Ocala, Florida (October 12, 2021) – Kevin T. Sheilley, CEO and President of the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership received the “2021 Executive of the Year” award from the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals (FACP). In addition, the CEP was again awarded the Certified Plus Chamber status.

The Executive of the Year Award annually recognizes one Chamber leader for outstanding contributions to the profession and their chamber. It is one of the highest awards presented statewide in the industry.

“The recognition from FACP was a great surprise and an incredible honor,” said Sheilley. “To be recognized by my peers is humbling. While the award was presented to me, it really is a team award. The CEP team is second to none and makes not only me look good but our community.”

The Florida Association of Chamber Professionals (FACP) recognized Florida’s top chambers of commerce for their outstanding achievements and dedication to the industry. The awards were presented at the FACP Annual Conference, held September 22-24, 2021, at the Wyndham Grand Jupiter Harbourside in Jupiter, Florida. Continue reading →

Pictured are Boys and Girls club and visitors at a open house hosted by Boys and Girls club / attended OBL club. Great spread of food and happy people . You can tell by their smiles. April Savarese was the co-ordanator  of the event. Photos taken by Tammy Portrait Arst Inc.

Picture are some Ocala Business Leaders standing with a new inductee to the club. From left to right Parish Tanner, Patrick Dolder, Toykia Spellman, Karl Spellman, Christine Williams. Many members join the OBL referral club to get more exposure for their business. Photos taken by Tammy Portrait Artist Inc.

Ronald Angelo Maiellaro, 75, of Ocala, FL, passed away on August 26,2021.

Ron was born on August 6, 1946 in Auburn, NY to Angelo and Esther Maiellaro. He was in the Navy Reserves and was on active duty during the Vietnam War, serving as a Radarman Second Class Petty Officer. After earning a Masters degree in Education and a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Education Administration, he spent most of his career teaching General Science and Chemistry at Beaver River Central School in Beaver Falls, NY. He then was the developer of Computer Services through BOCES in Glenfield, NY, teaching teachers how to use computers and how to incorporate them into the classroom. In 1988, Ron moved to Ballston Lake, NY and was the Director of Information Services for the Shenendehowa Central School District before becoming the Assistant Principal at Coda Junior High. In 1995, Ron left education and moved to Ocala, FL and working with his wife, Elaine, they started their own business, Square Routes, Inc., an expedited trucking company. Continue reading →

Due to a scheduling conflict, the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion will not host drive-through testing on Monday, Sept. 20, 2021. Drive-through testing will be available from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the following dates:

Sept. 1

Sept. 6

Sept. 8

Sept. 13

Sept. 15

Sept. 22

Sept. 27

Sept. 29

We would appreciate it if you would make any needed corrections, and we apologize for the inconvenience.

Craig Ackerman
Operations Director
Florida Department of Health in Marion County

Ocala, Florida (August 3rd, 2021) –The Florida Association for Career and Technical Education awarded Dean Blinkhorn, Vice President of Operations and former Director of Talent Development at the Ocala Metro Chamber of Economic Partnership, the Walter Clausen Award.  Blinkhorn accepted the award at the Association for Career and Technical Education Conference in Orlando on Tuesday morning.

“Dean’s work has been integral in connecting our local business and industry with CTE students,” states Kathy Otte, Career and Technical Education Program Specialist at Marion County Public Schools. “He started several initiatives to benefit our students, such as NEXTworking and Hire a Graduate that have helped our students determine a career path. His support has enabled a multitude of opportunities for our CTE students.”

“I humbly accept this award as a recognition of the extraordinary work the Ocala Metro CEP has been able to achieve in CTE education through the continued efforts of many hard-working classroom teachers, district CTE staff, and industry partners in the community,” Blinkhorn says. “I’m looking forward to being part of the local CTE conversation for many more years to come.” Continue reading →

 Pictured are the two candidates. Mayor Quinn on left and Manual Fakhoury right. They both spoke at the Ocala Business Leaders Family breakfast meeting August 11th. They both stood on their past records.

Incumbent Mayor Kent Quinn spoke standing on his record. He as he called it, when speaking he wings it! But as he was winging it a lot of good information came out. One of the big things is voting against a Pavilion for the Homeless. Quinn said the Homeless are in two category. Those who want to be homeless. A lot of crime comes from this group. Also their is a group that don’t want to be there. They want to get a job and work their way out of the homeless situation. Quinn also share some long range plans. He reported that he and Chief Balken had discuss the policing needs of the city and they propose it to City Council, it is up to them to vote for the finance needs. Quinn is also on the State Board of Directors for the past 19 years of the CHS which is the Children’s Home Society, it’s over a hundred years old and is the largest private not for profit child welfare agency in the state of Florida. Continue reading →