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Article written by Blog Post Contributor Chuck White There is no arguing the need for digital marketing, but offline marketing is often disregarded as unnecessary. Throughout last year, 67% of online searches were spurred by a type of offline marketing. It's not wrong that more emphasis gets put on online marketing, but what people see in person matters and still has a massive impact. Here are five reasons offline marketing still matters. 1. It spreads word-of-mouth more than online avenues do. This will always be one of the most effective ways to gain a brand reputation. Once it gets going, it's free. Of course, you need to offer a great experience with your customers to get to that point. When you do that, the customer will be quick to talk about the experience. Offline marketing can jump start that conversation. Custom branded stickers can do just that. If you give one away with a purchase and encourage a customer to put it on their car, it can be a conversation starter. People will accept a giveaway like that. It won't be regarded as normal marketing. It will be thought of and used as a gift or a free throw-in. 2. You reach more people than you may realize. Yes, almost everyone uses the internet. But your reach will still be limited. Targeting older audiences is easier offline as well. If you have a sticker or a sign in a location with heavy foot traffic, it will be seen by a massive amount of eyes. Plus, the price of this is just the overall cost of the material to make. You can stretch out impressions on a sign or sticker for years if done right, just from that first cost. 3. In=person interactions create a stronger connection. Giving away throw in additions with your name and logo creates a strong connection. Offline events and signage can be more impact than the distance of online ads. It could be that customer in your store or someone at an event, but these create real and lasting connections. If you make a long-term plan to make these types of relationships, it can make a lasting impact. 4. Users have ad fatigue on social media. People are getting numb to scrolling through Facebook and seeing ads. They scroll right by it. Because giveaways, stickers and logo merchandise aren't taken as traditional ads by consumers, they don't have that same effect with them. There are other instances of ads being engaged in by customers offline without fatigue as well. Think about when someone is driving. They are a captive audience, unlike when they are scrolling. 5. Offline signs, stickers and ads can improve your online presence. Placing a call to action on a sign to like, follow or subscribe to your online platforms can do this. Encourage them to do so by offering a discount or a giveaway. You can leverage your offline audience to convert to an online one this way. #businessmarketing #offlinemarketing #jaxbizconnections #blogcontributor #blogforjaxbizconnections #guestblogger

About the Event Date & Time: Sunday, November 17th from 10-4pm Location: Renaissance Resort World Golf Village (Indoors) Description: Save the Date! You're invited to the 7th Annual Holiday Craft & Vendor Event presented by Jacksonville Business Connections featuring 150 local creatives & businesses. Free to the public & Indoor event First 50 guests receive FREE swag bags! Charity raffle Free Santa Meet & Greet Charity Raffle & Toy Drive - Fostering Connections St Johns Follow the Facebook event page for the latest updates! Policies No refunds 60 days before any event Sponsor & Vendor Application #renaissanceresort #worldgolfvillage #vendorevent #crafts #vendors #freeevent #kidfriendly #charityraffle #swagbags #indoorevent #7thannualholidayevent

Article written by Blog Post Contributor Janet Marc Our Story continues... There is an old legend about "Lady Godiva" who apparently, road through her village nude, on a horse, to convince her husband to stop over taxing their people when times were tough and "the people" didn't have enough money in order to buy food to eat. The word Godiva, means Gift from God. When I found my dog, she was running naked on the highway & had milk in her teets from a litter that was no where in sight. She was starving, scared and running into the highway. When I stopped and stepped out of the car, she rolled over and showed me her belly. The other folks who she was running from, who were trying to keep her from running, asked me to take her. So I picked her up and put her in the car. In a total of five minute or less, I had myself a dog. I had no idea, at the time, that she would be the one saving "my life." It took me awhile to name her . . . at first I though of Godiva because she looks like the colors of fine chocolate, so I looked