meet the board

The Alachua Business League (ABL) is dedicated to fostering a thriving local business community. Our Board of Directors is made up of business owners, employees and retirees, all of whom have the desire to share their knowledge and experiences with the members. It is this group effort that keeps the ABL focused on its progress and forward direction.

our dedicated team

Michele Lee - President

Michele Lee is an accomplished entrepreneur with a proven track record of success across various industries. Her journey began with ventures in real estate, fitness centers, and vending routes before she founded Optimal Station, an innovative automated retail and experiential marketing company based in Alachua, Florida. Recently, Michele conceived and launched the visionary "Good Life Station," a pioneering smart city cafe to foster community engagement and support local businesses in downtown Alachua. This initiative connects residents and attracts visitors, contributing to the vibrant economic landscape of the area. Committed to nurturing the next generation of business leaders, Michele actively mentors entrepreneurs in the automated access and marketing sectors. Her dedication to fostering entrepreneurial spirit and cultivating positive team cultures underscores her leadership in both business growth and community involvement. Michele approaches challenges as opportunities for growth and believes in the power of support and mentorship from those who have paved the way. She is passionate about empowering individuals to achieve success, regardless of obstacles. She is known for her unwavering work ethic, dedication, and commitment to advancing business opportunities and community engagement through The Good Life Community initiatives.

Valentina McConnell - Vice President

A resident of Alachua, Valentina has 4 children and 4 step children, 10 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Also, being a cancer survivor she is a strong promoter of 5K For The Cause and Relay for Life! She loves sports, meeting people and helping people whenever she can and has a kind heart! Valentina loves both of her jobs! One in the office of Dr. Mitch Fearing and the other as a consultant with Mary Kay Cosmetics! Between the two jobs, she has you covered inside and out. Being one of the members of the Alachua Business League’s Board of directors, she is focusing on learning lots of new stuff and looks forward to meeting lots of wonderful folks.

Marilyn Vanover - Treasurer

Marilyn retired from banking in 2020, having been the manager at Renasant Bank (formerly Alarion Bank) since 2006. She has been a member of the Alachua Business League since 2003 and has served as both Vice President and Treasurer. She is involved with the Alachua Main Street festivals, usually coordinating the registration table on the day of the festival. She feels that the Alachua Business League is a great community organization designed to help small businesses grow and to be involved in the growth of the City of Alachua.

Kathy Colson - scholarship chairman

Since 1981, Kathy Colson has been with Radiant Credit Union serving in key roles in Accounting, Finance, and Risk/Compliance. She has served in leadership roles with numerous community organizations, including her current Board of Directors Secretary with the Rays of Hope Foundation, Inc. Kathy has been an active member of the GFWC Alachua Woman’s Club since 2003. She grew up in the Alachua area attending schools in Alachua before going on to Lake City Community College and the University of Florida. Kathy has been active in the ABL since 2003, and served as ABL President from 2007-2013 – receiving the ABLe Award in 2012. She continues to actively help promote the Alachua Main Street Festivals. She remains focused on helping individuals and organizations in the Alachua community create an improved lifestyle balance, as well as helping the youth in our community grow through education. All this, with the goal of giving students the opportunity to live productive lives and grow their families in the Good Life Community!

julie smith - social media specialist

A Native Floridian born in Daytona Beach Florida and married to Bill Smith with two children and one grandson. Julie is the creator/owner of High Springs What’s Happening Facebook group and the Executive Administrator for Andersons Outdoor Adventure based in Alachua County. Julie sits on the Visit Natural North Florida Tourism Task Force (The Original Florida Tourism Task Force) representing Alachua County promoting and marketing ecotourism in 14 North Florida counties with a mission to support community leaders with financial resources to boost ecotourism. Julie’s career objective is to build sustainable profitable businesses while maintaining a high level of professionalism and organization for local entrepreneurs in small communities. Julie enjoys paddle boarding on the Santa Fe River and Ichetucknee River or fishing in Steinhatchee and Suwannee River on the gulf of Mexico with her husband.