City Snapshot – February 2020
City Council Meeting, December 3, 2019—Mayor Becker announced his Person of The Year selection for 2019 was Rob Buerk. Noting that Rob’s “Footprint is all over the City,” the mayor listed many of Rob’s achievements and volunteer positions including having served on the Buildings and Lands Committee, the Boosters Club and Boosters Club Foundation Board, and more.
“His commitment to Jacksonville dates even earlier when he joined the Boosters,” the mayor said, “where he has been a steady, regular, hard worker—painting the Food and Friends dining room, chairing the annual yard sale, staining buildings at Doc Griffin Park, serving as the Meet the Pioneers stage manager and gardening at the Arboretum.”
In 2010, Buerk led the fundraising efforts for building the paver paths and extensive replanting in the Peter Britt Gardens, spending hours with design, approvals and, finally, personally hauling pavers to the job site. Mayor Becker added that, “As the Boosters Foundation President since 2009, he’s led the funding of nearly $260,000 in project grants for Jacksonville,” including those for the Jacksonville Elementary School Music Program, the City’s 3rd Street restroom renovation, Waggin’ Tails Dog Park and, most recently, the new Community Center storage facility.
After the mayor concluded his remarks by saying, “Rob Buerk exemplifies the spirit of Jacksonville in every sense of the word!” Rob received a well-deserved standing ovation from all in attendance.
Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce – Jon Gailis and Amanda Moreira.
New Staffers at Chamber Helm—After the departure of long-time Executive Director Tim Balfour in December, the Chamber of Commerce announced the appointment of two locals who are now job-sharing the post. Jon Gailis, who’s lived here for ten years and is raising a family with his wife, will fill the role of Visitor Services Coordinator. “My role,” he explains, “is to oversee the Visitor Information Center and trolley and do bookkeeping and general administrative tasks.”
Jon is a writer, jack-of-all-trades and, until recently, a stay-at home dad. “I’m involved locally as a volunteer firefighter with the Fire Department, a Boosters Club member, and now tied into the business community through my role with the Chamber.” Jon says he aspires to get to know the tourism component of town better, gain experience and play a part helping Jacksonville get even better. “While we have done a great job being a desirable/welcoming place,” he admits, “we can always improve amenities, make them more accessible, easier to find, and build awareness of what’s here.”
Another local, Amanda Moreira, will fill the role of Marketing Coordinator. She recently moved to Jacksonville with her husband and three young children in 2018 after living in the Bay Area for ten years and working in the financial industry. “Even though we were born and raised in California,” Amanda notes, “my husband and I decided that we wanted to get away from the hustle and bustle…I have family in the Rogue Valley and had visited the area often over the years.” She says she wanted to raise her children in a small community and specifically chose Jacksonville to plant roots. “We have enjoyed meeting new people and discovering more of the area.”
As the new Marketing Coordinator, her role encompasses managing the social media platform and website as well as event advertising and promoting town businesses. “My goal is to share with our local community as well as traveling visitors, the unique and historic aspects of our town…you can visit for the day and enjoy wine tasting, shopping and eating or better yet, book a stay at one of our hospitable lodging partners and immerse yourself in the small-town charm and all it has to offer.”
In the few short months she’s been on the job, Amanda says she’s enjoyed getting to know members of the community and becoming more involved in our year-round events. “I have lots of fresh ideas that I hope to implement this year and look forward to seeing them evolve into new and exciting positive changes for our town.”
Featured image: Rob Buerk with Mayor Paul Becker.