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Nassau County Chamber of Commerce Blog

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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West Nassau Historical Society Selects Saturday, April 17, for Their 16th Annual Fundraising Railroad Day Festival

1/11/2021

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The West Nassau Historical Society has selected Saturday, April 17, for their signature fundraising Railroad Day Festival. The all-volunteer nonprofit’s 16th annual celebration is an all-day event held in and around the historic 1881 Callahan Train Depot and adjoining 1856 Florida Railroad bed. This year’s event will include a commemoration of Florida's 200th anniversary of becoming a US territory. Other photos and maps of interest will be on display inside the museum of local history section of the 140-year old wooden train station. 
          
The arts/crafts vendors and food vendors are open from 9 AM to 4 PM and the kids’ area will include Joel Pace hands-on music zoo and Hobo scavenger hunt. Local live entertainment will perform on the main depot stage from 9 AM to 4 PM. Callahan Cruisers will host a classic car show at Cochrane's Collision Center next door to the depot  Various citizens and sponsors will be honored and car show and contest winners announced during the festivities. Antique engines, tractors, and scaled trains will be exhibited outside the depot while model train layouts will be on display inside the Depot Annex. This is an outdoor event so please bring your lawn chairs. COVID-19 guidelines that are in place during April will be followed.
 
The West Nassau Historical Society is an all-volunteer non-profit, tax exempt organization dedicated to the preservation of Nassau County’s rich and diverse history and entrusted with the upkeep of the historic Callahan Train Depot. Donations to the 501c3 organization are tax deductible in accordance to current IRS rules. Sponsors and volunteers are needed to help make this year’s festival a success. For additional information on the 2021 Railroad Day Festival visit www.wnhsfl.org or if you are interested in becoming a volunteer, vendor, sponsor, member, or donor call festival co-chairs John Hendricks or Emily Baumgartner at 904-879-3406.

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NEW DATE: Second Round of Supply Distribution for All Nassau County Businesses

12/2/2020

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December 2, 2020 (Nassau County, FL) The Nassau County Board of County Commissioners recently partnered with the Nassau County Chamber of Commerce to use a portion of the funds from the CARES Act for the distribution of sanitizing supplies to the local business community.

Due to the overwhelming response and need within the business community, more sanitizing supplies are available. Each business will be provided supplies based on the number of employees and materials will be available until all supplies have been distributed. Businesses must bring a copy of either their utility bill or Florida Division of Corporations 2020 registration to receive free supplies. The provided document must show the name of the business and a Nassau County address.

Nassau County businesses that previously received supplies may participate again.
Cases of supplies will be available at the Nassau County Chamber of Commerce on the following date:


Monday, December 14, 2020 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Nassau County Chamber of Commerce
961687 Gateway Blvd., Suite 101-G
Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

Supply distribution is available for every Nassau County business, while supplies last. For more information about this program, please contact the Nassau County Chamber of Commerce at (904) 261-3248 or info@NassauCountyFLChamber.com. 

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West Nassau Historical Society Seeks Nassau County Artists & Students for their 9th annual NACD Art Show on January 30

11/25/2020

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The West Nassau Historical Society is actively seeking artists and high school students from Nassau County to participate in their 9th annual Nassau Art at the Callahan Depot (NACD) art show. The judged event is designed to showcase the many talented adult artists as well as middle and high school art students who reside in Nassau County, Florida. The exhibit will be held inside the historic Callahan Train Depot located at 45383 Dixie Avenue on Saturday, January 30, 2021. The quaint ambiance of the 139 year-old station and museum offers the perfect venue for county artists to display their works while giving the public a chance to check out many historic photos and artifacts on display inside the depot.

During this COVID pandemic several aspects of the county-wide art show has been limited or moved to an exterior location. To keep all artists, visitors and volunteers safe several preventative measures such as temperature checks and social distancing will be followed. Artists will be restricted to only 2 judged art works and any who bring more of their art works to sell will be given an area outdoors on the depot platform. With the unpredictability of the virus and the weather, other aspects of the art show could change without notice.

The all-volunteer nonprofit organization hopes all Nassau County artists will visit their web site www.wnhsfl.org for entry applications and art show information. Deadline for entering is noon on Friday, January 15. The group also encourages Nassau County middle and high school students to contact the Historical Society or their art teacher for an student entry form.

Prizes will be awarded to the adult artists with the best art work in three categories: painting, photography, and 3-D art. The public attending the NACD event will also be given a chance to vote for their favorite art work with that artist receiving a People’s Choice award. Another judged category will cover artwork from high school students who attend school or study at home in Nassau County. Gift cards and other prizes will be awarded to the top winners of each category.

The NACD art show is open to the public from 10 AM to 2:30 PM, with a one hour break from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM to allow for the art entries to be judged. During this intermission members of the Historical Society will serve a luncheon for the artists, students and sponsors inside the iconic 1881 train station annex. The Callahan Train Depot will then reopen to the public at 1:30 PM with refreshments and the awards ceremony. Admission to the 9th edition of the NACD art show is free but donations are always appreciated.