up Godiva and found a lot more. The name Godiva was becoming to me & my dog. Though the dog that was dropped in my path is a handsome creature, and in no way resembles a sexy, nude woman riding a horse, she captures the love and attention of many. We are just re-beginning our journey together after a long haul of "taxation, greed and a general lack of empathy from the human race." We aspire to inspire and encourage others who have endured and work to overcome life's obstacles by thinking outside of the box and being who we are, as we are, . . . naked and vulnerable . . .on life's highway. When we allow ourselves to be who we really are, aside from others demands and expectations, we often find love. Unconditional love. "I've been through the desert on a horse with no name. It felt good to be out of the rain" Song lyrics from the band America. “A horse with no name.” Pet Photography, Body Painting & Much More, Gearing up. IndigoSparrowSolutions.com #janetmarc #petphotography #bodypainting #jaxbizconnections #blogcontributor #blogforjaxbizconnections

Article written by Blog Post Contributor Lisamarie Monaco Let's talk #MINDSET! The great thing about being an entrepreneur in today's world is that you can do anything you desire and be there for your family at the same time as long as you have the right mindset. You will need a tremendous amount of Focus, Balance, Grit, and well, let's face it, lots of Humor! I started with a leap of faith and hardly $100 to my name when I first began my entrepreneur journey a few years ago. I look back at how far I have come, it amazes me. If I can do this, anyone with a vision, passion and dream can achieve anything they set out to do! #MINDSET Today...I am a photographer by passion and I take care of our seniors by educating the importance of burial insurance also known as, final expense insurance. I am a family protector. I help our seniors protect their loved ones from the financial burdens. So in order to help them, I need to have the right mindset from the start of the day! What Is Your Why What is your Why? What drives you to be an entrepreneur? These are important questions to ask yourself. Your MINDSET will pave the way to answer these questions. It will be your guiding light. For me it is my passion to help others achieve their goals. There is nothing better than hearing a senior tell me I helped them achieve peace of mind knowing their loved ones are protected from financial burdens. Stepping Stones Of Failure Failures are the stepping stones to growth. Failures are the journey in building your empire one high heel step at a time. It goes right back to mindset. Embrace those failures and mistakes. Never falter into the abyss of a negative mindset. Grab the failures. Give them a kiss and throw them up into the air and move on! Keep Your Heels, Head & Goals High Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart. Be passionate in everything you do. Challenge yourself daily, Mind, Body & Soul. Visualize your goals daily. Keep your head high and take risks. "Give A Girl The Right Shoes, & She Can Conquer The World" ~ Marilyn Monroe. 💋 Network All Day Long Socialize and network weekly. Share your story and your brand on social media. Meet people and collaborate. Go to conferences and shows. People are looking to connect with you as well. Meet with like minded people who you can grow with. Heels and Hustle with a Smile & Passion while helping others! #JacksonvilleBusinessConnections #InsuranceForBurial.com #LisamarieMonaco #FinalExpense #FamilyProtector #Jacksonville #Mindset #burialinsurance #seniors #photographer #entrepreneur #lovedones Lisamarie Monaco PinnacleQuoteLifeInsuranceSpecialists

Article written by Blog Post Contributor HolmesContentTeam Gather your family together for an October filled with festive fall activities and not-so-scary Halloween fun for everyone! With a variety of delightfully frightful activities in and around town, Jacksonville families are in for plenty of treats all season long. These are some of our favorites! Amazing Grace Family Farm Fall Festival Fridays 5 – 10 pm | Saturdays 10 am – 10 pm October 4 – 26, 2019 Venture over to Green Cove Springs this October with your little ones for some festive, fall fun down on the farm! Journey through hay bale and corn mazes, pick your perfect pumpkin from the patch, wander through a field of towering sunflowers, or leap into a bin of millions of tiny corn kernels! Yes, it's fun to dress your pups with Halloween scarves, but it's even more fun to take pics with other farm animals. Visit sweet farm animals, hop aboard a spotted cow train, even head for the barnyard ball zone for a bit of baseball fun! This family friendly farm has plenty of fall festivities to last all season long! Catty Shack Ranch Halloween Haunted Forest Select Fridays | Saturdays | Sundays October 11 – 27, 2019 Visit big cats and other furry residents during Catty Shack’s 14th Annual Haunted Forest extravaganza! Take a leisurely stroll through this wildlife sanctuary before reaching the frightful Tale of Fears! Younger guests who prefer not-so-scary Halloween adventures will enjoy exploring an a-maize-ing corn maze and Zany T’s Touch Lab (full of ghoulish frights!), face painting, appearances by Jumbo Shrimp mascot Scampi, and more! Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens Spooktacular Fridays | Saturdays | Sundays October 11 – 31, 2019 6.30 – 10 pm Enjoy a frightfully fun evening at the ‘wildest’ spot in Jacksonville! Prepare for a Halloween habitat transformed to mesmerize families all October long! This Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens Spooktacular event is designed for families and children of all ages. Guests can stroll through a gleaming pumpkin patch, trick-or-treat through a candy trail at the zoo’s Play Park, enjoy fall festivities on the Great Lawn, visit select animal exhibits and classic monsters at Range of the Jaguar, and much more! For ghosts and goblins ten years or older, enter (if you dare!) one of three scare zones! Spooky Halloween Bash @ World Golf Village October 12, 2019 10 am – 1 pm Sponsored by Jacksonville Business Connections, this free community event is a festive, fun start to the Halloween season! This perfectly not-so-scary Halloween jamboree includes a children’s costume contest, bounce house, character meet-and-greets, food vendors, a Halloween golf cart parade, and, of course, plenty of trick-or-treating! Family Fun Day @ Hemming Park October 12, 2019 10 am – 3 pm Bring your little ones to enjoy a bit of early Halloween fun happening this month at Jacksonville’s Hemming Park. Little ones will delight in meeting Buc the miniature horse and plenty of furry friends in the petting zoo, pick their perfect pumpkins from the patch, and more! Enjoy plenty of food options and live music, too! JSO Spooktacular Family Concert October 20, 2019 3 – 8 pm Prepare for an evening of enchanted entertainment! Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra’s annual Halloween event is filled to the brim with not-so-scary family fun! Festivities include JSO’s Instrument Zoo (an interactive, hands on experience with orchestral instruments for children of all ages to give a go!), spooktacular crafts, a costume contest, and (of course!) trick-or-treating! Wear your favorite costume to enjoy this eerie performance. Pre-concert activities begin at 2 pm. Mall-O-Ween at the Avenues October 30, 2019 6 – 8 pm Prepare for candies, sweets, and tasty treats as little ones trick-or-treat through the shops at the Avenues Mall! Bring your adorable little ghosts, goblins, and more out to enjoy a safe, free trick-or-treating zone! Mall-O-Ween at St. Johns Town Center Park Green @ Maggiano’s Little Italy October 31, 2019 6 – 8 pm They’re sure to fill their pumpkins with delightful treats as little ones trick-or-treat through the shops at St. Johns Town Center! Bring your enchanting little wizards, muggles, and more out for an evening of bewitching fun, including safe, free trick-or-treat zone, character visits, complimentary photo booth, giveaways, and more! Author: Alanna Zelinski Writer for Holmes Content Team #HolmesContentTeam #jaxbizconnections #blogcontributor #teambuilding #halloween #halloweenaroundjacksonville

Article written by Blog Post Contributor Karen Fabiola Photography Ok, I am photographer, who love offering Fall/Christmas Portrait sessions, but I do understand some people don't have the time, budget, or energy to get out of their house for family portraits. It's ok, I can go to your home ! Seriously I offer at home sessions :D but... If you are a DIY person and want to take this task on your hands this year, these are my recommendations; Your best friends will be; the camera, the tripod, a timer or remote trigger. Look for the best natural light spot in your home - If you don't know how to work with artificial light/flash just don't try. Limit the props (babies get distracted, and the important subject are just you guys) A bed with white blankets and some accessories could do wonders Make everyone comfortable and include them on the planning (when the big day comes everyone will be excited) Relax Your Christmas tree- USE IT!!! Go to the Christmas light illuminations nearby or use the outdoors lights at your home Enjoy the process and the moment, the most genuine smiles and hugs aren't plan... Keep it simple, the idea is create something cute, full of memories and special moments, don't be too hard on yourself if the result were not professional. Print your art! Karen Fabiola Photography https://www.karenfabiolaphotography.com #jacksonvillephotographer #jacksonvillebusinessconnections #karenfabiolaphotography #jacksonvilletravelphotographer #christmasphotos #jacksonvillematernityphotographer #jacksonvillefineart #fotografia #fotografoenjacksonville #holidayphotography

