March 2015
Partner Connections Magazine connects partners to the CEP,
to each other and to our community.
A Look at the Impact of the
Equine Industry on Marion
County’s Economy pg. 6
Power Plant Business Incubator
Accepts Two New Residents pg. 12
Photo Credit
by Studio45
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Pub l i sher s’ U p d a t e
exC EP tional C onnections
Dear Partners,
We’d also like to point out that the Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership also has an eye on new startups that
O
cala/Marion County Horse Capital of the World™. We have
rectly to the local equine industry and to the tourism industry.
all seen it on signs, used it in describing our community,
Buyers comes from literally around the globe to participate in
bring fresh ideas and concepts to our collective attention. We
and bragged to friends (especially those in Kentucky) that we
the sales. As a part of this study, Dr. Davis conducted on-site
tions. This month, we are taking a look at the economic impact
gladly welcome two new residents to The Power Plant Business In-
are the Horse Capital. In fact, it is even trademarked. But what
research and the numbers are astounding. During the sale
of the equine industry on Marion County. It should come as no
cubator, which you can read more about in this issue. We hope that
does it really mean to be the horse capital? How significant is it
which she researched, more than two-thirds of the attendees
surprise that the impact of this industry is huge for our area,
you are encouraged and inspired by this, and all our features this
to our community? To our businesses?
were from outside of the area. The average travel party was
but even so, looking at the dollar amounts really brings it home.
month, to continue working toward our common goal of ensuring
Doing so reiterates to us that we all - even those of us not
that Ocala/Marion County is the very best it can be, no matter if
involved personally in the industry - should indeed recognize
you think of our area as the “Horse Capital of the World,” or as the
and embrace all that the equine industry presents for us here in
place that is willing to embrace new technologies and businesses
Ocala/Marion County... sustainable jobs, tourism, spectacular
with open arms. Quite frankly, we think of it as both, which is pre-
events, and more. Commissioning the study on the implications
cisely why we call it a “Partnership,” and one that works.
Hello and welcome to the March issue of Partner Connec-
of the equine industry on our local economy is just one of many
Sincerely,
ways the Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partner-
Tina Atha
Klodiana Palushi
ship is working to not only find out what will continue to propel our area to the next level economically, but also to educate
us all on what we need to focus on for sustainability. We’re so
pleased to be a part of presenting the results to you.
Klodiana Palushi
Tina Atha
Business Division Publishers
Best Version Media
To answer this question, an economic impact study of the
equine industry on Marion County was commissioned. Kath-
six nights. However, it is the average tourism spend (travel, din-
leen Davis of Sports Marketing Research Institute in Carlsbad,
ing, lodging, entertainment, etc.) which is significant. This is in
California, was selected to conduct the study. SMRI has con-
addition to the hundreds of thousands of dollars they spend on
ducted numerous studies on the economic impact of profes-
equine related purchases and expenditures.
sional sports, major sporting events, and organizations across
the country. Her findings were staggering.
First, some background on the industry. The Marion County
Advertising Index
exCEPtional Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Feature Story: A Look at the Economic Impact
Study of the Equine Industry on Marion County . . 6
Klein Conference Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Secondary Feature: Power Plant Business
Incubator Accepts Two New Residents . . . . . . . 12
Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Business After Hours Photos . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
We’re On a Mission! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
CEP’s Annual Meeting 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Export Bootcamp Program Kicks Off Series . 19
exCEPtional Mornings Speaker & Bio . . . . . . . 20
Ribbon Cuttings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
ICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
On Top of the World Communities . . . . . . . . . . 3
HDG Hotels & Developing Management . . . . . . . . 5
Mail Marketing Pros. Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
BJ Trophies, Awards & Gifts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Walts Brake & More . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
24th Annual Ocala/Marion County Days . . . . . . 9
Hawthorne Village Retirement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Ocala/Marion County Days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Verteks Consulting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Ocala/Marion Fight the Flu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Brian Ehlers Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Studio 45 Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Therapeutic Touch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Daniel Hightower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Career Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Hyper.Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Street Bistro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Branch Banking & Trust Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Cultural Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Angie Lewis State Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
The Bridge At Ocala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
So when you add it all up, what does this mean to Ocala and
Marion County. How about $2.6 billion. Yes, that’s billion with
a “B”. Overall, the results of this study indicated that the total
Equine sector is unique in that it is both a native industry and
economic impact of the equine industry annually in Marion
tourism draw. In regard to native industry think about all of the
County is $2.62 billion in revenues, $1.60 billion in value added
horse farms and training facilities in Marion County. Then think
contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and em-
about all of the businesses from feed stores to veterinarians to
ployment of 19,209 full-time and part-time jobs. The $1.6 billion
trailer manufacturers who either solely or in large part serve
number is perhaps the more important because it reflects the
those farms and facilities.
true impact on the economy.
