The College of Central Florida, the Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership and the Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau have released the findings of a survey on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the local economy. The COVID-19 Business Impact Survey was distributed by the CEP from April 13-23. The survey was designed to allow business executives to voice their concerns about the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on their business.

The inspiration for the survey came from Florida Gulf Coast University’s work with its local chamber of commerce organizations in the southwest Florida region. Abraham Mathew, CF assistant professor of Business, Technology and Career and Technical Education, created the survey with the help of Dr. Christopher Westley, the lead researcher on the FGCU project. The Tourist Development Council was responsible for bringing CF and FGCU together to share the expertise that subsequently allowed the survey to be expedited and deployed in the Ocala/Marion County area.

Most of the survey respondents were small businesses in industries such as restaurant, construction, health care and manufacturing. Surveys were completed by 199 businesses, and results were compiled and analyzed by Mathew. Overall results showed:

• 87% of respondents said that customer demand in their business had declined as a result of COVID-19, with just over half reporting that customer demand had declined over 50%.
• The vast majority of companies (67%) laid off or reduced work hours for less than 20% of their employees.
• More than 80% of the respondents felt that the impact would not have any “permanent adverse effects.”
• 85% of the respondents were owners, CEOs, or key decision-makers.

“This is a great snapshot of how businesses responded to the pandemic,” said Kevin Sheilley, president and CEO of the CEP. “And while there was certainly plenty of disruption in Ocala, the resiliency of our local businesses will be on full display in the months to come.”

The full results of the survey can be found at OcalaCEP.com/cep-news. The Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County conducted a similar survey aimed at measuring the impact on the nonprofit community. The results of that survey can be found at https://www.ocalafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Survey-Report.pdf.

A follow-up survey involving the same group of community partners will be conducted in six months. Sheilley will be the spokesperson for this survey, with planned presentations in the coming weeks for Ocala City Council, Marion County Board of Commissioners, and the TDC Board. Additional entities or businesses interested in having Sheilley present should call 352-629-8051, ext. 105.

The College of Central Florida Corporate College is offering 10 self-paced, online noncredit courses available for employers and their staff at no cost through June 30. These free courses include a mix of hard and soft skills which are highly relevant in today’s changing job market.

Courses include: Creating Web Pages; Creating WordPress Websites; Fundamentals of Supervision and Management; Twelve Steps to a Successful Job Search; Keys to Effective Communication; Managing Customer Service; Marketing Your Business on the Internet; Personal Finance; Small Business Marketing on a Shoestring and Individual Excellence.

“We know that businesses and organizations are experiencing unprecedented challenges during this time and might have been directly affected by this outbreak. Now more than ever, the Corporate College remains as passionate as ever about helping our community learn, stay relevant and keep active,” said Dr. Jennifer Fryns, associate vice president, Career and Professional Programs. “We are pleased to have made a selection of our online course offerings completely free for a limited time to assist your employees and business.”

Explore all online noncredit course options on the Corporate College website at CF.edu/CorporateCollege and click on Free Classes.

The College of Central Florida will distribute $2.53 million to current students from the CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Fund. The funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act are to support college students whose lives have been disrupted, many of whom are facing challenges and struggling to make ends meet.

CF will distribute $1.8 million to more than 3,200 students this week to be used for course materials, technology, food, housing, health care and child care. The college will have an additional $716,000 in emergency grant funds available through an application process for students with the greatest need.

“We are pleased to distribute these funds so that students can continue on their educational pathway,” said Dr. Jim Henningsen, CF president. “Now more than ever, it is critical that students prepare themselves for a career that will provide for them when times are good and when they are more challenging.”

While colleges have discretion over how to award the aid, they must prioritize students with the greatest need and factor in student socioeconomic status; exercise professional judgment to exclude this aid from a student’s cost of attendance; and not count the funds as Title IV aid.

In a news release issued by the U.S. Department of Education on April 9, U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos said: “What’s best for students is at the center of every decision we make. That’s why we prioritized getting funding out the door quickly to college students who need it most. We don’t want unmet financial needs due to the coronavirus to derail their learning.”

The College of Central Florida continues to offer classes in an online format through the summer and is providing all student services remotely during the COVID-19 crisis.