Article written by Blog Post Contributor HolmesContentTeam Most coffee lovers have a favorite coffee shop, whether it be a large chain or a local hideaway. In celebration of International Coffee Day, and of course Pumpkin Spice Day on October 1st, The Holmes Content Team wants to inspire Jacksonville's coffee drinkers to drink local, and we've visited five of the top cafes and shops in Duval. If you haven't been to Brew Five Points, Bold Bean, Southern Grounds, Urban Grind and The Local, here's why you should go! Brew Five Points Address: 1024 Park St. Hours: Monday – Sunday, 7:30 am – 7 pm Five Points is known for some of the best eateries and drink stops in Jacksonville, and among them is Brew Five Points. If you’re looking for a hand crafted cold brew, drip, or espresso in Riverside, visit Brew. I stopped in for a cold brew coffee after lunch, and there was a moderate crowd. The service was quick and the iced coffee was a refreshing pick-me-up and escape from the 92-degree weather. I had the pleasure of speaking with Tahmina, who welcomed me with a smile and recommended the Ginger Snap Cookie flavor syrup. It’s Brew’s seasonal alternative to the Pumpkin Spice Latte, and it’s quite good. Brew Five Points, located at 1024 Park Street, is wonderfully eclectic. From its thoughtful sourcing of coffee beans to the local art featured on the walls, this quaint coffee shop is authentic to its core. “The cold brew coffee with vanilla cream flavor is our most popular menu item. The kolache and pimento bakery treats are also big. All the bakery items are made by Calli Marie, Co-owner of Brew,” says Tahmina. She also says, “Brew is special because of its relaxed vibe,” compared to other coffee shops she’s worked in. Brew’s regulars hang out and enjoy their favorite coffee, some even bring their own mug and enjoy discounted refills on drip coffee. If you’re looking for the perfect time to drink and relax, you’ll want to visit on a weekday after 2 pm. Sunday mornings are their busiest, so you may have trouble finding a seat or quiet space. Brew is also lovingly immersed in the Jacksonville community. From its support of local artists to pop-up dining events like “Not Bad Supper Club,” Brew is representative of Jacksonville’s growing arts and culture scene. Brew can also boast that its special blend coffee beans are sourced from Bold Bean, right here in Jacksonville. Its espresso beans come from Reanimator and its drip beans are from Bandit in St. Petersburg. Next time you’re in Riverside, be sure to visit Brew Five Points. Bold Bean, San Marco Address: 1905 Hendricks Ave. Hours: Monday – Friday, 6:30 am – 7 pm; Weekends 7 am – 7 pm Bold Bean is another must-visit coffee shop in Jacksonville. Katie, a member of the Holmes Content Team, visited Bold Bean in San Marco on a Wednesday afternoon, around 2 pm. A barista named Kelsey took her order and was forthcoming with details about what’s most popular on the menu, when the best time is to visit, and from where they source their beans. “Pour overs and the honey vanilla latte are their most popular drinks. Bold Bean is affordably priced, and there is only a few cents difference in price between the small and large size drinks,” says Katie. “Go for the larger size,” she adds. Bold Bean boasts a modern, clean atmosphere that speaks to young professionals and students. Much like other self-service inspired spots, such as Southern Grounds, Bold Bean is great for a quick, post-lunch latte. Parking can be troublesome, but there is space available across the street. Katie recommends the honey vanilla latte. “If you love sweet drinks, you’ll love Bold Bean’s Honey Vanilla Latte,” she says. There was no line, but also no sitting space available. The service was quick and friendly, but most of the bakery items were sold out. (This speaks to their popularity!) If you’re more apt to visit during slow hours, go on a weekday evening. Their busiest times are weekday mornings before noon. Bold Bean is proud to use ethically sourced coffee beans. They have great relationships with the farmers they source from, who use very little pesticides. This popular Jacksonville coffee shop is perfect for on-the-go students, professionals and people who are passionate about “drinking local.” Southern Grounds, San Marco Address: 1671 Atlantic Blvd. Hours: Sunday – Thursday, 6:30 am – 9 pm; Friday-Saturday, 6:30 am – 10 pm Southern