News

• International Large Company of the Year – Large Company: VISTAKON® Division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Inc., accepted by Jacksonville Plant Manager Tim Ryan.
• International Small Company of the Year – Small to Medium-size Company: Oxford Products USA, accepted by General Manager Eric McFarlane
• International Business Leader of the Year – Jacksonville Jaguars President Mark Lamping

“We congratulate our International Award winners for their leadership as global business partners,” said JAXUSA Partnership President Jerry Mallot. “Their success speaks directly to our region’s strategic eastern seaboard location, excellent workforce and business advantages. For these reasons, our region is rapidly becoming a significant international business center.”

Headquartered in Jacksonville, VISTAKON® Division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Inc. was honored for its international presence. The company has announced a $218 million expansion project and continues to innovate with new products and processes across the franchise. VISTAKON® Division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Inc. has led the development of the Florida Innovation Program for manufacturing, which is the first manufacturing led innovation program in the state. The company supports local, state, national and global campaigns including Super Build 25, where more than 200 employees volunteered to build 25 homes in 2013. VISTAKON® Division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Inc. was also United Way’s first Million Dollar Circle contributor in Jacksonville.

Since its official launch in February

2013, Oxford Products USA has experienced significant growth. The company, a manufacturer of motorcycle accessories, has more than 130 clients in 27 states selling its products. The company relocated to Jacksonville earlier this year because of the region’s available talent, quality of life and ease of access to South America and the United Kingdom. Oxford Products USA has begun work on setting up a distribution line to South America and has established trade lines with six countries. The company built its own web-based system that allows for flexibility to utilize the latest innovations in technology and to quickly adapt to changing buying patterns.

Mark Lamping was honored for his efforts to make the Jacksonville Jaguars an international brand. He was instrumental in securing the Jacksonville Jaguars first hom

e game at London’s Wembley Stadium in October and the team’s commitment to play one home game annually in London through the 2016 season. The Jaguars’ international exposure has already made an impact. Last year, the National Football League (NFL) rated the Jaguars’ awareness among longtime fans in the United Kingdom at 31 of 32 teams. Today, the NFL rating for the Jaguars has risen to No. 9 among longtime fans and No. 1 among new fans in the UK.

Web.com Chairman and CEO David Brown was the luncheon’s featured guest speaker. Web.com is one of the fastest growing website development companies for small to medium size businesses. Brown discussed emerging Internet trends and developments, and why business professionals need more than just an online presence.

During the event, 2013 JAX Chamber Chair Greg Smith unveiled the new JAXUSA Partnership website, www.jaxusa.org. The new economic development website offers visitors, including corporate executives, clients and site consultants, an experience they will remember and positions the region as one of the most sought after locations to do business. The website features numerous business leaders, including the Jacksonville Jaguar’s Shad Khan, Dr. Bill Rupp of Mayo Clinic, Matt Rapp of THE PLAYERS Championship and Christine McGlade of Northrop Grumman, among others, discussing why they selected Jacksonville.

Smith also recognized University of North Florida President John Delaney for his service and dedication as the 2013 JAXUSA Partnership Chair. Delaney has been named the 2015 Chamber Chair. Fredrik Eliasson, executive vice president and chief financial officer of CSX Corp, has been named 2014 JAXUSA Partnership Chair.

Photography: (from left to right) Andy Scott, Jumar Solutions; David Brown, Web.com; Mike Breen, JAXUSA Partnership; and Mike Fleming, Deutsche Bank.