Now consider the tourism aspect of the local equine sector.
Inside This Issue
composed of approximately three individuals who stayed for
The equine industry impacts nearly every aspect of the local
While it is easy to immediately go to the overnight tourist who
economy. From farms to realtors to banking to automobile
simply wants to tour a few horse farms, the tourism draw is
sales, it is difficult to imagine a sector which is not impacted
much greater and more impactful than just that one piece. The
by this industry. The key for the equine industry and for Marion
significant equine eventing and sport industry draws thousands
County is to work together to continue to protect and grow this
of visitors some for months at a time. HITS Ocala lasts for
economic engine. ■
nearly three months and draws more than 20,000 visitors along
with nearly another 20,000 competitors, trainers, and support
Editor’s note: The Youth Business
personnel. The economic impact of this series alone is nearly
Plan Competition featured in last
$100 million on the local economy. Then add in the visitors who
month’s issue was sponsored by
come for Live Oak International and the Florida Horse Park
ansleyRDgroup.
and the significance of the impact becomes clearer.
Best,
Now consider what may be the great crossover between
For more information contact publishers:
Klodiana Palushi
Phone: 352-470-7302
Email: [email protected]
Publication Team
Publishers:
Klodiana Palushi, Tina Atha
Content Coordinator: Sadie Fitzpatrick
Designer: Greg Miller
Contributing Photographer: Heather Sphon
ADVERTISING
BVM has numerous business and neighborhoodspecific publications that micro-target all areas of
Marion County.
4
Partner Connections
•
Tina Atha
Phone: 352-817-1866
Email: [email protected]
FEEDBACK/IDEAS/SUBMISSIONS
Have feedback, ideas, or submissions?
We are always happy to hear from you!
Deadlines for submissions are the 15th of each
month. Go to www.bestversionmedia.com
and click “Submit Content.” You may also
email your thoughts, ideas, and photos to:
[email protected].
March 2015
native industry and tourism – Ocala Breeders’ Sales. The sales
Kevin Sheilley,
and activities at OBS held throughout the year are tied di-
President & CEO of the CEP
Magazines usually arrive in mailboxes the first
week of the month. Dates may vary depending
on the post office.
mission Statement
CEP Partner Connections’ mission is to connect
partners to the CEP, to each other and to the
community. To support CEP Partner Connections
or to learn more, please contact Publishers.
Volume 2 • Number 3
Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements
and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the
views of Best Version Media (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners
associations, businesses or organizations that this publication serves.
BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of
any content submitted. All content submitted is done so at the sole
discretion of the submitting party. © 2015 Best Version Media.
All rights reserved.
March 2015
•
Partner Connections
5
Fe atur e S tor y
businesses affected by equine industry spending
When analyzing data from the OBS sales event, the study
found that 70.7% of attendees had a favorable image of the
area from their attendance at the sales event, and 93.7% of
attendees planned to revisit the Ocala area in the coming
year. The visitors’ average stay was 5.91 nights and 85.3% of
the OBS sales event attendees were staying at a hotel, condominium or rental unit.
More figures for OBS include:
• For the calendar year 2014, over 3,100 horses were sold at OBS for
a record total of more than $142 million, a 20% increase over 2013
gross sales.
• Buyers represented 42 states and 18 countries. Japanese buyers
bought 20 horses for over $4 million in 2014 and have spent $10
million in the last three years at an average price of about $200,000.
A Look at the Economic
Impact of the Horse Industry
on Marion County:
• Korean-based buyers purchased 147 horses at OBS for over $4.4
million in 2014 and have spent $26 million on 1,417 horses at OBS
since 2000.
• Representatives from Qatar spent over $2.3 million on eight horses
including one for $1.6 million. This purchase tied for the highest
price for a two year old in training in North America with all three
top sales occurring at OBS.
