St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce

11/02/2024

🎮 Congrats to Valhallan Esports Training - St. Johns on their recent ribbon cutting, and official welcome to the Chamber! Valhallan boasts a spectacular "arena," where children's passion for gaming becomes a tool for learning skills that last a lifetime. They provide a youth esports program focusing on creating a social environment for kids to play and learn skills like teamwork, communication, leadership and sportsmanship through competitive video games.

Check out their business here ▶https://bit.ly/3UqXdC5

11/01/2024

🎉RIBBON CUTTING🎉 Congrats to Ability Tree First Coast on opening their new space, affectionately known as the Treehouse. This will allow for more socials, enrichment programs, and activities to be offered to individuals with disabilities and their families.

Check them out ▶ https://bit.ly/4e4rTjC

10/31/2024

SJC Chamber member Michael Ferreira, Ferreira Wealth Group is holding a donation drive to benefit Hubbard House and Bright Holidays! Check out the details to support this great cause. 🌟

10/31/2024

👻⚰ Happy Halloween! 🎃🧙‍♀️ The nation's oldest city is also one of its spookiest! St. Augustine has been named the ninth-spookiest city in the U.S. and THE spookiest city in Florida. Halloween is a perfect time for some spook-tacular entertainment, like a ghost tour, haunted history and more. Our friends at St. Augustine, Florida/the VCB have info about what's happening if you want to give yourself a fright: https://bit.ly/3YspSrr

🌕 Learn more about the spookiest city rankings: https://bit.ly/3NN69y2

10/30/2024

⛵ Congratulations to Water Adventures St. Augustine on their ribbon cutting, and official welcome to the Chamber! Their 65-foot catamaran sails through the serene waters of our historic city. Book a Live Music Sunset Sail, a Dolphin Watch & Historic Harbor Sail or even a Fury Signature Private Charter for your next occasion.

Learn more ▶ https://bit.ly/48tHsAg

10/30/2024

🇺🇸 Celebrate our veterans with a special event to recognize their service, and join a discussion to learn how local businesses can do more to support veterans and the military community with a panel of active duty and veteran military members. This program is open to the community, especially members of all branches of the military.

📅 Date: Thursday, Nov. 7
⏰ Time: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
📍 Location: Palencia Club, St. Augustine
✅ RSVP: https://bit.ly/48tU0HB

This program is brought to you by our Chamber at Noon Council, whose vision is to keep members on top of business trends in St. Johns County and Northeast Florida and offers valuable networking and educational opportunities through insightful topics and engaging speakers, and by our Women with Vision Council, who mentors, inspires and empowers professional women through education and collaboration to embrace their vision, purpose and value.

10/28/2024

📅 What's happening this week at the Chamber:

🎮 Monday, Oct. 28: Ribbon Cutting: Valhallan Esports Training - St. Johns
✅ RSVP: https://bit.ly/4eRPh57

💼 Thursday, Oct. 31: Joint Chamber at Noon with Jax Chamber feat. Rep. John Rutherford
✅ RSVP: https://bit.ly/48gK5VU

🎨 Friday, Nov. 1: Ribbon Cutting: Art Collective St. Augustine
✅ RSVP: https://bit.ly/48kcCtr

See the whole calendar and everything else coming up at https://bit.ly/sjc_chamber_events

10/24/2024

Chamber Ambassador David Permenter of Generation Media LLC talks marketing trends on Ignite Success 🔥 Our members are experts in their fields and can be a great resource for other members and the entire business community!

Watch Ignite Success with David Permenter of Generation Media LLC on the Daily News Network website.

10/23/2024

Join us for a Joint Chamber at Noon with JAX Chamber to hear from keynote speaker Rep. John Rutherford of Florida's 5th Congressional District, which includes parts of Duval, Nassau and St. Johns counties.

📅 Date: Thursday, Oct. 31
⏰ Time: Noon-1:30 p.m.
📍 Location: Casa Marina, Jacksonville Beach
✅ RSVP: https://bit.ly/48gK5VU

Chamber at Noon keeps members on top of business trends in St. Johns County and Northeast Florida and offers valuable networking and educational opportunities through insightful topics and engaging speakers.

