‘Breakfast with The Board’ - Alachua Chamber Kicks Off New Year

ALACHUA ‒ Bringing together business leaders in a spirit of collaboration and innovation, the Alachua Chamber of Commerce debuted its inaugural “Breakfast with The Board” on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025.

This new quarterly event set the stage for meaningful connections, offering a unique platform for chamber members to network, engage with leadership, and contribute to shaping the chamber’s vision for the year ahead.

This inaugural event brought together some 100 members, both seasoned and new, for a morning of networking and idea-sharing. Held as the first in a planned series of quarterly gatherings, the breakfast served as a platform for attendees to engage directly with the chamber's board of directors and learn more about the resources and opportunities available through membership.

One of the highlights of the event was a special welcome to the chamber’s newest members, who joined during 2024. For these fresh faces in the area’s business community, the breakfast offered a chance to introduce themselves, showcase their businesses, and connect with other members and chamber leadership.

Adding to the event’s atmosphere was a breakfast feast provided by Susie's Homemade, a local eatery operated out of the Good Life Station located at 14933 Main Street, Alachua. Attendees were treated to an assortment of homemade dishes, including fresh pastries and savory breakfast favorites. Table floral centerpieces were provided by Alachua Flowers and Tuxedo Rental.

“We’re thrilled to see such a strong turnout for our first Breakfast with The Board,” said Chamber President Adam Boukari. “This initiative reflects our commitment to fostering meaningful relationships and ensuring every member, especially our newest ones, feels supported and engaged.”

New members expressed their enthusiasm about joining the chamber and appreciated the welcoming atmosphere. Several attendees highlighted the value of being able to network in a smaller, more interactive setting, where conversations with board members and other professionals felt more personal.

The breakfast not only served as a networking opportunity but also as a forum for idea exchange. Members shared suggestions on how the chamber can continue delivering value in 2025, with discussions ranging from business development workshops to community outreach initiatives.

As the chamber looks ahead to the coming year, this first breakfast sets the stage for future events in the series. The quarterly gatherings are expected to become a cornerstone of the chamber’s engagement efforts, providing members with ongoing opportunities to connect, collaborate, and grow. Boukari said, “It’s about building connections and creating opportunities for everyone to thrive. These breakfasts will help us align our efforts with the needs and aspirations of our business community.”

For those unable to attend, the chamber emphasized its ongoing commitment to providing similar opportunities throughout the year. For more information about chamber events or to learn how to get involved, members can visit the Alachua Chamber’s website at alachuachamber.com or contact the chamber office directly at 386-462-3333.

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