List

1/20/2021

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​NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-January 19, 2021
Contact: Dave Richardson
Public Information Officer
Nassau County Emergency Operations Center
EOC.PUBLICINFO@nassauflem.com
(904) 583-5543

Nassau County Random Vaccine Selection from Waitlist Begins Today

The Florida Department of Health in Nassau County has been notified by the state it will receive 975 vaccine doses this week. Nassau County Director of Emergency Management Greg Foster says more than 8800 residents have registered their names on a waitlist with Eventbrite. Foster says Eventbrite will begin notifying residents today by email if their name has been randomly selected from the waitlist to receive a vaccine dose from this allotment. The notification process will continue through tomorrow afternoon.

Foster says those selected will be notified by email from Eventbrite. They must then follow the unique link in their notification email to claim their dose. Once they have claimed their dose, a second email will be sent to each individual with a “ticket” containing their specific number and instructions to call EOC to schedule their vaccination appointment. While there are some individuals who registered, but do not have an email address, Foster says those individuals will be contacted by phone directly from Emergency Management to set their appointment.
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Foster says residents can continue to register on-line at www.onenassau.com, but advises each person can be registered only once. “We have spent a lot of time removing duplicate names, some of whom have registered several times, Foster says. It will not improve the odds of random selection. We only want a person registered once on the waitlist to make it as fair and random as possible; each person has the same chance as every other person registered. Once registered, each resident will remain on the waitlist until they get their dose of vaccine.
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Nassau County Chamber of Commerce
961687 Gateway Blvd., Suite 101-G  |  Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
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