PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n Tower Hill Insurance www.thig.com Founded in 1972, Tower Hill Insurance is a regional leader among residential and commercial property insurers. Financial strength, product expertise, a comprehensive reinsurance program, and exceptional claims service are core business strategies. Headquartered in Florida with more than 550 employees, products are distributed through a network of insurance agencies. n Alachua Chamber of Commerce www.alachuachamber.com community and got heavily involved into some of the organizations to make some initiatives come to life that were important as a business owner and to just support other business owners,” she explains. The community connection became personal when her children relocated to Tech City. Now meeting them weekly at the farmers market, Lee embodies Alachua’s winning formula, where career opportunities and family life strengthen each other. “I wear a couple of different hats in the community, but all focused on really just the initiatives to work together, and to build a community that we can thrive in,” she reflects, distilling the city’s collaborative spirit. PRIORITIES FOR THE FUTURE As Alachua looks ahead, Valladares outlines two clear priorities.“”Managing our residential inventory” he says, and revitalizing Main Street. “We always monitor infrastructure, but we’re at a place where we can focus more on molding our community character,” he says, noting plans to rejuvenate Main Street “into a unique destination for residents and visitors.” These goals reflect the city’s balanced approach, meeting growth demands while preserving character, proving strategic vision and community focus can thrive together. As Valladares notes, the challenge lies in doing it “with the big picture in mind and in a sustainable way,” a philosophy that has already made Alachua a blueprint for small-city success. 10 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
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