Results of the Economic Impact Study are Released
horse has since accomplished.
By Sadie Fitzpatrick
A
This study was conducted by Kathleen
recent study commissioned by the
Davis of Sports Marketing Research
Ocala/Marion County Chamber &
Institute in Carlsbad, California, a re-
Economic Partnership with support from
search firm dedicated to helping major
Ocala/Marion County Metropolitan Sta-
HITS and Hampton Inn & Suites found
companies determine where and how
tistical Area (MSA):
that the equine industry has a $2.62
consumers are spending their discre-
• Direct impact dollars spent due to the regional
billion economic impact on the Ocala/
tionary income. Their clients include
hosting of equine industry sales events/shows,
Marion County area.
Major League Baseball, NASCAR, and
new/existing business development attribut-
Ocala has long held the title of the
the NFL. A two-phase onsite/online
able to equine industry operations
“Horse Capital of the World” because of
approach was used to determine the
the hospitable climate in which to breed
economic impact of the equine industry.
and raise horses as well as the close-
First, more than 500 OBS event
• Annual event participants, vendors,
exhibitors, and contractors associated with
the equine industry
knit equestrian community that has cre-
participants, contractors, and vendors
• Re-spending as a result of the direct equine
ated world-renowned shows, sales, and
were surveyed while attending an OBS
industry expenditures from introduction
breeding farms.
equine sales event to provide a brief
of new economic impact activity into the
snapshot of the nature of equine-related
Ocala/Marion County MSA study area
This “Horse Capital of the World” title
• Evaluation of how much Ocala/Marion
began in the 1950s when the Ocala-bred
economic activity. Secondly, an online
racehorse “Needles” won the Kentucky
survey of all types of business establish-
County equine industry revenues were
Derby in 1956, and the fervor for the
ments in the Ocala/Marion County area
introduced into the study area economy
horse industry continued to grow. In
was conducted.
1979, “Affirmed,” a horse produced by
The study analyzed the following
Ocala’s Harbor View Farm, swept the
aspects of the Ocala/Marion County
Triple Crown, a feat which no other
equine industry and its impact on the
6
Partner Connections
•
March 2015
• Types of local businesses affected by
Ocala/Marion County equine industry
spending
• Examination of the number of jobs in local
and Classic Gulfport, other Florida-based shows
• 72.4% of out-of-town visitors were female, with an average age of
47.2 years, earning on average $223,470 in annual household income
Overall, the results of this study indicated that the total
economic impact of the equine industry annually in Marion
County is $2.62 billion in revenues, $1.60 billion in value
added contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP),
and employment of 19,209 full-time and part-time jobs.
Lonny Powell, CEO of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association, remarked on the impact of the
equine industry on Ocala/Marion County saying, “This indus-
Another major equine industry event that was a part of the
try is an enormous job-creation engine for Marion County
study was the HITS Winter Circuit, which is one of the largest
and the newest study shows the talent pool for equines is
and longest-running events in equine sports. It is a 10-week
strong here. Some of the top trainers and equine athletes of
equestrian event staged annually from January through March
all disciplines, along with accomplished professionals such as
at HITS Post Time Farm in Ocala.
veterinarians, make their home base right here.”
The circuit attracts competitors from the United States,
The authors of the study suggested that because of the major
Canada, Mexico, South America, and Europe. This event at-
impact the equine industry has on the Ocala/Marion County
tracts more than 20,000 spectators, and the study found that
economy, a number of specific strategic recommendations
during the 10-week HITS circuit, 84,165 rooms were utilized
should be implemented to maintain this great economic impact.
for the event, including hotels, rented condos, apartments,
The most important aspect to capitalize on when hosting
timeshares, and RV/campgrounds. The direct expenditures by
large-scale equine and sporting events is the return business.
out-of-town visitors and expenses was more than $63 mil-
With more than 80% of HITS/OBS participants indicating they
lion with a total industry output impact to the Ocala/Marion
plan to return to the region in the next calendar year, this indi-
County area of more than $94 million.
