Blog - Nassau County Chamber of Commerce

Free Landscape Courses Offered by Nassau County Extension Office

1/5/2023

Did you know that the Nassau County Extension offers FREE Landscape Matters Classes where residents can receive advice from certified Master Gardeners on how to make your landscape the best it can be? Classes are held at the Extension Office located at 85831 Miner Road in Yulee.

Below is the schedule of classes for 2023.

The first class "The Wood Wide Web" is being held on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 from 10am-11am. This class will focus on the world of plants and fungi and the important role they plan in our environment. Registration is required and you can attend in-person or virtually.

A Special Florida Friendly Landscape Course: The 9 Principles, will take place on Wednesday, January 25, 2023 from 3:30-5:00 p.m. This a VIRTUAL course that covers Florida's list of best management practices for our landscapes. It's nine principles outline how Floridians can enjoy their landscapes more while working less t protect Florida's natural resources.

To sign up for any course, please click here: https://bit.ly/NassauHorticulture.

For disability accommodations such as alternate formats of written materials, please contact Dr. Taylor Clem at taylorclem87@ufl.edu or call (904) 530-6350.

Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Encourages Floridians to Participate in the Federal Communications Commission’s National Broadband Map Challenge Process

1/5/2023

Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) encourages Floridians to participate in the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) National Broadband Map challenge process to help verify broadband Internet access data within unserved and underserved areas in Florida. The accuracy of FCC’s map is essential to future broadband Internet funding for the state of Florida through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program opening in 2023.

Floridians are encouraged to visit the FCC National Broadband Map and enter their home or business address to view a summary of the FCC’s broadband Internet data for that location. The map allows Floridians to submit challenges related to address locations, available service providers, and available service speeds, providing beneficial insight into Florida’s most unserved and underserved areas. Challenges received by January 13, 2023, will be prioritized and will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis.

Floridians without a fixed (wired) or mobile broadband connection are especially encouraged to participate. A mobile phone, a friend or family member’s computer, or a public access site (a school, community center, or public library) can be used to enter a home address, review, and if needed, challenge the FCC’s national broadband map.

For additional information on the Florida Office of Broadband, visit www.FloridaJobs.org/Broadband.

Additional Broadband Internet Expansion Efforts

In November 2022, the Florida Office of Broadband received $247.8 million from the U.S. Treasury for the Capital Projects Fund Broadband Infrastructure Program. The Office was also awarded $2.4 million for their Digital Equity Planning Grant, as well as $5 million for the BEAD 5-year action plan.
In November 2022, the final rule for the Broadband Opportunity Program became effective.
In October 2022, the Florida Office of Broadband filed the final rule package to Florida’s Joint Administrative Procedures Committee and updated the Office website with information on the Broadband Opportunity Program, including program guidelines, frequently asked questions, and information on the technical assistance walk though webinars.
In September 2022, DEO posted the final application and scoring and evaluation criteria for the Broadband Opportunity Program to the website. DEO also Published the Notice of Proposed Rule in the Florida Administrative Weekly.
In August 2022, DEO hosted three regional workshops (Bartow in Polk County on August 22, Milton in Santa Rosa County on August 25, and Moore Haven in Glades County on August 29) to receive community input on rulemaking for the implementation of the $400 million Broadband Opportunity Program.
In June 2022, DEO submitted the Florida Strategic Plan for Broadband to the Governor, the Speaker of the House, and the President of the Senate. The Florida Strategic Plan for Broadband lays out the vision of the Florida Office of Broadband, the roles for state and local participants, and the strategies to undertake as Florida works toward a fully connected citizenry, both economically and socially.
In June 2022, DEO published the Faster Florida Broadband Map, which identifies census blocks as unserved, underserved, served, and no fixed internet service as defined in Section 288.9961, Florida Statutes. The map also identifies Florida geographic boundaries, community anchor institutions, grant funding opportunities, and information on the speed tests taken through the Florida Broadband Availability Map.
In December 2021, DEO published Florida’s Broadband Availability Map to identify where broadband-capable networks exist, where service is available to end users, gaps in rural areas, and download and upload speeds. DEO continues to collect data from Floridians on their availability and accessibility of broadband Internet to be added to the map through its Broadband Internet Speed Test.
In September 2021, DEO launched the Local Technology Planning Team initiative using the Broadband Planning Toolkit developed by the Florida Office of Broadband. Local Technology Planning Teams are tasked with working within their communities to understand their current broadband availability, locate unserved and underserved businesses and residents, identify assets relevant to broadband deployment, build partnerships with broadband service providers, and identify opportunities to leverage assets and reduce barriers to the deployment of broadband Internet services in the community.
In February 2021, DEO partnered with the Florida Regional Councils Association to host 10 virtual workshops where participants discussed broadband internet accessibility. Industry sector and community leaders within each region were invited to participate. These industry sectors included education, healthcare, private business, community organizations, agriculture, tourism, parks and recreation, economic development, local governments, and internet service providers.
During Florida’s 2021 Legislative session, House Bill 1239 passed and provided an allocation of $1.5 million to develop geographic information system (GIS) maps of Florida’s currently availability of broadband internet service.
In July 2020, the Florida Office of Broadband was established within DEO’s Division of Community Development to increase the availability and effectiveness of broadband internet throughout the state. The amendment of Section 288.9961, Florida Statutes, and creation of Sections 288.9962 and 288.9963, Florida Statutes, provides DEO access to federal grant dollars and assists rural communities with the expansion of broadband services, as well as provides directives for broadband mapping and the Broadband Opportunity Program.