Grounds continues to grow in popularity, and will soon add an Avondale location. This Jacksonville café offers fresh baked goods, breakfast and lunch menu items that are made from locally sourced, organic ingredients. Alanna, a member of the Holmes Content Team, paid a visit to the San Marco location on a busy weekday morning. She spoke with the Assistant Manager, Allie, who raves about the southern hospitality at Southern Grounds, which is reflected in everything from its scratch-made biscuits to its free coffee and tea refills. “We also offer dollar refills on our cold brew coffee. This is a terrific deal that many customers don’t know about yet,” says Allie. The Baja Ancient Grain Bowl is the most popular dish available at Southern Grounds. That’s right, this café has earned expert status making coffee and pastries, but you can also enjoy a healthy, hot dish. Looking for their top drink recommendation? “Order the Southern Grounds White Chocolate Mocha, it’s a decadent post-lunch treat,” says Alanna. You’ll also drool over the dessert case, which is filled with beautifully decorated cakes from Biscotti’s, another local favorite. Urban Grind Coffee Company Address: 45 W Bay St. Hours: Monday – Friday, 7 am – 4 pm Urban Grind is an independently owned Bay Street coffee shop that’s attached to the Regions Bank building. AJ, a writer for Holmes Content Team, enjoyed a weekday visit to Urban Grind and its relaxing atrium, or Urban Garden, as its called. Although parking is not ideal, once you arrive at this quaint coffee shop, you’ll immediately relax. “Urban Grind is a downtown escape, right in the middle of everything,” says AJ. “Once you receive your order, you can relax in Adirondack chairs in the cool, shaded, atrium,” she adds. Not only does Urban Grind offer a unique experience, their coffee is also special. Unlike large chains that offer flavored syrup, this local coffee shop brews flavored coffee. Ready for your pumpkin spice fill? Be sure to try Urban Grind’s Pumpkin Spice Coffee, hot or iced. No syrup necessary! They’re also known for their iced caramel latte. If you plan to stay a while, you can take advantage of discounted refills. At just $1.07 per refill, this is a steal compared to offerings at large chains. Urban Grind’s menu also features smoothies, frappes, bagels, sandwiches and more. “Their cheese bagel is good, and it comes with veggie cream cheese,” AJ adds. This hip coffee shop is only open during business hours, Monday through Friday, and is popular with downtown professionals. Mornings before 10 am and afternoons from 2 to 4 are their busiest times. The Local Address: 4578 San Jose Blvd. Hours: Monday – Friday, 10:30 am – 9 pm; Saturday – Sunday: 8 am – 9 pm The Local opened in 2017 and is quickly growing in popularity. Bringing “good food booze and caffeine” to San Marco for two years, this innovative café and coffee shop will be serving Neptune Beach starting in October! The new Beaches location will feature all new menu items, but also will include their popular cake and coffee, cocktails and Tuna poke nachos. Holmes Custom Content Team writer, Brodie, visited The Local San Marco for an afternoon coffee break. “The vibe is calm and quiet,” he says. The Local offers anonymity to its customers. Looking for a place to relax and enjoy local coffee and fare without interruption? Sit inside and enjoy The Local’s modern rustic interior, or take your coffee or wine outside on the shaded patio. Popular menu items include the Hendricks Burger and the Gumby’s Bowl. Their vanilla latte with soy is a top coffee selection. It’s even presented with Teddy Graham flourishes. Like Southern Grounds, The Local is also interested in a Riverside location. Each location’s menu will be uniquely curated for local flavor, and you’ll have to visit each one to enjoy these one-of-a-kind dishes. The Local’s busiest hours are weekdays from 11:30 am to 1 pm, and 5 pm to 7 pm. If you like a slower pace, visit The Local from 2 to 3:30 pm, when crowds are slim. Whether you’re a long-time resident of Jacksonville or stopping in for a visit, be sure to enjoy the local restaurant scene. Duval is the epicenter of North East Florida where you’ll certainly find southern tradition, but also an eclectic arts, culture and restaurant scene. Be sure to drink, eat and shop local in Jacksonville! Author: Amber Bailey, Writer for Holmes Content Team #HolmesContentTeam #jaxbizconnections #blogcontributor #localcoffeeshops #jaxcoffeeshops #jaxlocal #coffee

