Safety Council CEO Catherine Sutton Brings Innovative, Cost Saving Training Programs To Northeast Florida’s Industry And Construction Workers

The most innovative and cost efficient program in the safety training industry is being introduced to Jacksonville by the CEO of the Northeast Florida Safety Council (NEFSC) Catherine Sutton. A model originated in the Gulf Coast region with Houston, Baton Rouge and the News Orleans Safety Councils, Catherine has established a 20-computer (soon to be 30) Training & Assessment Center on the NEFSC campus. Its mission is to build safe workplaces through proctored online, hands-on and instructor-led training for beginning as well as experienced industry and construction workers. They have the capability of delivering general safety training as well as comprehensive customized instruction, in lab or on-site. Between compliance training, certification and documentation of an employee’s training skills, they can save a business thousands of dollars. Along with the Center, Catherine has incorporated COSS® (Certified Occupational Safety Specialist) and PowerSafe (utility contactors training) programs that were never offered in Northeast Florida. They are currently conducting 100-150 assessments a month and expect that to increase to 500. For more information on business environmental, health and safety programs, follow NEFSC on Linkedin. Catherine Sutton is on the left in this “Lunch with Les” photo.  

Earl Benton, CEO of Champion Brands, Adjusts To Industry Changes To Grow His Beverage Distribution Business

Craft Beer, Marijuana infused beer and craft distilled spirits are a few of the changes affecting the beverage distribution industry according to Earle Benton, CEO of Champion Brands, talking to the Rotary Club of South Jacksonville. Benton, who started his career in the Air Force, sitting at the bottom of a nuclear missile silo waiting to push the button, has seen many changes in the industry since he bought a Jacksonville beverage distributor in 1985. His growth has resulted in representing 147 brands with 1760 SKUs, having 72 suppliers, 310 employees and $136.6 million in revenue. He pointed out two challenges that he is addressing - getting good workers and trying to be a green company. Part of his solution has been to build a new office headquarters with better employee benefits and to implement measures to save energy, including LED lighting, compressed gas for his truck fleet and solar panels for his warehouses. He says his company helps get you through the day - you wake up with Red Bull, stay hydrated during the day with bottled water, and then you get to Miller time. Benton is pictured on the left with Southside Rotary President Bill Langley.

Michael Corrigan, CEO of Visit Jacksonville, Targets Potential Tourists And Visitors To Northeast Florida

To attract tourists to Jacksonville, the city advertises to communities within a 4 hour drive of Jacksonville and to communities that have direct air flights to the city, Michael Corrigan, president and CEO of Visit Jacksonville reported to the Rotary Club of South Jacksonville. The newly selected head of Visit Jacksonville explained that his agency has 3 major functions: to run visitors’ centers; recruit conventions and events to the city; and to market the city as a tourist destination. Funding for all of this is paid for, not by Jacksonville residents, but by a 6% bed tax charged by hotels and motels in Duval County. He reported that the advertising campaign “Jacksonville - It’s easier here” has come under heavy criticism but appears to be working. He will continue the campaign until it no longer pulls inquiries. His biggest challenge is drawing people to the visitors’ centers because people use mobile devices to learn about the city. He is working on an interactive presentation, an app and relocation of the downtown center to make the center more attractive. Corrigan is pictured on the right with Club President Bill Langley. 

Scott Moore Utilizes Unique Criteria For Growing His Maple Street Biscuit Company Franchise

“Against traditional thinking, we went into the restaurant business to help people, not to make money,” Scott Moore, founder and president of Maple Street Biscuit Company, told the Rotary Club of South Jacksonville. His mission of helping people, serving others and being a part of the community has resulted in the establishment of 31very unique and popular restaurants throughout the South. He selects restaurant locations based, first, on having identified a “community leader” (essentially a store manager), then on an 80% residential location, and finally on a good lease. With their unique biscuit recipe, their offerings of unusual menu items and their methods of engaging customers in the dining experience, they have made their restaurants a destination. Moore’s guiding principals are 1) comfort food with a modern twist; 2) gracious service; 3) immaculately clean stores; and 4) sustainable business. Moore is pictured on the right with South Jax Club President Bill Langley.

Marcus Haile Helping Jacksonville’s Workforce With Reading Skills

Area businesses and manufacturers are facing a serious issue in finding qualified, skilled labor. Part of that problem is 1 out of 5 adults in Jacksonville cannot read. I had lunch with a dynamic, dedicated individual who is on a mission to change that. He is Marcus Haile, the new executive director of Learn To Read Jacksonville. Right now Marcus’ organization is serving 500 adults a year, teaching them reading skills. But he says there are over 150,000 Jacksonville adults who need their services. So he has set out a plan for 2019, which is also the organization’s 50^thanniversary, to expand the coverage of his organization’s services. His plan includes 1) increasing awareness of his organization and its services; 2) recruiting more volunteer teachers; and 3) raising additional funds to service more students (it cost $600 per student per year). He also wants people to know that in addition to reading, they also offer services to address financial literacy, math literacy and health literacy (for example, being able to read medicine bottles). Marcus wants to make a real difference in people’s lives in Jacksonville. I think he is on track to accomplish that. Visit LearnToReadJax.org or call 904-238-9000. Marcus is on the left in this ”Lunch with Les” photo.

