From the figurative, through his dedication and passion to see his adopted home city flourish, to the literal, through constructing many of the city’s instantly iconic buildings, Domenic Scorpio has always sought ways to better his environment.
Since his arrival to Gainesville as a University of Florida student in 1990, Scorpio has found great success in his endeavors. 2023, however, might just be his most ambitious, and most rewarding, year to date.
The Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce
“I love the opportunities they create for Gainesville as a place for people to live, work and play,” Scorpio said. “That’s what I enjoy most about the Chamber.”
Serving formally as the Vice Chair, Scorpio officially took the gavel as Board Chair of the Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce on February 9.
Scorpio and the Chamber Board’s vision is a five-year, three-pronged plan based on talent, opportunities and place. TOP, for short. The strategic plan, entitled Collaborate 2025, is designed to tackle each one of these initiatives each year.
“It’s about how we can be proactive,” he said. “About growing and cultivating opportunities. How to attract companies.”
Scorpio’s passion for the Chamber’s work stems from its efforts to strengthen the community through philanthropic work. He enjoys the quality of people he is surrounded by as well.
2023 FIERCE Awards
Scorpio’s eponymous construction company is the title sponsor for this year’s Fierce Awards, honoring inspirational women making differences in their community. For Scorpio, this is an especially personal endeavor.
“I have three young ladies that I want to be confident, ambitious, intelligent, productive, contributing citizens,” Scorpio said.
He cites the disparity in the number of available role models between boys and girls as part of his inspiration for sponsoring and supporting the event.
“For young women to have someone to look up to, that means a lot to me,” he said.
Scorpio has been the title sponsor in previous years as well, from 2017-18.
Community Centered Construction
This year will mark the 10th anniversary of Scorpio, the construction company behind many of the new and innovative projects in Gainesville.
Scorpio’s background is in architecture, but the connection goes back even further. His father, a stonemason master craftsman from Italy, had his own company as well.
The community-centered company has been busy over the past decade. Several of its most notable completed projects include UF’s Norman Hall restoration, renovations to many areas of HCA-Florida North Florida healthcare centers and two Alachua County fire stations.
“We exist to help create thriving communities. We want to elevate education, health care and civic work. This is essential for thriving communities,” he said.
Several exciting new projects are on the horizon. The UF Student Health Center, Westwood Middle School and Keystone Heights elementary are just a few.
“Ultimately, our goal is to create communities with abundant life. Our focus is first to build people, then make buildings that will elevate the community,” Scorpio said.
By Ryan Walsh.