INVESTOR NEWSLETTER - OCTOBER 2010
Deutsche Bank's Global Head of Global Business Services to Speak at Cornerstone Lunch
The final Cornerstone luncheon of 2010 is fast approaching and will feature Martin Slumbers, Global Head of Global Business Services for Deutsche Bank, as he discusses the "Jacksonville's Role In Deutsche Bank's Global Network." Register now to reserve your seat at the December 2 luncheon, to be held at the Hyatt Jacksonville Riverfront. The luncheon will also recognize three individuals or companies for leadership in international business development.
Vote "No On 4" November 2
With only a week until Amendment 4 goes to vote, I want to encourage everyone to turn out at the polls November 2 to vote against this amendment that will cause economic development to stagnate in our region. Cornerstone, along with the Chamber and many other business and civic organizations vigorously support the "No On 4" initiative and have traveled around Jacksonville spreading the word. 
If passed, Amendment 4 will lead to heavy job loss and higher costs for Floridians. There are a number of ways to stay informed and educate co-workers, family and friends on the importance of defeating this amendment.
- Dr. Bill Rupp, CEO of the Mayo Clinic and Chairman of the Vote "No on 4" campaign, or another representative is available to come speak to your company about the impact of Amendment 4, contact Lisa Daniel at (904) 366-6626 or Lisa.Daniel@myjaxchamber.com.
- The Chamber's Access publication features a Q&A that provides details of how this amendment will affect the continued growth of economic development in our region.
- More information can be found on the "No on 4" website.
Regional News
The Boeing Company and Nationwide Equipment, along with 16 other companies around the state, were awarded the Governor's Business Diversification Award for exceptional contributions made in 2009 toward statewide economic diversification. View a list of all the winners at www.eflorida.com.
Saft America Inc. continues to make progress on its lithium-ion battery manufacturing plant at Cecil Commerce Center. The new plant is expected to be completed by April 2011 and will create 279 new jobs in Jacksonville. Visit www.jaxdevelopment.org for more information.
- Nassau County's Science First continues to grow with the purchase of Eastwind Enterprises, a manufacturer of science kits. With this purchase, Science First expects to increase annual sales and add several new jobs. Read the full press release.
Invest in the Future of Cornerstone 
2010 marks the fifth and last year of Cornerstone IV. In August we quietly kicked off the campaign to fund the next five years of Cornerstone, which runs from 2011 to 2015. Early returns are strong as we have already received commitments totaling more than $4.6 million towards our five year goal of $11 million. Additionally, we have more than $2.8 million in pending requests outstanding.
“This is a critical time for Northeast Florida,” said Jerry Mallot. “Cornerstone has developed a program of work for the next five years that will allow us to focus aggressively on retention, creation and recruitment of new jobs and investment to our region. We feel strongly that the program will have a positive impact on everyone living and doing business in the region as we emerge from the global recession.”
I encourage each of you to meet with our campaign managers,
Clint Nesmith or
Mike Trubiano, if you have not already done so to discuss how you can get involved. If you have not already met with Clint or Mike, you will be contacted in the next few weeks by Julie Radigan requesting to set up a 20-minute meeting.
Regional Intermodal Transportation Study
In order to position Northeast Florida as an international leader in the growing global trade economy, a task force comprised of key logistics leaders came together to discuss the need for an intermodal transportation study. The North Florida Freight, Logistics and Intermodal Development Plan is a two-phased comprehensive, integrated and intermodal approach that will identify and help meet the future freight and logistics needs of the region. It will also provide a policy framework and identify the short and long-term capital improvement projects needed to support the region's planned development potential for freight. Read an overview of the study and summary of the phases.
Meet the Cornerstone Team...
Mike Breen, Director, International Department 
Mike Breen is Cornerstone's lead recruiter of international business to Northeast Florida and serves as the project manager for the logistics and distribution industry. You have most likely seen him hosting international executives at Cornerstone events or heard about his travels to recruit global companies to Jacksonville. He also staffs Cornerstone's International Committee, whose purpose is to advance Cornerstone's brand in the international business arena. Mike was Cornerstone's lead project manger for ICS Logistics, a Jacksonville-based company specializing in cold storage. The expanded warehouse brought approximately $25 million in capital investment and 50 new jobs to Jacksonville.
Other notable projects Mike has played a key role include:
- PacNet (Ireland), which added 30 new jobs and $200,000 in capital investment
- JC Remfro/Gosan (Spain), which added 32 new jobs and $25 million in capital investment
- Oshkosh Trucks, which added 100 new jobs
Mike has more than 20 years of experience in international business and corporate location decisions. Prior to joining Cornerstone's economic development team, Mike served as Vice President of Moran, Stahl & Boyer Inc., one of America's leading corporate relocation consulting firms. Mike was the founder of The Breen Consortium International (TBC), an international management firm that brought together a cross section of leading practitioners in workforce accessibility issues of company relocations and economic development. In 2000, TBC was incorporated into a Dutch Firm, Vipre B.V.
Future of Florida Forum
The Florida Chamber of Commerce is holding its 2010 Future of Florida Forum Oct. 11-12 at the Disney Yacht & Beach Club Resort in Orlando. This two-day Forum is an opportunity to take a proactive interest in shaping Florida's future. World-renowned keynote speakers, including Steve Forbes, will focus on how our state's business community must "evolve or die" in order to thrive in the global marketplace. Don't miss this opportunity to contribute to the discussion on Florida's new economy, gain political insight from key state and national experts and to hear Florida's benchmarking report with the unveiling of the 2010 Florida Scorecard. Register for the Forum.
Sincerely,
Lee Thomas
Cornerstone Chair
Chairman of Rayonier
Baker, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, Putnam and St. Johns Counties
3 Independent Drive • Jacksonville Fl 32202 • 904.366.6639
bizrelo@jacksonvillechamber.org • www.expandinjax.com
Where the Future Leads®