Gainesville chamber reduces staff, puts office up for sale amid budget shortfall

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) - A quarter of the Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce’s staff were laid off as leadership attempts to resolve a budgetary shortfall.

Four employees were cut from the organization during the holiday season. Theresa Beachy, the chair of the board of directors, told TV20 the chamber faced a $250,000 deficit in the fourth quarter.

“...Revenue trends shifted late in the year. Once those trends became clear, the board acted quickly and decisively. This has corrected a short-term gap, and we are now operating within a right-sized structure aligned to current revenues,” Beachy told TV20 in a statement.

In addition to the layoffs, the chamber is looking for a new headquarters. Beachy says the organization’s 7,700 sq ft office suite inside the Commerce Building at 300 E. University Ave. is up for sale. The organization is looking for a new space in the area of 43rd and 13th streets.

The changes come as long-time chamber president Eric Godet is set to end his tenure on Dec. 31. The chamber board is in the process of searching for a president. In the meantime, they’ve hired Kim Tesch-Vaught as the new interim president and CEO consultant.

TRENDING: Florida quarterback DJ Lagway to enter transfer portal amid coaching change

“Members can be confident that the board is focused on stability, value, and responsible stewardship. We are confident we will have a stronger, albeit smaller, organization ready for new leadership in the coming year,” the board chair continued.

Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.