INVESTOR NEWSLETTER - MAY 2011

Cornerstone Project Announcements

Kaman Aerospace Corporation, a producer and marketer of more than four million products including MRO supplies, electrical and material handling, is considering Jacksonville as the site for an expanded manufacturing operations. Cornerstone and the JEDC have been working with Kaman for more than 12 months on this project. Pending approval by City Council and the State, the project would add 200 full-time jobs and $28 million in new, private capital investment. In addition to its current facilities at Imeson, Kaman is considering leasing a portion of a 280,000 sq. ft. facility at Imeson Industrial Park. This expansion would bring the company's Jacksonville employment to more than 550 people.

The Clay County Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Advisory Board has been working on the construction of a new roadway that is paving the way for Alternate Energy Technologies to locate in the county. Clay County economic development officials worked with Enterprise Florida, OTTED and other stakeholders to receive the State of Florida Economic development Transportation Fund. Results of this project include a new 66,000 sq. ft. facility, $4 million in capital investment and 50 new jobs. 

Top Business News and Rankings

Jacksonville is now home to four Fortune 500 companies with the addition of Fidelity National Information Services to the list.

The BizCosts Annual Study conducted by The Boyd Company lists Jacksonville as the third least expensive headquarters city in the nation.

Chief Executive ranked Florida as the third best state for business.

The Chicago Sun-Times highlights Jacksonville's lifestyle and revitalization efforts.

Embraer is awaiting the decision by the Department of Defense to develop a new military aircraft. If selected, Embraer will assemble the Super Tucano aircraft at an exisintg hanger facility at JAA. Watch the video for more information.

Register Now for the Second Quarter Cornerstone Lunch

Mark your calendars for the second quarter Cornerstone luncheon on Friday, July 15, at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront. The luncheon will feature Robert Hill , president and CEO of Acosta Inc., as he discusses Why Trusted Brands Trust Us. Topics Hill will cover in his discussion include why organizational culture matters, the power of giving back, reinvesting in our community, and successfully growing through engaged associates, acquisitions and well-defined strategies. Register now to reserve your seat at the luncheon.

Mayor Peyton and Cornerstone staff, along with regional partners and business leaders, traveled to Atlanta this month to help market the region to corporate executives, site consultants and commercial and industrial real estate brokers. During the two-day trip 15 attendees met with 30 site location consultants and other companies to continue building relationships with the individuals that are directly responsible for bringing potential business to our region.

The Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Public Policy and Business Advocacy department want to hear from you. If you are concerned about legislative and regulatory issues impacting businesses and want to be more involved, please click here to complete a brief form that will enable us to quickly and effectively engage you in key business issues.

JCCI Releases Study Results
After conducting the regional Recession, Recovery and Beyond study, JCCI is releasing the results on June 15, 2011. Join other regional leaders at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront as JCCI reports on the results and hands over the information to the Recession, Recovery and Beyond Implementation Task Force. Please contact JCCI by e-mailing Demetrius@jcci.org to learn more about joining the task force.

Transportation Study Breakfast Panel
On Thursday, May 25 the Northeast Florida Regional Transportation Study Commission is hosting a breakfast panel discussion to address issues related to transportation and economic development. The panel will be held at the Prime Osborn Convention Center at 9 a.m. and will cover topics such as transportation strategies to support key regional economic priorities and how the system can allow business to access broad and talented labor markets. Breakfast and registration begin at 8 a.m. There is no cost to attend, but RSVPs are requested. RSVP to Connie Opland at (904) 603-3195 or ccopland@jtafla.com.

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