Article written by Blog Post Contributor HolmesContentTeam Working at the very best of your game often involves team support. Have you ever heard the expression two heads are better than one? Or teamwork makes the dream work? Multiple ideas, facets of knowledge, and strengths working together result in a strong bond that contributes to better productivity and success at work. So how might we enhance and improve our teams in the workplace? Corporate team building activities, of course! What Is Team Building? Team building involves a chosen activity that is used to further develop the social aspects of a team. Off-site group events improve communication, boost company morale, develop trust, and assist with problem solving. Outings provide an opportunity to define roles and assign responsibilities. How to Choose Your Team Building Activity Start the exercise by getting the team involved. Have everyone submit ideas for activities you can attend in your community. Either draw an activity randomly or have the boss evaluate and decide on the best idea. Local sporting or cultural events, classes, and fun activities provide teams with the opportunity to learn from each other. A rudimentary class gets down to the basics of group roles. Removing the team from a structured environment allows more organic team communication to flow. A fantastic way to bolster the team's spirit and get them ready for this event is by providing them each with a unique customized button. Each button can feature your company’s logo, employee names, or even a silly design. Activity Ideas The main focus on any team-building experience is to have a measurable result, whether that is creating a product, figuring out a process, or accomplishing a task. These are a few of our favorite ideas that could benefit your team. Crafting Class Escape Room Scavenger Hunt Cooking Class Ropes Course Community Service Activity Our Team Building Experience Our SEO team at Holmes Custom attended a gummy bear making class for our team-building exercise. We made our way to Jacksonville’s local candy connoisseur, Sweet Pete’s! This candy business offers a variety of classes throughout the year. For our class, we learned the step by step process for creating these beloved treats. The team was able to test out different varieties of gummies, choose our molds, and pick a fruity flavor. At the end of our class, we left with our yummy treats and a more established team dynamic. Make it Happen This experience is positive and rewarding for each member of your group. It is important to make everyone feel like they are part of the team. Once your exercise is complete, you can follow up with each team member by asking them to write their favorite part of the experience and what they believed they gained from it. Following the event, the team may want to gift the organizer with a fun present that says "thank you." For a one of a kind gift, team members should get together and customize an office gift any boss would appreciate. Benefits of Team Building The way team members function during this activity will realistically translate into the actual roles taken on in the workplace. Roles are Created - You get a better understanding of how each person's role can be implemented. Collaboration - All working towards one measured achievable result. Communication - Conversations become deeper than surface-level chats. Highlights Individual Strengths - Who takes charge? Who assists? Who works the fastest? Who is the most detail-oriented? The further you get in your team activity the clearer individual characteristics become. You will be one step closer to having an accountable and driven team. Your next challenge will be bringing that experience into daily work tasks. Remember, a happy team equals thriving productivity! #HolmesContentTeam #jaxbizconnections #blogcontributor #teambuilding

Article written by Blog Post Contributor Karen Fabiola Photography As a photographer I am always looking for ways to improve my brand because I do understand the importance of setting new goals, showing uniqueness and connecting with potential clients. In today’s world social media is a major part on how we introduce ourselves. If you want to stand out from the crowd, building a compelling brand with professional /emotive / unique / full of personality images is a must. Showing your mission, core values and strengths using images with a professional photographer that took the time to understand all that, will make a difference. When we talk about branding, we are talking not only head shots but a customized service created according to your necessities as business owner, entrepreneur or getting ahead in the corporate world. The time you spend developing your business or your personal image deserves more than just stock photos. Show your ideal market what is all about. Skip the boring professional head shots, ideal clients want to feel a connection, you want to build credibility, as a business owner/entrepreneur you know how important is a visual representation of the brand you work so hard for. Think about this; What makes you different? Your smile, the way you use your hands when your talking, your customer service, your product?