More statistics regarding the impact of HITS on the Ocala/
Marion County area include:
• Out-of-town visitors traveled to Marion County primarily by
car/automobile (48.6%) and secondarily by commercial airplane
(46.6%)
• 85.1% of out-of-town visitors planned to return to Ocala/Marion
County within the coming year
• 19.9% of out-of-town visitors surveyed have purchased real estate
in Marion County
• Survey respondents rated the “overall experience” at the 2014 HITS
Ocala Show higher than the WEF-Wellington/Classic Pensacola
March 2015
•
Partner Connections
7
cates positive measures of repeat business and travel to the
showcasing Ocala/Marion County is the need to maintain a
area, which should be documented by the Ocala Visitors and
strong social media presence to engage out-of-town visitors
Convention Bureau and other county organizations. Contin-
and build long-term relationships. Hospitality, travel, leisure
ued documentation of return visitors to the area would serve
and other related businesses should utilize social media plat-
as a barometer for exactly how vested the out-of-town visitors
forms to motivate these out-of-town visitors to visit frequent-
are in the area as a destination for future vacations, business
ly, stay longer and spend more money in the area.
meetings, and relocation to the vicinity.
This report found that the average household income of
These large-scale sporting and equine events attract a
HITS Ocala out-of-town participants was $223,000.00, which is
number of visitors to our region, specifically to attend these
in the top three percent nationally. This high socioeconomic
status of visitors attending the 2014 HITS Ocala event and
the OBS equine sales event distinguish these events consumers from other regional large scale events such as the Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Dolphins, University of Florida, and
Florida State University football games.
These monetary figures add support to the idea that visitors
to these equine events provide a larger discretionary income
to spend when compared to typical out-of-town visitors. It is
recommended by this report that regional county and state
government and tourism agencies should be aware of the
economic advantages that future equine-related events have to
offer to tax rolls, employment generation, and regional business stimulation to area hotels, restaurants, and entertainment/
arts enterprises.
The final recommendation of the study suggested that outreach campaigns targeting education of government agencies
types of events. These events bring media coverage via print,
and private foundations should be implemented in order to
cable, broadcast, and Internet mediums, which creates an
educate these agencies about how their continued support
added value of showcasing Ocala/Marion County and what
for the equine business in Ocala could increase profit margins
the surrounding area has to offer to domestic and interna-
for both area businesses and the equine industry. It is strongly
tional visitors to the region. This is another example of the
suggested that the county continue to invest and build the
importance of tourism brand integration for community and
equine industry toward sustainability, and that future funding
regional economic development agency leaders to tout Ocala
and tax incentives for equine business should be instituted
as the “Horse Capital of the World.”
to continue to add to the economic development of Ocala/
Along with the importance of print and broadcast media in
8
Partner Connections
•
Marion County and create more job opportunities. ■
March 2015
March 2015
1|8h_Walts Brake & More_0714.indd 1
6/24/14 1:10 PM
•
Partner Connections
9
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Home, Garden, and Life Expo
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aturday, April 12th from 10:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M. at the Klein
Conference Center in the Ewer’s Century Center at the
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Continued on Page 9
10
Partner Connections
•
March 2015
Secondar y S t o r y
Power Plant Business Incubator
Accepts Two New Startups
PPBI Staff Team to the Incubator’s Acceptance Committee.
By Ryan Lilly
The two most recent entrants are:
T
he Power Plant Business Incubator (PPBI), a division of
the Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partner-
77 Clouds Corporation – Michael Anderson, Founder – 77
Clouds is an information technology (IT) startup specializing in cloud-
ship (CEP), has accepted two additional startups as Residents
centric business continuity
beginning this past January. The residency program, which
and cyber security. The
provides small offices to innovative new companies for a
company applied to the
period of up to three years, is now nearing 100% capacity with
Incubator after discovering
13 Residents. The Incubator also hosts four Affiliate members,
the wide array of benefits
who are provided with a shared co-working space. Plans for
the PPBBI has to offer,
expansion of the Power Plant Business Incubator into two
including access to a team
adjacent buildings are underway, with renovations on those
dedicated to helping new
facilities now set to begin in late spring.
and innovative businesses grow. Anderson says he wanted to become
Historically, of those companies who express an interest in
applying for
the incubator
only 31%
presented
MARCHCareerSource
CLM- program,
CEPartners Connection
ad.pdf are
1 2/13/2015
2:45:04by
PM the
community and its entrepreneurs.” On what he aims to accomplish
Clouds successfully graduates from the program, creates additional
employment, and gives back to the community and other entrepreneurs.” More information can be found at www.77clouds.com.
