The Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce and Council for Economic Outreach are proud to announce that Staci Bertrand has been promoted to Director of Industry Development and will immediately begin working directly with the Council for Economic Outreach (C.E.O.) to forge stronger partnerships with local and state resources to build on Gainesville’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“Staci has been working with the Council for Economic Outreach in addition to her duties with the ERC for the last several months and will now play an even more integral role in accelerating the growth of our regional economy,” said Susan Davenport, Vice President for Economic Development for the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce & Council for Economic Outreach. “We are increasing our efforts in recruiting, retaining, and growing business in North Central Florida, and Staci’s relationships, knowledge, and ambition to grow our business community will be key in continuing to make Gainesville and the surrounding region a fantastic place to live, work, play, and thrive.”
Bertrand was previously the Business Opportunities Manager for the Gainesville Chamber, heading up its Entrepreneur Resource Center (ERC) in assisting new and existing business take advantage of resources offered by the Chamber, identifying opportunities and partnering with numerous other organizations throughout the region to enable local businesses growth. The ERC will continue to be offered to members and is now scheduling advisory sessions for regional companies interested in doing international business and connecting with other international resources to increase trade.
“Throughout her time at the Chamber and her interaction with our members, Staci has epitomized the type of person that is needed to play a key role in growing our regional economy,” said Tim Giuliani, President & CEO of the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce & Council for Economic Outreach. “Her knowledge and experience in working closely with the C.E.O. and the passion that she brings to work every day makes it a pleasure to see one of our team members move up within our organization.”
Bertrand is currently enrolled in the Corporate MBA program at Florida International University with an expected graduation date of December, 2014. She graduated from the University of Florida in 2001 with a Bachelor’s in Education and completed her Master’s in Education at the University of Florida a year later in 2002. She previously worked as an Educator in Alachua County for five years before owning her own business called Florida Smart Kids Learning Institute for five years after that prior to joining the Gainesville Chamber staff. She currently serves on the Celebration of Biotechnology Planning Committee, BioFlorida Leadership Team, Florida Chamber International Business Council, and United Way Young Leader’s Society.
“I have two passions, educating and entrepreneurship; and working at the Gainesville Chamber and managing the ERC has provided the opportunity to do both in an impactful and meaningful way to help grow our local economy.” said Bertrand. “This new opportunity will allow me to play an even more integral role in the development of our business community and build on the relationships I have been fortunate enough to create as well as establishing new ones as we build our economy through collaboration.
Bertrand has lived in Gainesville for the last 15 years and is married to husband Abijah and has three boys, Aliah, 7, Ethan, 5, and Aaron, 1.