… I learned about body language and ways people show their personalities without even realizing while studying psychology (those 6 years got stuck in my mind and heart). Chances are if you showing you, the connection with ideal market will happen. Branding could be storytelling without words, images can be a sublime way to atract your ideal client. Introduce your world to that target client, both of you deserve it! Karen Fabiola Photography www.karenfabiolaphoto.com #jacksonvillephotographer #jacksonvillebusinessconnections #karenfabiolaphotography #jacksonvilletravelphotographer #businessbranding #jacksonvillematernityphotographer #jacksonvillefineart #businessbranding #portugal #puertorico #boudoir #beach #igersjax #jaxmomtravels #follow #fotografia #fotografoenjacksonville #branding #photooftheday #art

About the Event: Date & Time: Saturday, October 5th from 11am-3pm Location: Renaissance Resort World Golf Village (Indoor) Cost: $75-$250 Description: Description: Save the Date! You're invited to the Handmade in the South Event presented by Jacksonville Business Connections. Free to the public & Indoor event First 50 guests receive FREE swag bags! Kid friendly event - Character Meet & Greets To Be Announced DJ Saunders Follow the Facebook event page for the latest updates! Policies No refunds 60 days before any event Vendor Information View application for additional details Sponsor & Vendor Application #worldgolfvillage #vendorevent #kidfriendly #freeevent #dj #handmade #homemade #jacksonville #staugustine #handmadeinthesouth

Article written by Blog Post Contributor HolmesContentTeam There are many things to consider when welcoming a new pet into your home, especially if you’ve never cared for an animal. Here are our best tips to help guide you in the process of finding your new furry family member. 1. Be Prepared Welcoming a dog or cat into your life is a major commitment. Take stock in your personal situation to see if you are ready to care for an animal. How is your financial situation? Can you afford the food, training, daycare, grooming, vet visits, and other costs necessary to ensure your pet’s health and safety? Do you have time to properly exercise a pet? Is there adequate space for an animal in your home? Do you have the patience to train an animal, if needed? All of these factors need to be carefully considered prior to committing to a pet. 2. Research Pet Services What pet services are near you? Groomers, daycare and boarding facilities, dog parks, pet sitters, and veterinary clinics are just a few examples of services you may want or need for your future pet. Knowing where the closest veterinary clinic is may influence your decision to adopt if it is located too far from home. 3. Adopt Don’t Shop There are many animal shelters and rescues throughout Jacksonville. Likewise, there are many pet stores. While purchasing a new kitten or puppy from one of these shops is tempting, you may inadvertently be contributing to inhumane breeding practices. Animal shelters, rescues, and humane societies are frequently on the verge of overpopulation and struggle to keep up with the number of animals they care for. Find which shelters are near you and see if you can meet their animals. 4. Ask for a Sleepover Once you’ve found a shelter or an animal you are interested in, see what interaction services they offer. For dogs, see if the shelter you wish to adopt from offers the opportunity for a sleepover. You will get to take the dog home for the night to see if his or her personality and behaviors work well with you and your family. One night may not be enough to make the adoption decision, but this uninterrupted interaction can provide insight into whether you and your potential pooch are a match. 5. Prepare Your Home Once you’ve settled on a pet, it’s time to get ready to bring it home. Beds, bowls, ID tags, food, treats, toys, flea/tick medication, brushes, and many more products are needed to properly care for an animal. Remove hazards that your new pet may have access to such as cleaning chemicals that may be left on the floor. Clean your living area of debris or small objects that could be swallowed. 