A little more than two years after leaving his post as chief of staff in the Governor's Office, Adam Hollingsworth was appointed Friday by Gov. Rick Scott to the University of North Florida board of trustees, according to The News Service of Florida.
He became chief of staff in 2012, then left after Scott won re-election in 2014.
Hollingsworth is founder of Ergon Strategies, a Tallahassee-based firm that "works with churches and faith-based organizations to improve their organizational, strategic and cultural health," the firm's website says.
He has longstanding ties to Jacksonville, including serving as chief of staff to former Mayor John Peyton and working in the administration of former Mayor Ed Austin.
Former Mayor John Delaney is president at UNF.
Ja-Ru using JaxPort exclusively to import to U.S. markets
Jacksonville-based Ja-Ru is importing all of its products going to U.S. markets through the Jacksonville Port Authority, according to a news release.
The family-owned company sells impulse toys in groceries, convenience stores and other retailers throughout the U.S. and ships to more than 35 countries, the release said.
Ja-Ru has showrooms and offices in Jacksonville and Hong Kong. The company employs 150 people, most of them in Northeast Florida.
“Getting product to market quickly and seamlessly is incredibly important to our business success,” Andrew Selevan of Ja-Ru said in the release. “Comparing the service we have been receiving at other ports to what JaxPort now offers us in global connections, efficiencies, savings and the ease of doing business made the recent decision to consolidate our shipments here an easy one.”
Port Executive Vice President Roy Schleicher said Ja-Ru’s choice to use JaxPort “speaks volumes.”
“The message to the international cargo industry is clear: JaxPort is a growing contender in the Asian trade lane,” he said.
A reward for life-saving donations
Want to get in shape and help save a life?
OneBlood and YMCA of Florida’s First Coast are teaming up to make that happen.
Those who give blood at any donor center or on the Big Red Bus in Clay, Duval and St. Johns counties through Jan. 31 will receive a free one-week guest pass at any First Coast YMCA.
In addition, donors will receive a wellness checkup and a OneBlood T-shirt.
Donors must be 16 or older and weigh at least 110 pounds.
For more information, visit oneblood.org.
Extended Skyway hours for New Year’s Eve and TaxSlayer
The Skyway is operating longer hours for people attending New Year’s Eve festivities Downtown and the TaxSlayer Bowl. The schedule is:
• Friday: 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday
• Saturday: 8 a.m. to 3 a.m. Sunday
• Sunday: Closed
• Monday: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Parking is free on New Year’s Eve at the Prime Osborn Convention Center station at 1071 W. Bay St.
For information, call (904) 630-3100 or visit jtafla.com.
Jim McCarthy tapped for state environmental panel
Jim McCarthy, executive director of North Florida Land Trust, was named by Gov. Rick Scott to serve on the Environmental Regulation Commission.
The panel sets standards and rules to protect the state’s environment. Members represent agriculture, development, local government and the environmental, scientific and technical communities.
“I look forward to doing my part to look after Florida’s natural environments,” McCarthy said in a news release. “I will work closely with my fellow board members to examine the risks and benefits of all issues that come before this commission.”
His term runs through July 1, 2019. The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
JAX Chamber recognizes area small business leaders for 2017
The JAX Chamber last week announced its Small Business Leader of the Year winners for 2017.
They were selected by chamber councils, the Beaches Division and the Entrepreneurial Growth Division.
One of the 10 winners will be named the overall Small Business Leader of the Year next month.
The winners and by whom they were selected are:
• Laura Brown, Avondale Wealth Advisors, West Council
• Calvin Bryant, C7 Creative, Beaches Division
• Jillian Hubbard, Advanced Furniture Solutions, Professional Women’s Council
• Kevin Johnson, Secure Ideas, Jacksonville IT Council
• Sarah Marie Johnston, Moxie Kitchen + Cocktails, South Council
• Sue Matricia, Amelia Urgent Care, North Council
• Denon Perry, Town Planner Calendar, Entrepreneurial Growth Division
• Liz Pierce, MomentStrong, Health Council
• Melody Shacter, TerraWise Homes, Arlington Council
• Randall Smith, SBS Promotional Solutions, Mandarin Council
“These business leaders represent the thriving small business community we have in Northeast Florida,” said John Bryan, director of the JAX Chamber Councils. “They are an example of excellence in business and are outstanding representatives of the chamber.”