The West Nassau Historical Society is a registered 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to preserving and promoting Nassau County’s history and culture and is entrusted with the upkeep of the historic late Victorian-style Callahan Train Depot. They are also active in and receive support from Arts and Culture Nassau, a county-wide organization dedicated to promoting the arts and culture in Nassau County. To become a sponsor or for more details on entering the show or becoming a volunteer visit our web site www.wnhsfl.org, call 904-879-3406, or like us on Facebook. The Historical Society is always looking for new members and volunteers to help us promote our county’s rich and diverse history and to put on historical and cultural events such as this.

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Supply Distribution for Nassau County Businesses

11/2/2020

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The Nassau County Board of County Commissioners recently designated a portion of the funds from the CARES Act to be used for the distribution of sanitizing supplies to local businesses and reimbursement funds for disinfectant foggers. Sanitizing supplies will be available to all local businesses free of charge on a first-come-first-serve basis. “Providing these programs for the Nassau County business community is critical to the ongoing efforts to assist our citizens, community partners, and businesses recover in these unprecedented times. We are extremely appreciative to the Chamber Board of Directors for the opportunity to partner and execute this program.” Taco Pope, County Manager.

Various distribution dates and locations have been established, making it easier for all businesses throughout Nassau County to access difficult to acquire sanitizing supplies. Each business will be provided supplies based on the number of employees and materials will be available until all supplies have been distributed. Businesses must bring a copy of either their utility bill or Florida Division of Corporations 2020 registration to receive free supplies. The provided document must show the name of the business and a Nassau County address.

Free supplies are available to Nassau County businesses one time only. Businesses that received supplies during our first event in Fernandina Beach will be unable to attend again in Yulee or Callahan.

Supplies will be distributed on the following dates and locations:

Monday, November 9, 2020 from 9:00-11:00 A.M.
The Journey Church parking lot
95707 Amelia Concourse
Yulee, FL 32097


Tuesday, November 10, 2020 from 9:00-11:00 A.M.
West Nassau Historical Society parking lot
45383 Dixie Avenue
Callahan, FL 32011
 
Businesses may participate in the reimbursement program by submitting a receipt for a disinfectant fogger. The deadline to submit your receipt is November 10, 2020. For more information and restrictions, please contact the Chamber of Commerce.

According to Regina Duncan, President of the Nassau County Chamber of Commerce, “This program, coupled with the recent distribution of small business grants, will play a significant role in the recovery of our business community. We are pleased to partner with Nassau County to aid the entire business community.”

Supply distribution is available for every Nassau County business. For more information about this program, please contact the Nassau County Chamber of Commerce at (904) 261-3248 or at info@NassauCountyFLChamber.com. 
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Responding to COVID-19: How Barnabas is Helping Nassau County

6/10/2020

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As the major safety net organization for Nassau County residents in need, Barnabas Center is on the front line of helping residents in need during the COVID-19 crisis. Services offered to Nassau County residents with low to moderate incomes include food assistance, financial assistance and urgent medical and dental care.

Food Assistance: A short-term supply of food is provided that may include produce, dairy, meat and nonperishable items, depending on availability:
  • Weekly Food Assistance – Monday, CLOSED; Tuesday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. (Barnabas Center, 1303 Jasmine Street, Suite 101, Fernandina Beach)
  • Weekly Food Assistance: Hilliard – Every Wednesday – 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. – First Baptist Church (15850 CR 108, Hilliard)
  • Weekly Food Assistance: Callahan – Every Wednesday – 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – First Baptist Church (45090 Green Avenue, Callahan)
  • Weekly Food Assistance: Fernandina Beach – Every Thursday – 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. – Christwalk Church (2920 Bailey Road, Fernandina Beach)
  • Bi-Weekly Food Assistance: Yulee – First and third Friday each month – 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Yulee Middle School (85439 Minor Road, Yulee)
  • Bi-Weekly Food Assistance: Bryceville – Second and fourth Friday each Month – 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. – Bryceville Community Club (7280 Motes Road, Bryceville)
  • Monthly Food Assistance: Fernandina Beach – Second Saturday each month – 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Martin Luther King Center (1200 Elm Street, Fernandina Beach)

Mobile Food Distribution:
  • Hilliard Food Distribution – 3rd Monday each month – drive through style – Next distribution June 15th – Arrive no earlier than 1:30 p.m. – First Baptist Church (15850 CR 108, Hilliard)
  • Callahan Fairgrounds – On hold until further notice.

Financial Assistance:
  • Short-term payment assistance with rent, mortgage & utilities payments (electric, water, gas)
  • Assistance in applying for public benefits programs, i.e. food stamps and Medicaid
  • Referrals & information for additional services

Medical and Dental Care: We provide medical and dental care to adults who are uninsured and do not have a primary care doctor. Please contact us to discuss. For more information about our health services, visit www.barnabasnassau.org/get-help/health-services.