Barnabas Center Food Assistance February, March, April 2023

1/5/2023

To learn more about upcoming Drive-Through Food Assistance events through Barnabas Center, visit www.BarnabasNassau.org or call (904) 261-7000.

Support Nassau 4-H While Attending a Jacksonville Icemen Game

1/4/2023

1/3/23 @ 3:15 p.m.

Show your support for Nassau County Extension's 4-H program by attending the Jacksonville Iceman game on Friday, February 3rd. Each ticket sold for "Nassau County" will result in proceeds being donated back to the Nassau County 4-H to be used for future 4-H Scholarships.

There is also a friendly competition going on with area counties to see which 4-H program can bring the most fans! Should Nassau County bring the most fans, our 4-H youth will have an opportunity to win prizes and possibly sit with the team at a future game!

Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased
at www.jaxicemen.com/4h or by using the QR code on the attached flyer.

Before ordering tickets, be sure to select "Nassau" from the County options so we can ensure our 4-H program gets credit for the sale.

-Sabrina Robertson
Public Information Officer

Stormwater Engineer Provides Update on Thomas Creek

1/4/2023

1/3/23 @ 2:20 p.m. - Flooding along Thomas Creek has been an area of concern for many years. Previous efforts to mitigate those concerns have been unsuccessful so the County sought assistance from the Army Corps of Engineers on a possible solution.

In 2019, a Planning Assistance to States (PAS) study was conducted by the Army Corps of Engineers and Nassau County staff which included extensive modeling with multiple scenarios. The PAS Study findings were presented to and adopted by the Board of County Commissioners on June 13, 2022, with direction to Staff to create an implementation for the Study's recommendations.

The results of the Study were also presented at a Community Meeting held the evening of Friday, August 5, 2022, at the Callahan County Building. In addition to the results of the study being introduced, there were discussions about grant opportunities available to assist residents including modifications to existing homes and potential buyouts.

Following Board direction, the Stormwater and Drainage Department began working on an Implementation Plan while simultaneously taking other steps to improve drainage in the area. Examples include working with CSX Railroad to clear blockages near the railroad bridge; adding a stream gauge to Thomas Creek to monitor stream levels and rain; conducting home visits to meet with residents about issues relevant to their properties; issuing work orders to have the road department make various drainage improvements; and removal of vegetation near US 1 to make the creek more navigable.

At the December 21, 2022 Board of County Commissioners meeting, Ms. Peay presented the draft Thomas Creek Implementation Plan which includes information on land acquisitions and modifications to home utilizing a combination of grant funding and County funding. Anyone interested in learning more can watch on the Clerk's website by clicking here. The presentation is listed under Tab J. Further discussion of the draft Thomas Creek Implementation Plan will be held during the 2023 Winter Strategic Planning Sessions being held February 16 - February 17, 2023.

Creating the Power of Human Connection

1/3/2023

Erin O'Malley

Fernandina Beach, FL, January 2023 - Attention all Nassau County Businesswomen, the Eight Flags Charter Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) invites you to join them Tuesday, January 10, at 5:30 pm for a presentation sharing habits you might not even realize you are doing that derail connection in leadership and what you can do instead!

Starting at 5:30 pm at Fernandina Beach Golf Club on Bill Melton Road in Fernandina Beach, the
chapter will host Erin O'Malley, Leadership Consultant. Through workshops, keynote speaking, and coaching, Erin helps build cultures of connection, trust, and loyalty. Her work with industries from automotive to airlines, pharmaceuticals to non-profits, hospitality to international development focuses on empathetic communication, adopting a curious mindset, and controlling how we show up and engage.

