The 2019 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday was passed by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis. This sales tax holiday begins Friday, May 31, 2019 and extends through Thursday, June 6, 2019.

During this sales tax holiday period, qualifying items related to disaster preparedness are exempt from sales tax. However, the sales tax holiday does not apply to the rental or repair of any of the qualifying items. Additionally, the sales tax holiday does not apply to sales in a theme park, entertainment complex, public lodging establishment or airport.

For more information and a list of qualifying items, please see the Department of Revenue's Taxpayer Information Publication on the 2019 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday. For your convenience, the Department has provided digital downloads and social media posts for individuals and businesses interested in sharing information about the sales tax holiday.

Join the Nassau County Chamber of Commerce for Hot Topics: ‘Self Care Isn’t Selfish’ on Wednesday, June 12, 2019 from 8:30-9:30 A.M. 

Guest speaker Judy Prokopiak of JPP Health and Healing will discuss how to find balance in your life and avoid mental and physical breakdowns. This hour-long presentation is perfect for business professionals, entrepreneurs, parents, and everyone in between. Learn how to manage your thoughts and feelings and make the most out of your life.

Judy Prokopiak is a nurse, health, life and transition coach. Working mostly with women, she teaches her clients how to manage the stress and anxiety that can occur after a big life change such as grief, loss, divorce or a new career. Judy volunteers with hospice and other local groups and loves being a part of this vibrant and growing community. 

Hot Topics workshops are free for Chamber members and $25.00 for prospective members. Advanced payment and registration are always preferred. CLICK HERE for more information. 

The Nassau County Chamber of Commerce is grateful for the support of our local Staples store in Fernandina Beach and want to thank them for being the Title Sponsor of the Annual Teacher Appreciation Breakfast on May 29, 2019. 

The breakfast would absolutely not be possible without their support and we are grateful to have such an incredible business in the community. 

With their new Classroom Rewards Program, you don't have to wait until the Teacher Appreciation Breakfast to support local educators. Head over to www.staples.com/classroomrewards to learn more about how to take advantage of this new program. 

The City of Fernandina Beach has been named one of the 2019 Healthiest Companies by the First Coast Worksite Wellness Council (FCWWC) as a Gold Level Award winner for the third consecutive year. The Council announced the winners at the 11th Annual Worksite Wellness Conference in Jacksonville on May 8, 2019. The companies who received awards were honored for their commitment to employee health and wellness and for making noteworthy strides to improve the health and well-being of their employees. This is the seventh straight year the City has been recognized by the FCWWC for its health and wellness program. Human Resources (HR) Director Robin Marley and HR Generalists Toni Brown and Teresa Bryan accepted the award on behalf of the City of Fernandina Beach.
 
FCWWC has four levels of awards. According to their website, Gold Level companies have dedicated resources to ensure their programs are being properly measured each year. FCWWC conducts annual surveys and strategically selects the best programs that meet the organization’s goal of improving the health, productivity, and well-being of its employees.
 
Marley shared that organizations must meet certain criteria in their wellness plans to be considered for each award level.  One of the notable actions the City has taken since 2004 is to plan and execute an annual Health and Benefits Fair which includes free health screenings and helps educate employees about better health management.
 
In 2016, the City partnered with Baptist Health and the YMCA of Florida’s First Coast to implement a wellness program, Personalized Approach to Health (PATH), which assists employees in developing a manageable wellness plan, including a baseline health assessment and information to help them achieve personal health goals. In 2017, the City introduced a new weight loss and healthy living program, “Real Appeal,” for its covered employees and dependents, provided at no cost by its medical insurance carrier. 
 
Marley stated, “The focus of every good wellness program is changing behaviors for the better. With the right education, skills, and support, people are motivated to change and become more mindful of their health and wellness. Since beginning our wellness initiative at the City of Fernandina Beach, we have seen our employees become more interested and actively engaged in wellness, not only for themselves personally, but for one another as well.”

The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island is experiencing a record year and looking forward to their peak season beginning June 1st for summer. They are looking for Part-Time and Full-Time candidates who would like to join the AAA Five Diamond Ladies and Gentlemen of this world class resort. 

For a limited time, the following openings for highly talented candidates are available:

• Valet – Parker - Full or Part time
• Engineer IV - Full or Part-time
• Bartender
• Restaurant server
• Hostess
• Pastry Cook
• Spa Concierge
• Supervisors/Manager for Stewarding, Coast Restaurant, Reservations, Culinary, Engineering
• PM Turndown Housekeeping Attendant
• Salt Restaurant 

CLICK HERE for more information and a full list of available positions.

The Nassau County Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce that applications for the Leadership Nassau Class 20 are now available. 

Leadership Nassau is a program of the Nassau County Chamber of Commerce with an objective to assist in the development of community leaders by providing participants from diverse backgrounds with an understanding of the problems, opportunities and issues facing our community. 

Participation is open to all citizens of Nassau County. Leadership Nassau will target individuals with diverse geographical and social-economic backgrounds and seek a racial, gender and age mix reflective of the population at large. The recruitment process ensures a group selection representative of local business and professionals, education, labor, social services and government. Since the selection process is highly competitive with a limited number of participants, applicants are encouraged to reapply to subsequent programs if not initially accepted. 

CLICK HERE for more information about Leadership Nassau or download the Class 20 Application below. 

With over 300 families moving to or near Nassau County each month, our 'Welcome to the Neighborhood' program is an easy way for your business to get in front of new Nassau County residents. 

By providing offers, coupons and materials in the Welcome Bags, you have the opportunity to introduce your products and services to the newest members of our community and start a lasting professional relationship. 

To participate, Chamber of Commerce member businesses should provide at least 100 gifts, offers or coupons to be distributed in the Welcome Bags. Offers and coupons must be worth at least $15.00 or be at a discount of least 25%. As we need additional items, we will contact you. This is a Chamber membership benefit and there is no cost to participate. 

For more information, call (904) 261-3248 or email info@nassaucountyflchamber.com.