Columbia County Chamber is proud to announce we have a new and improved website to better serve our members. This is part of our ongoing effort to meet the goals of our strategic plan. Our members expressed they wanted a way to find out what was going on in our community as well as be able to have a one stop site where they could find out information that would help their business. While you are “Thinking Lake City First”, and you need a business, be sure to check out the website for a list of our members as well as their contact information. The site also has a calendar of events that list not only Chamber events but other events hosted by our members or nonprofit groups. We also realize that local citizens aren’t the only people who are looking at our site. We have a relocation guide for people who are thinking of moving to the area as well as listings of our major employers in Columbia County. It will continue to be a work in progress but we encourage you to check out www.lakecitychamber.com and let us know what you would like to see us add to the site!
In the last month we have had two of our highly anticipated annual events, The Business/Citizen of the Year luncheon and the Legislative Breakfast. Both events had over 100 attendees! At the Business/Citizen of the Year luncheon we honored the three finalists in the large and small business category. The finalists in the small business category were: Pro Motion Physical Therapy, Anytime Fitness, and Restoration Specialists. Restoration Specialists was awarded the top small business of the year honor. In the large business category the finalists were: Florida Gateway College, Century Ambulance Service, and First Federal Bank of Florida. This was the second consecutive year First Federal was nominated and they took home the award this year. Charlene Brown, with Columbia Bank, was presented with the honor of Citizen of the Year for her many years of dedicated service to several organizations in Columbia County.
The Legislative Breakfast, sponsored by Clay Electric and People’s State Bank, gave our local legislators a chance to talk about what they accomplished during the recent session. There was representation from Senator Rubio’s office, Senator Nelson’s office, Congressman Crenshaw’s office. Senator Olerich, Senator Dean and Representative Porter were able to make the event in person. After each legislator was given an opportunity to speak to the group, the attendees were then able to ask questions. We appreciate the support of our legislators who always make it a priority to speak to our membership as well as hear concerns we may have.
Mark your calendars for our 2nd installment of the Better Business Series scheduled for May 23rd at 11:30am at the Lifestyle Enrichment Center. The guest speaker will be Mrs. Allison Megrath, Project Manager with Plum Creek. Allison will update the community on the latest developments with the RACEC site. If you are unfamiliar with the term RACEC site, Catalyst Site or Inland Port, don’t worry! She will be there to explain that as well! You do not want to miss this event. Tickets can be purchased from the Chamber for $20 for members and $25 for non members.
For more information about becoming a member of the Lake City – Columbia County of Commerce please give us a call at 752-3690 or visit us at 162 S Marion Ave.