Erin O’Malley helps people thrive through the power of human connection. She works with leaders and organizations, from the frontline to the C-Suite, teaching them to redefine perceived problems with leadership, engagement, and loyalty, and focus on the real issue: connection.

“We look forward to having Erin shine light on ways to build deeper connections within our work, our membership and our everyday lives.,” says Lillie Rogers, program chair.

The local ABWA chapter has been helping women succeed in business in Nassau County for 53 years.

Each monthly meeting provides Professional Development speakers who impart the motivation and skills
needed to create success in today’s business world. In addition, there is ample time for networking with women from various businesses, skill sets, and experiences. The organization meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 pm, beginning with networking, a light meal, a speaker, and networking time after the speaker.

Please visit www.abwaeightflags.org to learn more and to register for the meeting. The cost is $20 for
members and $25 for non-members.

The mission of the American Businesswomen’s Association is to bring together businesswomen of
diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking support, and national recognition.

Nassau County Chamber of Commerce Announces New Programs for 2023

12/31/2022

The Nassau County Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce new programs and events for 2023! We are dedicated to providing programming and resources that will help members grow their businesses, and new programs are just the latest in the Chamber’s ongoing efforts to actively listen to the needs of the business community and provide innovative solutions.

Here’s what you need to know about the refreshed, reimagined, and reenergized Chamber programming for 2023:

With the goal of strengthening county-wide connections, Westside LunchMob will offer members a chance for short introductions and networking over lunch while showing support for our area restaurants. Monthly Coffee & Connections and Business After Hours events promise the perfect setting for engaging opportunities like speed networking, business showcases, and prompted icebreakers, with door-prizes up for grabs, too. Monthly Geographic Council Meetings are back and will feature top-notch speakers who will discuss various topics such as growth, infrastructure, and the business development in specific geographic areas of Nassau County.

For those looking for more specialized events tailored towards their professional or business needs, the Chamber offers curated events, including a Health and Wellness Collaborative, which brings practitioners together, and seeks to grow awareness and wellness between health-related businesses in Nassau County. The Nonprofit Roundtable is a unique opportunity for Chamber of Commerce members to collaborate with their peers while finding resources that can help sustain their organizations. Female business owners have the chance to join Girl Boss, a group dedicated to enriching female leadership in our community and providing a safe space for female business owners to seek support from one another on the challenges and successes of entrepreneurship. EmpowHER! Luncheons, created for professional women in any industry, will be hosted quarterly with a focus on providing enriching discussions about growth and leadership. Finally, Work Labs will be offered monthly with varying certified professionals available for one-on-one assistance with topics like social media, Canva, QuickBooks, SEO, and more.

The Nassau County Chamber of Commerce is committed to helping its members succeed by providing educational opportunities and access to valuable resources. If you are a business owner or professional looking for ways to get more connected within your community, we encourage you to attend one (or all) of these valuable networking opportunities. To register and learn more about upcoming programs and events, please visit the Chamber event calendar or email us at info@NassauCountyFLChamber.com.

Steve Wylie Elected as Chairman of the Nassau County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors

12/22/2022

The Nassau County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Steve Wylie, Associate Vice President of Planning & Business Development for UF Health, will be the Chairman of the Nassau County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for 2023.

Steve Wylie received his Bachelor of Science & Finance from the University of South Carolina and has been with UF Health since 2017. He has over 30 years’ experience in healthcare management, including executive positions with 21st Century Oncology, Regional Care Hospital Partners, and Health Management Associates. Steve is passionate about furthering the interests of businesses in Nassau County and looks forward to working with fellow Board members to bring lasting and meaningful change to our business community.

“I am incredibly proud to be the incoming Chairman of the Nassau County Chamber of Commerce and look forward to working alongside regional leaders to carefully craft the future of our county,” said Wylie. “I look forward to addressing critical issues, including workforce development, mobility, affordability, and infrastructure. I am committed to working alongside the Chamber’s member businesses through thoughtful collaboration and will continue to provide our membership with unsurpassed value as the premier advocate and resource for businesses throughout Nassau County.”

In addition, the Chamber has announced the Chairman-Elect for 2024 will be Apollo Wright, Publisher of Amelia/Yulee Neighbors. Apollo received a master’s degree in Elementary Education and Teaching from Wagner College and went on to coach college football at various institutions including Florida International University and The University of New Mexico. He is currently the head football coach for Fernandina Beach High School. Apollo is looking forward to bringing the Nassau County business community together and continuing his community service efforts.