Dr. Todd Sack Advocates a 30-Year Energy And Resilience Plan For Jacksonville

While having lunch at Epping Forest with Dr. Todd Sack, he pointed out that the glass of water on our table, which came directly from our JEA source, is healthier, with less toxins, than what you get in bottled water. Dr. Sack should know. Not only is he a practicing gastroenterologist, but he also is a 13-year member of the JEA Clean Power Advisory Group, chair of the Jacksonville Environmental Protection Board, chair of the Florida Medical Association’s Environment & Health Section and Board Member for Physicians for Social Responsibility, just to mention a few of his credentials. When he isn’t working as a volunteer physician at the We Care free clinics, he is an advocate and spokesman for a 30-year Jacksonville Energy & Resilience Plan. This is a non-political approach to analyze, study and plan for the future of Jacksonville, regarding health, climate, technology, energy, employment and transportation issues. In addition to working with local government agencies, Dr. Sack speaks to groups throughout the community about the plan. For a medical prospective on the future of our city, contact him at tsack8@gmail.com or visit MyGreenDoctor.org. Dr. Sack is on the left in this “Lunch with Les” photo. 

Wilder Business Success, Inc. Addresses Customer Service For Large And Small Companies

Is Customer Service Dying? In a conversation with Doug Wilder, a certified business coach and owner of Wilder Business Success, Inc., I was lamenting on how two well-known Jacksonville companies have come up short on their delivery of customer service. But Doug reported how he was currently involved in coaching sessions for another major national retailer that was going in a positive direction. His task involves working with the company’s top corporate officials to enhance their leadership and customer service skills and to help guide a path for everyone being on the same page for company success. After hearing about his process and his success record, it was encouraging to know there are still companies, even large corporations, that are making the effort to give customers a great experience. Doug has been in the coaching business for over 25 years, working with CEO’s, company presidents, management groups and individual entrepreneurs for large and small companies. If you want to unlock the potential for you and/or your business, I suggest contacting him at doug@wildersuccess.com, call 904-705-4567 or visit his website at WilderSuccess.com. The “lunch with Les” photo shows Doug Wilder on the left. 

Attorney Crystal Broughan Warns About Intellectual Property Assets When Buying Or Selling A Business

When buying or selling a business, one of the most overlooked assets is a company’s intellectual property. Items like trademarks, copyrights, patents, logos, domain names, websites, licensing agreements, and even trade secrets can be invaluable to a company being bought or sold, according to Crystal Broughan, the intellectual property attorney for MarksGray. Having dealt with issues such as rights to advertising jingles or correct payments for stock photos, I know how easy it is to be tripped up in legal issues. Crystal explained how she has had to review IP assets prior to a sale to ensure patents, copyrights and trademarks have been assigned and filed with the appropriate government agencies.Her work involves verifying ownership, validity and if the registrations are current or expired. At times, small business owners register trademarks and patents in their own name instead of the company name because they want to maintain individual ownership of the asset. She says all of these IP issues need to be put on the table during the sale negotiation process. For future logo and copyright work, I want Crystal on my IP team. View her blog at MarksGray.com. Crystal is featured in this “lunch with Les” photo. 

Outgoing Jacksonville City Councilman Schellenberg Warns About Status Of The Jacksonville Electric Authority

Having lunch with outgoing city council member Matt Schellenberg, I asked him what is the major issue facing businesses and residents in Jacksonville today. The term-limited, 8-year councilman, who represented the Mandarin area, is concerned about the rapid degradation of JEA. Concerns include a possible 25% electric rate increase; the agency’s inability to contribute to the city budget; and even the ability of JEA to adjust to energy alternatives and the movement by large manufacturers, such as Anheuser Busch, to generate their own energy sources, leaving the JEA grid completely. He feels those who will face the major brunt of these changes will be poor and lower middle class citizens, in addition to larger energy-user companies. He hopes the current council will do a thorough study to make sure JEA, through any type of charter changes, stays on mission to seek the lowest electric and sewage rates possible. I also asked Matt what accomplishment he is most proud of in his 8 years in office. He said sidewalks and the upgrades and the new interactive parks that have been built for the kids in Mandarin. Matt Schellenberg is on the right in the “lunch with Les” photo. 