Supportive Connections, Inc. – Dr. Tasha Florio, Founder –
Supportive Connections, a trauma-focused counseling and assessment agency, is developing an innovative niche in trauma care related
to PTSD, anxiety, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, crisis
C
counseling, work-related crises and other incidents of trauma. While
M
many companies at the Incubator are technology-related, Supportive
Y
Connections joins a growing group of residents with new ideas for
CM
health care. On what attracted her to the CEP and the Power Plant
MY
Business Incubator, Dr. Florio said, “The CEP and Incubator have
CY
an incredibly positive energy and a support structure that was very
CMY
appealing.” ■
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Partner Connections
•
March 2015
the
a Resident there “because of the dynamic interaction between the
while in the program, he remarked, “My hope for the future is that 77
Upskilling? Outstanding
FIGHT
Fight back this flu season with the help of the Ocala/Marion County
Chamber Rx Card and save up to 75% on prescription medications.
For more information, please
visit the chamber’s website:
www.ocalacep.com
Cal endar O f E v e n t s
[All events are held at the CEP unless otherwise noted]
March 3:
March 18:
NetWorks Meetings:
exCEPtional Mornings
7:30 A.M. to 9:00 A.M. @ Marion
Extension Auditorium
March 3:
March 19:
Tuesday Talks: 8:30 A.M.
and 4:00 P.M.
NonProfit Business Council Monthly
Meeting: 2:00 P.M.
Business After Hours
5:00-7:00 P.M.
Appleton Museum of Art
March 18:
RPEG Lunch and Learn
12:30 P.M.
March 17:
Business After Hours Hosted by Gateway Bank.
Network Promoters
Networks: Connecting Linx
8:15 A.M.
March 11:
NetWorks: Success Partners
8:15 A.M.
March 17:
Networks Promoters
March 19:
Tuesday Talks, 8:30 A.M.
and 4:00 P.M.
March 25:
March 24:
RPEG Monthly Meeting
2:00 P.M.
Networks Leadership Council
March 30:
NetWorks Success Partners
Photo Credit: Simply British
NetWorks Connecting Linx
March 25:
President’s Lunch
12:00 P.M.
hey,
lovebirds
design build
commercial buildouts
construction management
custom homes
Your partner in construction.
Brian Ehlers Construction Co., Inc.
2801 SE 1st Avenue, Suite 402
Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 861-4333
www.brianehlersconstruction.com
14
Partner Connections
•
March 2015
re massages
Two signatu nature spa
and two sig ar $300
facials regul
$275
Two H
ot S
and tw tone massag
o Hy
es
regular drafacial
$410
Champagne &
Chocolates Included!
$360
2119 E. Fort King Street, Ocala, FL 34471
[email protected]
www.ocalamassageandspa.com
March 2015
•
Partner Connections
15
New br i dge I r e l a n d
We’re On a Mission!
Fighting for Accident Victim Justice
Since 1976
By Felecia Judge
T
he month of March drums up
many concepts: St. Patrick’s
Day, springtime, Caesar’s forewarning, March Madness, and often Easvaluable nuggets than a lepre-
ter Sunday. Even those lacking Irish
chaun’s pot of gold.
lineage embrace all things green and
Following a “mission ac-
don shamrock adorned apparel. En-
complished”, participants may
ter a new Irish inspiration: a visit to
enjoy some leisure time and
Ocala’s twin city, Newbridge, located
take in the wonders Newbridge has to offer. There is much to
in picturesque Kildare County.
The CEP is organizing a trade mission to Newbridge in late
summer/early fall 2015. Newbridge shares more than a few
similarities with its Central Florida partner, two of which are a
strong industrial background and a prolific equine community,
thus making this an excellent destination for businesses looking to partner with other businesses in the European Union.
Newbridge boasts nearly 700 industries and, with the assistance of the U. S. Department of Commerce and professional
associations in Newbridge, mission participants won’t need any
Irish luck to guide them. This turn-key visit to the Emerald Isle
will allow individuals the opportunity to enjoy roundtables with
organization executives, networking events with local industry
multipliers, and site visits to selected businesses engaged in
industry, equine, technology and other services or products.