The Chamber will also welcome Kimberly Branham-Nelson, CEO of Nelson and Associates Insurance, and Joseph Zimmerman, Owner of The Zimmerman Group, to the Board of Directors. To view the current Nassau County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, CLICK HERE.

WestRock to Host Holiday Recycle-A-Thon Event Saturday, December 31st

12/19/2022

Stop by the WestRock office building, located at 1200 Franklin Street in Fernandina Beach, on Saturday, December 31st for the WestRock Holiday Recycle-A-Thon. The event will take place from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM (noon) or until they reach capacity.

Bring your brown corrugated boxes and WestRock volunteers will help recycle them directly into their paper-making process! To learn more, visit www.WestRock.com.

And the Nominees Are...

12/17/2022

The Nassau County Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards process is an opportunity to highlight the impact of outstanding businesses and entrepreneurs throughout Nassau County and we want to congratulate every business, organization and business leader that received a nomination this year.

Award winners will be announced at the Annual Awards Dinner & Gala on Thursday, February 2, 2023. For questions or more information about the nomination process, please contact the Chamber at info@NassauCountyFLChamber.com or (904) 261-3248.

To purchase tickets to the Annual Awards Dinner & Gala, CLICK HERE.

And the nominees are...

LARGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
First Federal Bank
First Port City Bank
Pineland Bank
Rayonier, Inc.
Summer House Realty

MEDIUM BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Franklin Equipment Sales
Nelson and Associates Insurance
Story & Song Bookstore Bistro
Wallace Pierson Travel
Wicked BAO

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
A Passion 4 Pooches Pet Spa
Amelia Island Kayak Excursions
AquaGym Fitness
Barefoot Amelia Beach Rentals
BizBolster Web Solutions LLC
Boston Photography
Destination Amelia Vacation Rentals
Disco Witch Brewing
Dorco Enterprises CPA Firm
Eagleye Printing, Framing & More
Follow That Dream Sailing
Knowell's Lock and Safe Inc.
Luxe Picnics by Les LLC
Mead's Framery and Trophy Store
Pam Bell Photography
Perfect Wick Candle Makery & Bar
Pet Wants Amelia Island
Redbones Dog Bakery and Boutique
The Resale Project
Willow Beauty

BUSINESS LEADER OF THE YEAR
Kellie Boston | Boston Photography
Bud Braiser | Follow That Dream Sailing
Greg Cook | The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
Ryan Deems | Destination Amelia Vacation Rentals
Shelly Denis | Disco Witch Brewing
Leslie Diaz | Luxe Picnics by Les LLC
Bob Hartman | Residence Inn by Marriott Amelia Island
Ed Hubel | Baptist Medical Center Nassau
Stephanie Newberry | AquaGym Fitness
Lori Osborne | BizBolster Web Solutions LLC
Jennifer Panke | Blue Ocean Title
James & Jenny Schaffer | Summer House Realty
Nathalie Wu | Wicked BAO

YOUNG BUSINESS LEADER OF THE YEAR
Bradley Bean | RYAM
Heather Bennett | Paisley Grace Makery
Katie Connors | Nelson and Associates Insurance
Chason Forehand | Pineland Bank
Marty Greye | Culver's
Carl Lindsey | Perfect Wick Candle Makery & Bar/Select Tronix
Justin Taylor | Residence Inn by Marriott Amelia Island
Stephanie Triola | New York Life
Chelsea Waldron | Amelia Island Vacations

CUSTOMER SERVICE PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Kellie Boston | Boston Photography
Carol "Celeste" Christian | Hampton Inn & Suites Historic Harborfront Hotel
Stephanie Dinius | Amelia Art Studio
Ann Dorsey | Dorco Enterprises CPA Firm
Jan Lacovelli | L. Moore Aesthetics
Bob & Carmen Lyon | Island Promos
Michael Mayhan | Outer Banks Boil Company
Stacy Millett | Wicked BAO
Lana Miltenberger | Launch Printing & Promotions
Leah Parker | Paisley Grace Makery
Lisa Sanborn | First Federal Bank
Madison Tipton | Amelia Island Kayak Excursions
Robin Turner | Nelson and Associates Insurance
Savanna Varney | Nelson and Associates Insurance

NONPROFIT OF THE YEAR
$1,000 Start-Ups Consortium
Barnabas Center, Inc.
Care Centers of Nassau
Fernandina Beach Main Street
Fernandina Beach Pride, Inc.
Northeast Florida Fair Association
Rotary Club of Fernandina Beach
Starting Point Behavioral Healthcare
The Arc Nassau