10/23/2024

With early voting under way and Election Day approaching, we encourage St. Johns County voters to support our schools by approving the referendums to continue the half-cent sales tax for 10 years and add a 1-mill increase to property taxes for four years. While raising taxes is not the first choice for raising revenue, we see this as a strategic investment — an investment in schools, students and the future of our county. Read our position here: https://bit.ly/4fezCwa

10/23/2024

Get to know these St. Johns County companies and celebrate their business with a ribbon cutting! 🎀 Learn more about their team, products and services while you network with local leaders, chamber staff and fellow members. These ribbon cuttings are coming up soon:
🕹 Monday, Oct. 28 - Valhallan Esports Training - St. Johns https://bit.ly/4eRPh57
🎨 Friday, Nov. 1 - Art Collective St. Augustine https://bit.ly/48kcCtr
🏠 Thursday, Nov. 7 - Legacy Roofing and Solar LLC https://bit.ly/48fi5C5
👜 Friday, Nov. 8 - RetailReviver https://bit.ly/48kARaX

10/21/2024

🗳 The Nov. 5 General Election is just two weeks (and a day) away, and early voting in St. Johns County starts TODAY! We're committed to ensuring you're informed about the races and measures that can impact the business community. While many local races were decided in the Aug. 20 Primary Election, voters still have important decisions ahead. We've put together info about key races and ballot measures that will be decided on Nov. 5. Check it out ➡️ https://bit.ly/48bkOfN

🌟 Be sure to confirm your voter status and request a sample ballot from the St. Johns County Supervisor of Elections! Voters can request a vote-by-mail ballot until Oct. 24 at 5 p.m. and find early voting locations at https://www.votesjc.gov/general-election-2024

10/19/2024

🌟 Applications are open for Leadership St. Johns Class of 2025! 🌟

Leadership St. Johns accelerates the development of leadership skills for business, government and community professionals by building relationships and enhancing their knowledge of St. Johns County. Participants at all levels of career advancement establish themselves as key players in the county's business landscape as they make connections with a diverse group of civic, business and community leaders, professionals and advocates to build a powerful network.

Don't miss this incredible opportunity to connect, learn and grow! Apply today ➡ https://bit.ly/48tqfqF

10/18/2024

🗞🏖 The Ponte Vedra Recorder is celebrating an amazing 55 years as the community newspaper of Ponte Vedra and Ponte Vedra Beach! Help them celebrate their success with music, food, local artwork, door prizes and more at Chamber After Hours!

📅 Date: Wednesday, Oct. 23
⏰ Time: 5-7:30 p.m.
📍 Location: Ponte Vedra Recorder, 1102 A1A N., Suite 108, Ponte Vedra Beach, 32086
✅ RSVP: https://bit.ly/3BY0LFk

This is a great way to wrap up your workday by connecting with the local business community in a relaxed atmosphere with refreshments and engaging conversation.

10/18/2024

📚 Thank you to St. Johns County Public Library - Southeast Branch for hosting a great Chamber Before Hours yesterday for members and friends! Robby Camastro, Assistant Branch Manager for the St. John’s County Public Library, spoke about ways for small businesses to access resourceful information online with the St. Johns County Library card. Get your local St. Johns Library card to gain access to some great resources!

Learn more about St. Johns County Public Library ▶ https://bit.ly/3NQ4h7L

10/17/2024

10/17/2024

🐾K9s For Warriors hosted a great Chamber Before Hours yesterday morning for members and friends of K9s For Warriors. Kiersan Cue, Development Manager - Corporate Partners, shared with us an overview of K9s For Warriors mission. We also heard from Warrior Steve Biggs and K9 Sunny, a recent graduate of the K9s For Warriors program. Warrior Briggs shared how K9 Sunny has impacted his life since graduating from the program.

Learn more about K9s For Warriors ▶ https://bit.ly/3Y908QT

10/17/2024

Join us to learn about key changes affecting small businesses, including updates to the Fair Labor Standards Act salary threshold and Florida's new minimum wage, effective January 2025. ⚖ We will also explore potential business and regulatory shifts to watch for, depending on the outcome of the 2024 Presidential election, and impacts on the small business landscape.