6. Introducing Your New Pet Most animals will need time to adjust to a new environment. This can be a slow process. Ensuring your new pet is comfortable and warmly welcomed, but not rushed, is integral to a happy transition. Accidents may happen even for house-broken animals, and understanding this ahead of time will help you transition to this new phase of your life, as well. 7. Schedule Your First Vet Visit Typically, you will need to get your pet vaccinated once you leave the shelter. Some pet rescues offer vaccination services. If not, you may need to take your pet to the veterinary clinic you’ve chosen. Whether you need to update shots or get your pet vaccinated for the first time, you will want to schedule a visit with your veterinarian for a thorough check-up to ensure your furry friend’s continued health. It will take time for you and your pet to adjust to each other, but learning what he or she likes and helping your new family member adapt to a new routine will help ease the transition period for everyone. Over time, you will become comfortable around each other and, before you know it, it will be hard to remember what life was like before adopting your furry friend! #HolmesContentTeam #jaxbizconnections #jaxbizconnections #blogcontributor #petadoptingtips

Article written by Blog Post Contributor HolmesContentTeam When you find yourself rushing to the grocery store with the hopes of finding that perfect gift card for a friend, this is probably a good sign that you’ve put off birthday shopping until it’s almost too late! It’s no fun when that feeling of panic sets in as you scan your options at the checkout aisle and wonder if a coffee shop gift card is personal enough. Sure, you’ve had birthday dinner scheduled in your calendar for weeks and will arrive for this celebratory meal on time, but if you don’t quickly find that gift card, you just may be showing up empty handed once again. Here are our top 5 gift giving tips that will help you have peace of mind, so you can head to that next celebratory dinner with the confidence that your friends will surely appreciate the gifts you’ve chosen. Plan Ahead - It is so much easier (and relaxing!) to find a thoughtful gift for someone special while you still have the luxury of time. Giving a memorable gift means thinking about your recipient and getting something that matches his or her taste. When you settle for the most convenient last minute find you come across, your best friend will, most likely, be able to tell. Consider Your Friends’ Hobbies & Interests - Your closest friends typically share what kind of activities they are involved in, what movies they saw recently, and other insights into how they spend their time. Do they love superheroes or a certain sports team? What about a movie ticket to the newest superhero release or a tee of their favorite sports team or athlete? Are they foodies who enjoy experiencing the latest restaurant experience? Perhaps an introductory cooking class in the local supermarkets would be a great gift, and something you could do together. Search for a gift related to activities close to their hearts. Look to Social Media for Inspiration - Social media is the ultimate cheat sheet for gift giving. With just a bit of browsing on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, or virtually any social media platform, you’re sure to find several personal ideas. Notice what your friends like, what they are sharing, and how they have been spending their time recently. This is an excellent way to hone in on their most recent interests and adventures. Personalize it! - If you are shopping for something that you truly hope will be a keepsake, choosing something with personalization is something they’re sure to appreciate. Monogrammed gifts are a popular choice. You may even luck out and find popular names already printed on a variety of keepsake items. These thoughtful gifts let your recipient know that you chose something especially for them. For those milestone birthdays, you may even want to design your own gift that includes a special phrase, an inside joke, or his or her full name (or nickname!). Find Something that Celebrates Your Friendship - The most meaningful gifts matter because of who they’re from. Presents that remind friends of experiences you have shared over the years will bring a feeling of nostalgia. Gifts related to mutual interests or shared taste will be a wonderful reminder of the bond you share. Giving a gift to someone close to your heart doesn’t need to be practical. Your gift should reflect how special the recipient is and show how much you value your friendship. If you do happen to find yourself lost in indecision or procrastination, those grocery store gift cards will always be there in a pinch. Just remember, it’s always nice to have something special in hand to accompany it. Selecting a heartfelt card, a favorite bottle of wine, or a lovely bouquet of flowers, for example, this thoughtful touch will be something special they can start enjoying immediately! #HolmesContentTeam #jaxbizconnections #blogcontributir #LastMinuteGiftShoppingforFriends