For anyone who currently exports, is new to exporting, or is
simply contemplating the idea, the CEP is providing a four-part
see and do, including greyhound race tracks, the Irish National
Stud farm, golf, fishing, gardens and museums, plus numerous
restaurants, coffee shops and pubs where one can soak up the
local flavor and experience the treasures Ireland has to offer.
After all, as one of our local manufacturers quipped in jest:
where else would such riches abound when the capital is
always Dublin?
More information, including a detailed agenda, costs and
timeline, will be forthcoming. If you are interested in learning
more, please email your contact information to [email protected] or [email protected]. ■
• Car Accidents
• Work Accidents
• Personal Injury
• Wrongful Death
• Social Security Disability
• Bankruptcy
• Simple Wills & Estate Plans
instructional and hands-on education series, Exporting University, which will begin in March. This will highlight channels of
distribution, models, land costs, the importance and benefits
of exporting to remain competitive, finance options, and more
7 East Silver Springs Boulevard, Suite 300, Ocala
352-629-7777 | 888-LAW-1976
www.facebook.com/danhightowerlawyer
www.danhightower.com
16
Partner Connections
•
March 2015
CEP ’s Annu a l M e e t i n g 2 0 1 5
CEP’s 2015 Annual Meeting: Come Fly with
Us to a More Prosperous Community
By Sadie Fitzpatrick
T
he 2015 Annual Meeting was a huge success with more than 600 members of the business community attending to learn how the CEP is Moving Forward with their five-year goals to bring jobs and businesses to Ocala/
Marion County.
With the theme of “Fly CEP Airways,” corporate sponsors with first-class
tickets were invited to network privately in the Tri-Eagle-sponsored First
Class Lounge. Guests dined on a delicious lunch provided by Fresh Green
Tomato Catering and enjoyed in-flight entertainment from the Performing Arts Conservatory of
Ocala. The 2015 Relocation and Business Guide
produced by Good Life Publishing was also
unveiled.
Stay tuned for more information about next
year’s Annual Meeting. You won’t want to miss
the premiere networking luncheon of the year! ■
B OOTC A MP PR OGR A M
EXPORT BOOTCAMP PROGRAM
KICKS OFF SERIES
By Sadie Fitzpatrick
T
Photo Credit: Simply British
he Chamber and Economic Partnership of Ocala/Marion County has
launched an Export Bootcamp program
designed to facilitate and develop trade
and import/export commerce. A trade
mission information session regarding the series is scheduled for Tuesday,
March 10 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The session will focus on the trade
mission to Ocala’s twin city Newbridge,
Ireland from September 10 to 17, 2015.
Newbridge shares more than a few similarities with its Central Florida partner,
two of which are a strong industrial
background and a prolific equine community, thus making this an excellent
introduction for partnership with other
businesses in the European Union.
For anyone who currently exports, is
new to exporting, or is simply contemplating the idea, the CEP is providing a
complimentary, four-part instructional
& hands-on education series presented
by representatives from the U.S. Export
18
Partner Connections
•
March 2015
Assistance Center of the U.S. Department of Commerce and Small Business
Administration. This series will provide
an introduction into exporting including
an assessment for export-readiness, ROI,
how to distribute your product and what
markets are more favorable for your
products or services, and how to identify them. There will be an orientation
session at the CEP prior to the workshop
providing details about the trade mission
(i.e. transportation, lodging, and meetings with Irish industries).
The info session is being held at the
Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership (upstairs board room)
located at 310 SE Third Street, Ocala,
Fla 34471. Seating is limited. Traditional
refreshments will be served. RSVP to
William Parsons at William@OcalaCEP.
com or 352.629.8051 as soon as possible
to reserve a spot.
The next Export Bootcamp session is
a hands on workshop facilitated by the
director of the Orlando U.S. Export Assistance Center of the U.S. Department
March 2015
of Commerce. It is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at
Rasmussen College, 4755 SW 46th Court
on Ocala (across from Dillard’s in Heathbrook). To prepare the business community for potential exporting opportunities
and business relationships globally, the
second in the information series provides
information including:
• Channels of Distribution & Preventing
Problems
• Identifying/Preparing to Talk to Potential
Partners
• Qualifying Business Partners
• Direct Selling and Indirect Selling
• Terms of Sales, Finance, Intellectual
Property Rights, Compliance, among other
related topics. ■
To RSVP or for more information,
contact Felecia Judge at 352.629.8051
x106 or email [email protected].