In a recent release of the Florida Department of Education annual program performance rating, the College of Central Florida’s Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education attained the highest score since it graduated its first class in 2013, earning a 3.5 out of 4.0. CF’s ranking is based upon students’ completion and retention rates while in the program and graduates’ job placement rate and teacher evaluations during their first year of professional teaching.

When compared to other institutions of higher education offering the same degree program, CF’s B.S. in Early Childhood Education program scored in the top tier of institutions. CF’s program tied another program for fifth place in the state, earning a higher ranking than the same degree programs at Florida State University, University of North Florida, University of South Florida, Florida International University and Miami Dade College.

“With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, our society is experiencing an unprecedented level of participation in young children’s educational processes and also experiencing the reward that comes with being an integral part of that process,” said Dr. Jennifer Fryns, associate vice president, Career and Professional Programs at CF. “My hope is that we see an uptick in individuals who are ready to take that passion and turn it into a career in early childhood education. The validation from Florida Department of Education that CF’s teacher preparation program is among the highest quality in the state provides those individuals with the best option that is local, affordable and now highly ranked in the state.”

CF’s Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education and Associate in Arts pathway to Early Childhood Education directly articulate into the Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education. The program leads to Florida Teacher Certification in Pre-K Primary (age 3 to grade 3) with endorsements in Pre-K Disability, Reading (K-12) and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL, K-12). Historically, 100% of graduates from this program also pass the Subject Area Exam for K-6 grade, allowing them to also teach fourth through sixth grades.

The College of Central Florida will host its spring 2020 commencement Friday, May 8, with two virtual video ceremonies to honor graduates. A livestream of our Associate in Arts commencement video will begin at 3 p.m. and livestream of our Certificate, Associate in Science and bachelor’s degrees will begin at 6 p.m. Both virtual commencement messages will be featured on Facebook (@CF.edu) and YouTube (@CollegeofCentralFL).  You will find links at www.CF.edu/graduation.

The video will feature special remarks from local and state leaders as well as a presentation of the Distinguished Alumni Award to Ben Marciano, owner of Zone Health and Fitness, who graduated from CF in 1999 with a degree in Criminal Justice.

Recipients are selected based on peer recommendations and notable accomplishments in their field or profession and serve as positive role models.  The CF Alumni Association has recognized 29 Distinguished Alumni since the award began in 1996.

Marciano has two Zone Health and Fitness locations in Ocala and is passionate about the benefits of health and fitness, he also works with the community to address health issues. Marciano is very involved with the local community and volunteers with several charitable organizations to make Marion County a better place.

“We are thrilled to acknowledge Ben for his achievements not only within his industry but also as a CF alumni leader in our community and we are pleased to recognize him as our 2020 Distinguished Alum,” said Mike Fallon, CF Alumni committee chair.

True to his alma mater, he has supported CF in many ways.  Zone Health and Fitness has been a signature sponsor for the CF athletics program for many years.  He often partners with CF in recruiting and he hires students.  In addition to Marciano’s involvement with the Arnette House, he is a supporter of several organizations including the American Heart Association, the United Way and The Centers to name just a few.

CF will post a PDF of the commemorative graduation program online and a printed copy of the program will be mailed to each graduate in the coming weeks.

For more information about CF graduation or to access the video visit www.CF.edu/graduation.

The College of Central Florida is conducting virtual information sessions for Health Sciences programs including Nursing, Physical Therapist Assistant, Dental Assisting, Radiography and Surgical Technology. Potential students must attend a virtual session before applying to any of the programs, which begin this fall.

Sessions provide details about admissions criteria, program requirements, costs and more.

There is no waiting list for any of the Health Science programs. Some programs have part-time enrollment options.

Upcoming information sessions include:

Nursing (Associate Degree Nursing, Bridge, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing)

• Thursday, April 30, 9-10 a.m.
• Thursday, May 7, 3-4 p.m.
• Thursday, May 12, 9-10 a.m.

Physical Therapist Assistant

• Tuesday, May 5, 4-5 p.m.

Dental Assisting

• Wednesday, May 20, noon-1 p.m.