For information about available assistance and eligibility, contact Barnabas at (904) 261-7000, visit www.BarnabasNassau.org, or follow our Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/BarnabasNassau. For your safety and others during the pandemic, please call Barnabas for a telephone pre-screening for financial assistance, food stamp and/or Medicaid applications before visiting the office.
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Nassau County Vacation Rental Plan Toolkit

5/21/2020

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Nassau County has received the official notice of approval from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation on the the Nassau County Vacation Rental Plan. Effective immediately, vacation rentals can begin accepting and welcoming reservations again.

Below are a list of resources to assist with implementing the new Nassau County Short-Term Vacation Rental Plan: 
  • Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Approval of Nassau County Vacation Rental Request 
  • Approved Nassau County Short-Term Vacation Rental Plan
  • State and Nassau County Executive Orders
  • ​Mandatory Quarantine Information - This information is also outlined in the plan and executive orders, but this document provides a quick glance guide to the quarantine requirements.  
  • ​Cleaning Protocol Signage from the Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau - You are welcome to use these printable copies of cleaning protocol signage. You may wish to also post your own cleaning protocols to provide additional details to your guests. 
  • Nassau County Short-Term Vacation Rental Sample Guest Screening Form – while you can conduct the guest screening however works best for your businesses, we have provided a sample guest screen form that you may edit for your use. 
  • Reporting – as with all short term rentals in Nassau County, the plan requires the reporting to the Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau using the Daily Lodging Log. You must submit the number of occupants, location of origin (state and city), and the arrival and departure dates of ALL guests using the daily log form here or when your information change. 

For assistance with the sourcing of cleaning supplies for your business, please contact the Nassau County Chamber of Commerce at (904) 261-3248 or info@NassauCountyFLChamber.com. 
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    Nassau County Short-Term Rental Plan

    5/19/2020

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    A plan for short-term rentals from the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners was sent to the State this morning. 
    ​

    County Manager, Mike Mullin, and Assistant County Manager, Taco Pope, met with the Tourist Development Council this morning to review a draft plan to be submitted to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations to reinstate short-term rentals in Nassau County.

    The final plan was submitted at 11:04 this morning. A copy can be found attached below. CLICK HERE to download the documents. Once approval is received from the State, an Emergency Order will be issued to codify the plan. 
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    Barnabas Receives Support From the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences

    4/22/2020

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    As the major nonprofit safety net provider in Nassau County, Barnabas Center is responding to the needs of individuals and families in crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    During this crisis, Barnabas Center is on the front lines for providing food to people in need in Nassau County. Many of our neighbors are being disproportionately affected by this crisis, especially those who are lower income, disabled, elderly, or unable to work due to business closures or layoffs.

    The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Family nutrition program supports access to food for people in need. UF/IFAS will help support Barnabas Center with donations of needed supplies for its food distribution sites.

    With recent business closures and job losses, the services that Barnabas provides to the community are more important than ever. Barnabas thanks UF/IFAS and other community partners for their support during these uncertain times. Through its food pantry, mobile food distributions, crisis assistance and medical services, Barnabas will strive to help those in crisis to help them remain healthy and stable. 
    ​

    For information about available assistance and eligibility, contact Barnabas at (904) 261-7000, or visit www.BarnabasNassau.org.  For information about how to help or to make a donation, visit the website or contact Tania Yount, Chief Development Officer at (904) 261-7000 ext. 107 or tyount@barnabasnassau.org.
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    Chamber Announces Workforce Assistance Program

    4/15/2020

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    The Nassau County Chamber of Commerce has announced its services to assist workers who are left unemployed or unpaid due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
     
    In partnership with Barnabas Center, the Chamber of Commerce has created a Workforce Assistance Program and Information Hotline. Individuals who need assistance with rent, utilities, food and other necessities may contact the Nassau County Chamber of Commerce office at (904) 261-3248 or via email info@NassauCountyFLChamber.com. Applicants may be eligible if work hours have been reduced due to Coronavirus, or if the workplace closes or instructs employees not to go to work, resulting in not being paid. Proof of Nassau County residency is required.
     
    “Early in March, as the situation evolved, we recognized the need to serve as an information source for not only businesses but residents. We are in a unique position with outreach to the entire community and the knowledge, structure and resources to help” said Regina Duncan, President, Nassau County Chamber of Commerce.

    As the surge of jobless claims continues to overwhelm the state unemployment office, the Chamber of Commerce began providing paper unemployment applications. Over the past 10 days, more than 1600 applications have been distributed and are still available outside of the Chamber of Commerce office, located at 961687 Gateway Blvd., Suite 101-G, Fernandina Beach, Florida.
     
    While the Chamber of Commerce hosts two hiring events each year, the April event has been postponed until further notice. However, job seekers are encouraged to continue to visit www.NassauCountyFLChamber.com for available job openings and resources.

    For more information on the Workforce Assistance Program, Information Hotline, or any of the other programs offered by the Nassau County Chamber of Commerce, call (904) 261-3248 or email info@NassauCountyFLChamber.com. 

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    Nassau County Chamber of Commerce
    961687 Gateway Blvd., Suite 101-G  |  Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
    Phone: (904) 261-3248 | info@nassaucountyflchamber.com | site map
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