INVESTOR NEWSLETTER - JANUARY 2012
Dear Investors and Partners
Welcome to the New Year. This is already shaping up to be a great year for JAXUSA Partnership and the Northeast Florida region. I hope you have all seen the exciting announcements in the past month about EverBank, Embraer and National Healing Corporation. What a great way to start off the year!
I am delighted to serve as your 2012 JAXUSA Partnership Chair. We will continue to focus our efforts on job creation and growth, as well as launching the implementation of Innovate Northeast Florida.
The Innovate study is nearing completion and will provide JAXUSA with implementation plans to market a select group of target industry sectors and impact the necessary talent pipeline to fill future jobs. Over the past six months we have convened a diverse group of business, governmental and community leaders to discuss the strengths, weaknesses and assets of our region. This information has been compiled into a competitive assessment report, which I encourage each of you to read if you have not done so already.
In addition to launching the implementation strategies of the Innovate Northeast Florida study, other initiatives we will continue to focus on include:
- Recruit and Retain Jobs. JAXUSA is committed to help create at least 2,500 high-wage jobs in the Jacksonville region. We will also work closely with our existing businesses to support their retention needs and develop expansion opportunities.
- Workforce Development. As part of our focus on creating a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) workforce, JAXUSA will form and execute a task force to create a more cohesive system to get individuals involved in STEM and support individuals already in the STEM pipeline.
- Public Policy. JAXUSA is working with Mayor Alvin Brown to reshape our city's policies and timeline for approving incentives for companies relocating or expanding in Jacksonville.
The opportunities for growth in our region this year are strong. With leadership and support from you, our investors and partners, we will have a prosperous year in the JAX region.
Introducing the 2012 JAXUSA Partnership Executive Committee
Please welcome your 2012 Executive Committee:
- Tom Van Berkel, 2012 JAX Chamber Chair
- Hugh Greene, Immediate Past Chamber Chair
- Dr. Bill Rupp, Business Development Chair
- Fredrik Eliasson, International Business Chair
- Cleve Warren, Workforce Development and Education Chair
- Janet Owen, Workforce Development and Education Vice Chair
- Vince McCormack, Entrepreneurial Growth Chair
- Don Shea, Downtown Development Chair
- Jim Stevenson, Military Issues Chair
- Moody Chisholm
- Jim Dickenson
- David Mann
- Rob Clements
Company Announcements
National Healing Corporation will expand its Jacksonville headquarters and build a state-of-the-art, high-tech training center that will serve as a global hub for wound care education. Formerly Diversified Clinical Solutions, the company is adding more than 60 employees and retaining 80 executives in Jacksovnille. Hundreds of doctors, nurses and other medical technicians from around the world will travel to Jacksonville each month for training, providing a significant boost for local tourism, with more than 6,000 room nights per year.
Read the full press release
The U.S. Department of Defense announced that it awarded a $355 million contract to
Embraer to
assemble Super Tacano planes for U.S. military use. Embraer has committed to assemble aircraft at Jacksonville International Airport. The project will initially create
50 high wage jobs and represents millions in economic investment. The final award is undergoing a court review and we are confident it will go forward since Embraer has the best airplane for the project.
Read the full press release from the Mayor’s Office
EverBank announced last month that it will relocate
1,500 employees to the AT&T Tower in downtown Jacksonville. Downtown revitalization continues to be a top priority for JAXUSA Partnership, JAX Chamber and the city. Employees and businesses are the lifeblood of any downtown, and EverBank's decision to move employees will help support its continued growth.
Read the Jacksonville Business Journal Story
New Jaguars Owner Shahid Khan to Speak at First Quarter Luncheon
Join us on Friday, February 24, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront as JAXUSA Partnership officially welcomes new Jaguars owner Shahid Khan to Jacksonville. You won't want to miss the opportunity to get to know Shahid and hear his vision for the team in 2012. This lunch will be interactive as Shahid takes questions from the audience. Go Jags! Visit www.myjaxchamber.com to register.
Site Selectors to Visit Northeast Florida in March
In March, the JAXUSA Partnership will host 12 of the nation’s leading site consultants for a familiarization tour of the region. Site consultants are a key target since they work closely with companies to help them select a location for corporate relocations and expansions. Presented by CSX, participants will learn about Jacksonville’s key competitive location advantages by touring the region and meeting with area businesses leaders and regional economic development partners. Guests will also experience our wonderful restaurants and nightlife, along with excursions options to golf TPC Sawgrass, tour downtown museums, swim with the dolphins and Kayak Amelia Island. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.
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Thank you for your continued commitment to JAXUSA Partnership, formerly Cornerstone.
Sincerely,
Robert Hill
JAXUSA Partnership Chair
Baker, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, Putnam and St. Johns Counties
3 Independent Drive • Jacksonville Fl 32202 • 904.366.6639
bizrelo@jacksonvillechamber.org • www.jaxusa.org
Where the Future Leads®