📅 Date: Thursday, Oct. 24
⏰ Time: 8:30-9:30 a.m.
📍 Location: SJC Chamber, 100 Southpark Blvd. #405, St. Augustine, 32086
✅ RSVP: https://bit.ly/48fznif

💼 Business Education is designed to equip employers and managers with the tools and strategies needed for sustainable growth. Gain expert insights, practical skills, and valuable connections to thrive in today’s competitive marketplace.

10/16/2024

Oct. 16 is Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Day! We are so thankful for the opportunity to serve our community and the diverse businesses within in. 🤝 🙌

What's something you love about the St. Johns County Chamber? Share in the comments, tag us in a favorite memory or send us a note at [email protected]. Thank you for letting us be part of your team! 💙

10/16/2024

It’s now live! The SJC Chamber Foundation’s Leadership St Johns Class of 2025 is now accepting applications. For 25 years, the LSJ program has mentored upcoming leaders in St Johns County to serve your community. Join the ranks of over 400 Alumni as we train you to become the leader you’ve always wanted to be. Check us out 👍

Leadership St. Johns Applications now open for LSJ Class of 2025! » MISSION Leadership St. Johns strives to connect and develop community leaders to help drive the success of our local economy as St. Johns County confronts the opportunities and challenges of today and tomorrow. Advancing Leadership...

10/15/2024

FEMA Individual Assistance is available for St. Johns County residents impacted by Hurricane Milton.

If you have insurance, you must file a claim with your insurance company first. If you do not have insurance, or insurance does not cover your claim, begin applying for FEMA assistance.

Those who suffered Milton-related damages are encouraged to register with FEMA using any of the following methods:
🌐 Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
📱 On the FEMA Mobile App
📞 Calling 800-621-3362 (FEMA)

10/12/2024

On Friday, Oct. 11, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. approved a Major Disaster Declaration for Florida, including St. Johns County. Federal disaster assistance is available to the state of Florida to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Milton from on Oct. 5, 2024, and continuing.

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621- 3362 or by using the FEMA App. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

The President's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Brevard, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, DeSoto, Duval, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter and Volusia counties and the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Federal funding is also available to state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work in Brevard, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, DeSoto, Duval, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter and Volusia counties and the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida.

In addition, for a period of 90 days within the first 120 days from the start of the incident period, assistance for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program is authorized at 100%.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

John E. Brogan has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if warranted by the results of damage assessments.

St. Johns County Emergency Management encourages the public to stay informed through these options:

Stay informed:
👍 Follow St. Johns County Emergency Management on Facebook & X/Twitter.
📱 Sign up for Alert St. Johns notifications at SJCEmergencyManagement.com
📱 Register for Nixle Alerts—text StJohnsEOC to 888777
📱Download the SJC Connect app at www.sjcfl.us/sjc-connect. Enable notifications within the app to receive real-time updates.

10/12/2024

An important reminder! If you need help verifying if a business is legit, feel free to contact us.

10/11/2024

St. Augustine is open and ready for visitors! 🌅

🚗 Park Free This Weekend in St. Augustine!

The City of St. Augustine is making it easier for residents and visitors to explore the Historic Downtown area by suspending parking fees through the weekend! From now until Sunday, enjoy free parking at the Historic Downtown Parking Facility and all city-metered areas, including on-street spaces and parking lots.

Important reminder: On Monday, October 14, parking enforcement will resume at 7:00 a.m. at the Historic Downtown Parking Facility. However, in observance of Columbus Day, parking will remain free in all city-metered areas, including on-street spaces and lots. Additionally, due to the impacts of Hurricane Milton, parking at the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument will also be free on Monday.

Starting Tuesday, October 15, regular parking enforcement will be back in effect, so be sure to check if you're parked in a city lot and avoid private operators with strict towing policies. Parking violations, especially in loading zones or against yellow curbs, will still be enforced.

The city encourages everyone to support local businesses during this recovery period by taking advantage of this temporary suspension of parking fees.

Find out more: https://bit.ly/3oQg0om

Which downtown spots are you planning to visit this weekend?