Bosses for Babies

How This Boss Makes an Impact for Children in Florida

Josh Wooten is a Florida native who hails from the Jacksonville area but has called Citrus County home since 1984. Previously a local small business owner as well as a former Citrus County Commissioner, Josh was hired in March 2009 to lead the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce as President / CEO. During his tenure, the Chamber has grown tremendously and is recognized locally and state-wide as a top leader and advocate for business and the workforce, as well as the community and environment. 
                                                                                        
Throughout his time in Citrus County, Josh has served on numerous local boards and advisory committees, including the Citrus Memorial Hospital advisory board, the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch Board of Directors, the Board of County Commissioners Stakeholders Advisory Group, Three Sisters Springs Community Working Group, Citrus 2030, Prosperity Citrus, and more.  He is a founder and board member of Keep Citrus County Beautiful, a former State Commander of the Sons of the American Legion, and a life member of the Citrus County Historical Society. He has also served on numerous regional water boards and environmental advisory groups. In 2019, he received the prestigious Core of the Community Award.

Josh is the proud father of four lovely daughters and a devoted grandfather of four wonderful grandchildren. 

Bio

Businesses cannot survive without the labor and skills of their employees. But employees come with families, and the reality is that families come first. The Chamber believes that the businesses that support both employees and families are the ones that build loyal employees who are committed to and supportive of their employer’s business.

The Citrus County Chamber prides itself in offering elasticity to our employees to ensure they can meet the needs of their children and family members. We allow flex-time or work-from-home options on an as-needed basis so they can be engaged in their children’s lives.  Parents may bring their children or dependents to the office with them when necessary (we can always find things to keep little hands and minds busy!).

In addition to flexible work options, the Citrus County Chamber is focused externally on educational opportunities for our next-generation workforce, including participation in literacy programs and Reading Pals for the under-3rd grade students or adopt-a-classroom programs. We also support quality childcare organizations that give parents peace of mind that their children are nurtured and cared for while Mom and Dad are at work. Our Business Women’s Alliance Committee annually awards scholarships to graduating seniors to help them pursue their college or CTE pathways to achieve their career potential, and our Ambassador committee raises thousands of dollars during its Christmas in July event to purchase children’s gifts to help reduce the holiday burden on struggling parents.