Kleist And Blackburn Join Central Bank of St. Augustine To Promote Personal Banking

There has been a trend of consolidation in banking in St. Augustine, and, as a result, personal service has become a casualty. That’s why Central Bank, a community bank headquartered in Tampa, has opened a branch in the Northeast Florida market to bring back personal service for individuals and small businesses. Among the major moves by Central Bank was to hire two well-known, experienced, St. Augustine personal bankers to head up the branch. Aaron Kleist, with over 19 years in banking, was selected as the Northeast Florida Market President. Debbie Blackburn, with over 32 years in the industry, was appointed Vice President/Branch Manager. Armed with great CD rates and the ability to work outside the box when it comes to personal service, both Kleist and Blackburn are hard at work identifying and helping those who are not seeing the service they expect from their current bank. As active members of local organizations, such as the St. Johns County Chamber and Rotary, they are both committed to helping customers, who they consider as neighbors and friends. Visit CentralBankFL.com. In this “Lunch with Les” photo, Kleist is pictured in the center and Blackburn is on the right.

Underwood Jewelers’ Rob Gatta Is Reliable Source For Corporate Gifts

Recently I had a client make a unique request. They wanted to take the logo my firm designed for them and make it into a charm for their female employees. So I called my Rotary buddy Rob Gatta, manager of Underwood Jewelers’ San Marco store. He gets all kind of requests from businesses, from the creation of original jewelry to the need for corporate incentives, for example, gifts such as Rolex watches. People don’t realize that Rob was highly recruited by Underwood from Ithaca, New York. He started in retail as a teenager with the A&P Grocery chain and was later recruited by Kay’s Jewelers. Then he was recruited to join Perrywinkle’s Fine Jewelry stores. Underwood heard about him and brought him to Jacksonville. There is a reason why Rob is in high demand in the retail business and why he has been so successful (he helped increase sales in the San Marco store by 43% in just 1 ½ years). He is honest, very likeable, and, most important, he has patience. If you need ideas or help with corporate gifts or incentives, you can call Rob at 904-398-9741 or go to underwoodjewelers.com. Rob is on the right in this “Lunch with Les” photo. 

Redd Leads Funding Effort For Jacksonville University’s New Multi-Use Health Sciences Building

When it comes to supporting Jacksonville’s medical industry, it’s hard to beat the behind-the-scenes work and dedication of Leslie Redd, Associate Vice President of Development at Jacksonville University. The former University of Maryland, John Hopkins, Mayo Clinic and Baptist Hospital development professional is now focused on finishing the funding for Jacksonville University’s new multi-use health sciences building. The center will house all of the medical related schools including nursing and applied sciences; a simulation center for academic and community involvement; an orthodontic clinic; a healthcare center for students; and space for community healthcare providers. The project’s philanthropic goal is $30M. The facility is expected to be completed in 2020 on the north side of the JU campus. In addition to the health center, Leslie is involved with funding scholarships, PhD programs and medical research. Leslie, an active Rotarian, has a deep passion for medical excellence in Jacksonville. She can be reached at lredd@ju.edu. Leslie is on the left in this “Lunch with Les” photo. 

lredd@ju.edu

Dwyer Brings Corporate Leadership Training To Northeast Florida

The success of businesses and their longevity is based on leadership. That doesn’t just mean today’s leaders but the identification and development of future leaders in the company. That’s where Ed Dwyer, president and managing partner of VIGEO Alliance, a St. Augustine leadership and talent management firm, comes in. Ed and his business partner, Cassi Chandler, conduct leadership training throughout the U.S. With over 32 years in the banking industry, serving in almost every capacity, while being director of a national banking school for over 20 years, Ed knows the issues facing leadership from top U.S. financial institutions to small community banks. And with the recent turnover in U.S. House of Representatives committee chairs, his current focus has been helping banks with regulatory changes involving diversity and inclusion. But his services are not limited to banking. His firm can assist all types and sizes of businesses, such as law firms, insurance companies and retailers. The difference in Ed’s firm is that he is not just a coach; he is a leadership trainer and strategist, based on knowledge and real-life experiences. Visit vigeoalliance.com. Ed Dwyer is on the left in this “Lunch with Les” photo. 

University of North Florida Opens Center For Entrepreneurship

Something happened at the beginning of the year that could have a big impact on the creation and growth of innovative new businesses in Jacksonville. With a generous donation by Luther and Blanche Coggin and the foresight of University of North Florida Business Dean Mark Dawkins, the university created the Center for Entrepreneurship. And in another smart move, Karen Bowling was hired as its Director, to start up and run the Center at its downtown location on the 4^thand 5^thfloors of the former Barnett Bank Building. Karen explained the Center will be a hub for entrepreneurship in Northeast Florida, offering an incubator, education guidance and resources, marketing and management resources, investors and assistance from interns from UNF. Local businesses benefit 1) as investors in new business ideas; 2) as a way to connect with potential business partners and networking through the mentoring program; and 3) to help create an entrepreneurship ecosystem, not only for UNF, but also for the community. For more information, go to www.unf.edu/Coggin/CEI/. Karen Bowling is on the left in this “Lunch with Les” photo.