- See more at: http://ocalacep.com/cepnews/entry/export-bootcamp-programkicks-off-series#sthash.OY1zxBpV.dpuf
•
Partner Connections
19
exCE P ti onal M o r n i n g s
March 18th
7:30AM to 9:00AM
@ the Marion Extension Auditorium
Guest Speakers for March are Laurie
Zink and Mark Emery from the Ocala
Film Foundation.
R ibbon C uttings
R
epresentatives of the Ocala Film
Foundation, Laurie Zink and Mark
Emery, will discuss:
• The Film Industry in Florida-History and
economic impact
Springs Film Festival- (a review of last year’s
demographics and a look ahead at this coming year)
• The Ocala Film Foundation and its support
of students and teachers in the industry. ■
• What is a Film Festival and The Silver
RECENT
February 19: XCEL-IT at College of Central Florida,
February 20: Papa Murphy’s
February 19: HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Ocala
February 26: Florida Cancer Specialists
February 26: Little Duckling Sale and Expo
Upcoming
March 4: Bonjoe Gourmet Potato Chip, 10:00 A.M.,
9360 S Hwy. 441 Ocala, FL
March 6: Riggins Law Firm, PA, 3:00 P.M.,
211 NW 3rd Street Ocala, FL
Gray’s Auction
Trilogy
20Street Bistro
P Ad_0814.indd
a r t n e r C1 o n n e c t i o n s
•
March 2015
7/29/14 2:49 PM
Chambrel
March 2015
•
Partner Connections
21
2 15
ENTERTAINMENT SERIES
Tickets On Sale Now!
Three Dog Night
MARCH 7
Greatest Hits:
“Mama Told Me Not to Come”
“Joy to the World”
Tickets: $65-69
FEBRUARY 10
FEBRUARY 13
The Lettermen
MARCH 27
Greatest Hit:
“The Way You Look Tonight”
Tickets: $28-32
FEBRUARY 21
FEBRUARY 21
IMPROVEMENT EXPO
AUDITIONS
The World Has Talent
Auditions
The Ultimate
EAGLES
Experience
7 Bridges:
The
Ultimate
Eagles Experience
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Auditions on first come, first
served basis. No entry fee.
Greatest Hit: “Hotel California”
Tickets: $15-17
FREE EVENT
Greatest Hit: “Peggy Sue”
Tickets: $17-19
APRIL 12
APRIL 18
APRIL 25
Opera Tampa
Hands Across the
Highway Art Expo
Extreme Vegas
APRIL 10
Peter Yarrow
(Formerly with Peter, Paul & Mary)
An evening of music and word.
Home Improvement Expo
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Rave On:
A Buddy Holly Tribute
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Vegas style variety acts.
Tickets: $24-26
Tickets: $22-26
Tickets: $5
(General Admission)
Doors open at 2 p.m.
Show starts at 3 p.m.
MAY 2
MAY 9
JUNE 6
JUNE 20
The 6th Annual “The
World Has Talent” Show
Rockin’ 60s Party
Paul Revere’s Raiders
featuring Mitch Ryder
Live Bait Band: A Tribute
to Jimmy Buffett
Motown Magic: A Tribute
to Motown
Tickets: $14-16
Tickets: $19-21
Greatest Hits: “Leaving On a Jet Plane,” Puff
the Magic Dragon,” “Blowing in the Wind”
Tickets: $11
(General Admission)
Auditions take place on
Feb. 10, 2014, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
FREE EVENT
Tickets: $29-33
TICKET OFFICE HOURS: Mon-Sat: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Day of Show: 11 a.m. - Showtime
All shows begin at 7 p.m. and doors open at 6 p.m. (except as noted)
Gift Certificates Available
8395 SW 80th Street, Ocala, FL 34481 | (352) 854-3670 | CSCulturalCenter.com
Schedule and prices subject to change without notice. Reduced ticket prices are for residents of On Top of the World Communities. (Resident ID required when purchasing at ticket office.) Ticket prices do not
include sales tax. All ticket sales final. Refreshments available for purchase at events. To arrange for handicap seats, call or visit the ticket office. *Online tickets subject to a convenience fee.
#10612-10/14
#10653-12/14
March 2015