COMMUNITY NEWS
CF boosts economy, United Way search, call for vendors, equine scholarship and advanced certification
Officials and CF Foundation board members cut the ribbon to open the AdventHealth Center for Nursing at the College of Central Florida in Ocala on Jan. 30, 2025. State-of-the art simulation labs can give students practice on current medical equipment and procedures before they enter the work force. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]
CF boosts local economy, report shows
In one year, the impact of increased earnings of College of Central Florida alumni and the businesses that employ them is equivalent to the economic boost of hosting the Super Bowl, according to a new report.
CF’s economic value to the tri county area of Citrus, Levy and Marion in the 2023-2024 fiscal year is quantified in an independent report provided to the Association of Florida Colleges by Lightcast, a labor market analytics firm. CF’s total annual impact was $507.7 million in added income, the news release noted.
CF’s total economic impact represents approximately 2.5% of the total gross regional product of the tri county area, with one of every 37 jobs supported by the college and its students. The most impact comes from CF graduates employed in the regional workforce and the human capital they provide in the form of added knowledge, creativity, imagination and entrepreneurship. The net impact of former CF students currently employed in the regional workforce amounted to $442.8 million in added income, the release stated.
A summary of the report is available at cf.edu/value
United Way launches CEO search
United Way of Marion County has launched a search for its next president and CEO after accepting the retirement of Robert “Bob” Haight, effective July 15.
James Henningsen, president of the College of Central Florida and immediate past board chair for UWMC, will chair the executive search committee.
Haight joined UWMC in 2021 as vice president of resource development after a career with United Way in Orlando and across the Midwest. He has served as president and CEO since 2023.
Haight and his wife, Sue, a United Way ReadingPals volunteer, intend to stay in Ocala and continue serving as community volunteers, the news release noted.
“We appreciate Bob’s service and the fundraising success and continued growth he championed during his tenure,” Henningsen said in the release “The agency’s next leader will manage an organization with strong strategic frameworks for community partnerships and financial stability.”
Candidates may submit letters of interest and resumes through March 16 to [email protected] or by mail to United Way of Marion County, Inc., Executive Search Committee, 1401 NE 2nd Street, Ocala, FL, 34470.
Call for vendors
The city of Ocala Cultural Arts Division will bring a beach-inspired experience to downtown with the Sand & Sun Festival scheduled for May 16, at Citizens’ Circle, 151 SE Osceola Ave.
The free, family-friendly event will feature six professional sand sculptors creating large-scale works of art live throughout the day. A panel of judges will award first and second place, and attendees may vote for their favorite sculpture to receive the People’s Choice Award.
In addition to the sculptures, there will be a Sandcastle Playground, live music, community performances, food trucks, nonprofit and sponsor booths and artisans.
The city is accepting vendor applications at ocalafl.gov/sandandsun. The deadline is March 30.
Equine youth scholarship
The Johnny Appleseed Equine Project is offering the Future Equine Youth Scholarship, created to support students in grades 4-12 who are passionate about horses and eager to grow through education, responsibility and hands-on experience.
This scholarship is designed for youth who may face financial or personal challenges, but who demonstrate dedication, curiosity and a strong work ethic within the equine world. The pilot phase will be based at the Bobbin Hollow Equestrian Center, LLC, in Reddick.
The deadline to apply is March 31. Go to johnnyappleseedequineproject.org/apply-for-a-future-equine-youth-scholarship
[Submitted photo]
Campbell earns advanced certification
Allison Campbell, a member of the Marion County School Board, has earned Advanced Certified Board Member distinction from the Florida School Boards Association.
Campbell, serving her second four-year elected term on the school board, gained the certification by earning 30 points of professional development in a year. This is above and beyond the initial 96 hours of comprehensive training required to become a Certified Board Member. Topics covered in that initial training included leadership, advocacy and strategic governance, the news release noted.
Campbell also serves as president-elect of the Florida School Boards Association, the first Marion County School Board member to do so.
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