Radiography

• Tuesday, April 28, 4-5 p.m.
• Tuesday, May 12, 4-5 p.m.

Surgical Technology

• Tuesday, May 5, 1-2 p.m.

To register visit CF.edu/healthinfosession. Sessions have limited spots available. For information about any of the programs or sessions, call 352-873-5817, or call 352-873-5800, ext. 1655.

The College of Central Florida is conducting virtual information sessions for potential students, parents and guardians of high school teens interested in learning more about CF and the programs that the college offers.

Sessions last about an hour and provide details about the application process, financial aid, placement testing and resources available to help students be successful. Specific parent and dual enrollment sessions are also available. Summer classes start May 13 and fall classes begin Aug. 17.

Upcoming information sessions include:

• Wednesday, April 22, 6 p.m.
• Friday, April 24, noon
• Tuesday, April 28, 6 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 29, 6 p.m. Marion County Public Schools Dual Enrollment session
• Thursday, April 30, noon
• Tuesday, May 5, 6 p.m. Citrus County Public Schools Dual Enrollment session
• Wednesday, May 6, 6 p.m. Specific to parents and guardians on how they can help set their teen up for success at CF
• Thursday, May 7, 6 p.m. Levy County Public Schools Dual Enrollment session

For information about any of the sessions or to register, visit CF.edu/InformationSession or email admissions@CF.edu.

CAMPUS USA Credit Union recently made a donation to support emergency assistance fund programs at the College of Central Florida. The community partner previously committed $250,000 over five years to support student scholarship and program needs. Recognizing the immediate needs of students and staff, they donated an additional $5,000 to the CF Foundation Patriot Fund and Employee Emergency Assistance Fund.

“These are unprecedented times that we are living in right now and we are grateful to be in a position at CAMPUS USA to be able to support CF students and employees in their time of need,” said Jerry Benton, CEO CAMPUS USA Credit Union.

The CF Foundation Patriot Fund addresses a variety of students’ needs — from food insecurity and medical bills to technology, auto and housing assistance. Support from this fund sometimes means the difference between a student completing their CF education or not.

“Now more than ever our students are counting on us. Donations to our CF Foundation Patriot Fund can make an immediate impact today in helping our students stay in school and finish what they started here at the college,” said Dr. Jim Henningsen, president of the College of Central Florida. “We are grateful to our friends at CAMPUS USA Credit Union for their generous support.”

Donations can be made online at www.CF.edu/Foundation/give/patriotfund. For more information about donating, please contact CF Foundation Executive Director Chris Knife at knifec@CF.edu.

Every Tuesday at 10 a.m. the museum will post a new video on the museum’s Facebook page and YouTube channel. Videos are perfect for ages 7-12, or for younger children with help from an adult, and can all be done using basic art supplies.

Appleton Facebook: www.facebook.com/appletonmuseum

Appleton YouTube Teaching Tuesday Playlist:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEe3djKUryIn3Us0gvedTaw/playlists

The museum is also actively compiling other online resources for children, adults and families, including virtual puzzles, teaching guides and more. Online resources can be found by visiting www.appletonmuseum.org/education/families.

The College of Central Florida is offering a Racing to Manufacturing summer camp for students ages 13-17, June 15-17, 2020 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., at Belleview High School, 10400 S.E. 36^th Ave., Belleview, and on June 18 at the CF Ocala Campus, 3001 S.W. College Road.

During the four-day camp, students will experience modern manufacturing, learn how to solder electronic boards, learn the basics of SolidWorks 3D design, build mousetrap cars for distance, learn about 3D printing, and be introduced to CNC milling. Campers will gain hands-on experience in designing and building products, learn about FANUC industrial robots, tour local manufacturing facilities, and interact with manufacturing business leaders and entrepreneurs.

The $100 fee includes all camp materials, lunches, T-shirt and field trips. Scholarship opportunities are available. For more information and to register, visit CF.edu/CorporateCollege, or call 352-873-5855.

This event is sponsored by Nuts, Bolts and Thingamjigs, the Foundation of the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association; CareerSource Citrus, Levy, Marion; Mid-Florida Regional Manufacturers Association; Technical Training Aides; and DimensionWorks.