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gainesville-fl

United Way's VITA Program to Offer Free Tax Preparation

Tax Day, one of the most important days of the year for businesses of all sizes, is just a month and a half away. Although some people have been preparing for weeks, others may still be struggling to get everything in order for Uncle Sam. United Way’s VITA Program and tax website are here to...
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Sid Martin Biotechnology Incubator Named Finalist for International Award

The National Business Incubation Association has named the Sid Martin Biotechnology Incubator as a finalist for the 2013 Incubator of the Year Award in the technology focus category. The winner will be announced April 9 at NBIA’s conference in Boston. The Sid Martin Biotechnology Incubator, located in the Progress Corporate Park in Alachua, is operated by the...
gainesville-fl

County Commits $75,000 to Defend Sign Code Enforcement

Metal dealer claims fines over employee holding sign violate its First Amendment rights. By Chris Eversole A metal dealer is suing Alachua County over its code enforcement policy on handheld signs, claiming it was a violation of the First Amendment. Precious Metals Group, based in Jacksonville, filed a lawsuit in federal court in Gainesville on...
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Master Programs Offer Flexible Degree Options

Working professionals now have increasing choices for furthering their business education. By Caitlyn Finnegan When Julian Miller graduated from the University of Florida with a building construction degree in 2007, he knew he’d have to create his own business opportunity during the lull in Florida’s construction industry. He started his own green building consulting firm,...
gainesville-fl

Chamber Creates Study Group on Energy Solutions

By: Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce Flagg and Denslow to lead research on alternative governing approaches based on approaches in peer communities. The Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce has created an Energy Study Group to research and gather data on peer communities, their energy processes and the governance structures currently in place. The results of...
gainesville-fl

Crowded Mayor’s Race

By: Chris Eversole Candidates differ widely on helping business and being responsive.   While the candidates running for mayor of Gainesville in the March 19 election agree on generalities about moving the city forward economically and being responsive to the public, they have wide-ranging views on specifics. Here is what five of the six candidates...
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Development Rebounding, Industry Worried

Some builders say demand is low for new urban development. By: Chris Eversole The outlook for development in the Gainesville area is mixed—with good news and bad news. On one hand, building is picking up. On the other hand, some people involved in development are troubled by two challenges: fear that government is forcing development...
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ACCESS Spring Classes Set to Start April 1

By: Caitlyn Finnegan Alachua County is offering residents an opportunity to learn about county operations through a new seven-week class series. Starting April 1, the Alachua County Civic Education Series (ACCESS) will provide behind-the-scenes access within county government. Class members will learn how tax dollars are allocated, meet county employees and become informed about how...
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Plan Board Supports Most of Butler Plaza Revisions

  By Chris Eversole For five hours on February 19th, the Gainesville Plan Board, city staff and representatives of Butler Enterprises debated over the rules that will govern the shape of the city northwest of the intersection of Archer Road and Southwest 34th Street. In the end, the plan board accepted most of the changes...
gainesville-fl

Chamber After Hours to Discuss Economic Development, Plum Creek

       The Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the first Chamber After Hours of 2013. The networking event is focused on connecting member businesses in the community while gaining a better understanding of Envision Alachua, sustainability and the direction of county-wide economic development. The event that will take place on...