New shops and events, grant awarded to local organization

New buildings are being built across Alachua County, some are still looking for residents. And with the pandemic restrictions lifted, live events are planned for this fall, including some new ones in the region.

A local group has also received a large grant to continue their efforts to train local youth. Here’s a look at this week’s business news:

New soap shop, European car show comes to Butler

Butler Enterprises recently announced a new retailer and event at its Archer Road mall.

Buff City Soap is expected to open in a new building on the corner of Archer Road and Clark Butler Boulevard, offering fragrant herbal soaps without preservatives and handmade soaps.

The company’s products include hand soap, shower gel, lotion, fragrance sprays, bath bombs, and laundry detergents in more than 30 unique fragrances.

The first European auto show, which will take place in October, will also shortly come to Butler.

The show, which takes place on October 23 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., features more than 120 cars and motorcycles from Audi, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Mercedes and more. Oldtimers and modern vehicles are on display.

The show – free for viewers, includes music and salespeople.

The proceeds from the European Car Show in Butler will benefit the United Way of North Central Florida.

Cade Museum names gallery for Petty family

The Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention recently opened one of its galleries named after Dr. William “Bill” Petty and his wife Betty Petty.

The Pettys co-founded Exactech in 1985, which makes instruments for orthopedic surgery and joint replacement, and donated half a million dollars to the museum. Bill Petty also brought his expertise to the University of Florida as an orthopedic surgeon.

The Petty Family Gallery on the second floor offers panoramic views of Depot Park through floor-to-ceiling windows.

New development planned for the Progress Corporate Park in Alachua

A new 12,500 square meter building is under construction in Alachua’s Progress Corporate Park, which when completed will have an open design ready for state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and research.

The building at 14100 NW Highway 441 is expected to be completed this fall and offers space for up to 50,000 square feet. The space is available for sale or rental and is represented by the Big Buildings team as Coldwell Banker / MM Parrish Realtors.

YouthBuild Project Receives $ 1.35 Million Grant

Project YouthBuild, a nonprofit that supports a model of pre-education to help young people acquire valuable professional skills, earn their high school diploma, and prepare for post-secondary and career opportunities, has a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor of Received $ 1.35 million. The group is one of 68 organizations that have received awards nationwide.

The program works with low-income young people aged 16 to 24 who have dropped out of school.

Participants spend nearly half of their time renovating or building affordable housing across Alachua County. Successful graduates are also recognized with an AmeriCorps Seagle Education Award, which is used for post-secondary education or business school.

– Emily Mavrakis covering the business and government of Alachua County. She can be reached by email at emavrakis@gvillesun.com and on Twitter @emmavrakis.

source https://collegeeducationnewsllc.com/new-shops-and-events-grant-awarded-to-local-organization/