INVESTOR NEWSLETTER - APRIL 2009
Company Growth
In the first quarter, companies announced more than 1,000 new jobs for the First Coast. Our prospect load remains about 45 companies with some very good possibilities for our future.
One very recent positive development came from the acquisition of Metavante Technologies Inc. by Fidelity Information Services of Jacksonville (FIS). This deal will bring several high ranking Metavante executives, at minimum, to Jacksonville and will position FIS for growth as the world's largest provider of technology services to financial institutions. Financial services employment remains steady from a year ago; this is a positive sign of our productive and cost-effective market.
CEO of CSX to Speak at Second Cornerstone Lunch
We are excited that Michael Ward, president and CEO of CSX, will be the featured speaker for the second Cornerstone luncheon on Friday, June 5. His presentation, Sustaining Business the CSX Way: The Keys to Their Success, will explore what CSX is doing to invest in its network for future growth and how core values can help a company overcome difficult circumstances and thrive as a business. Ward will also discuss his perspective on Jacksonville and its potential, including the developments at JAXPORT and what they mean for our region.
Be sure to mark your calendars so you don't miss this opportunity to hear how CSX is meeting the challenges of our ever-changing economy. The event will also feature special guest, Jack Del Rio, Head Coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars. The luncheon will be held at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront, from noon to 1:30 p.m.
Web.com Honored at Cornerstone Luncheon
Web.com is the first recipient of the Cornerstone Chair Award. At the March luncheon, David Brown, president and CEO of Web.com, accepted the award. Web.com was selected to receive this prestigious award based on its outstanding business performance and corporate citizenship.
Web.com's sole mission is to help small and medium-sized businesses grow and successfully navigate the Internet. The company provides a number of online solutions, including eCommerce, search engine optimization and lead generation that help make small businesses more effective. Its commitment to securing the best people in Jacksonville allowed the company to grow into a one-stop-shop for small businesses looking to establish a Web presence.
Congratulations to David Brown and Web.com on this significant achievement.
Life Sciences - A Cornerstone Target Industry
In our last newsletter, we took a closer look at the aviation and aerospace industry. This month we will focus on the life sciences industry, the growth we have experienced and our goals for the future.
The life sciences sector in our region has seen tremendous growth in the last 10 years. Several high-profile life sciences companies, including Medtronic, Biomet, VISTAKON and NovaBone are thriving in Jacksonville. Last year, Belgium-based Ion Beam Applications (IBA) selected Jacksonville as the home of its flagship U.S. headquarters. The strong alliance we have with the University of Florida and its proton therapy center, along with our highly-skilled workforce, were just a few of the reasons IBA chose Jacksonville for its expansion in the U.S. market.
Northeast Florida boasts one of the deepest medical services markets. Through the in-depth research and clinical trials at Mayo Clinic, Shands and other area hospitals and the cutting-edge technology of our companies; our region is poised to attract the future companies and technology that make up this unique industry. Our aging population in the U.S., new medical discoveries and an industry willing to work together provides a strong base for expansion.
For more information on our life sciences industry, contact Broderick Green, Cornerstone’s senior manager of business development, at (904) 366-6629 or broderick.green@jacksonvillechamber.org.
Jacksonville - America's Logistics Center
The interstate signs promoting Jacksonville as “America's Logistics Center” were unveiled on Interstate 95 this month. This branding campaign is illustrated by a new logo that pictures a cargo ship, airplane, freight train and delivery truck. The logo highlights Jacksonville's advantages for transporting goods nationally and internationally as a result of the region’s intermodal connectivity to interstate highways, three railroad lines, seaports and airports.
In addition to highways, the signs will be placed at other strategic locations, including the seaport and the airport. JAXPORT will help reinforce our community’s commitment to building our logistics base as a second cargo ship arrives each week at the new TraPac terminal. The global recession has slowed maritime shipments, but Mitsui O.S.K. Lines - TraPac's parent company - is adding a second ship that will call on Jacksonville. The new logo and signs represent a combination of being able to recognize the advantages we have, marketing them and having the ability to build on our foundation for the future.
George Gabel led the efforts to finalize a design, raise the funds and obtain DOT approval to install the signs and stake our claim of leadership. George chairs the International business program for Cornerstone and has championed our logistics promotion efforts.
First Coast Reality Check Luncheon and Results Session
Reality Check First Coast is a visioning exercise designed to discuss, analyze and develop alternative growth scenarios for our region through the year 2060. On May 21, regional leaders will be challenged to rethink where and how to grow the First Coast in a way that adds value to the local economy, while preserving our environment and quality of life.
Please join us May 21, from noon to 3 p.m., for the Reality Check First Coast Luncheon and Afternoon Results Session, where the outcomes of the visioning exercise will be presented. You will also have an opportunity to share your input and vote on the region’s guiding principles.
In addition, Marilee Utter, president of Citiventure Associates, will be speaking at the luncheon. Marilee is a nationally known speaker, writer, and advisor on innovative approaches to community redevelopment and urban issues. She brings a unique perspective on regionalism and development trends and expertise in transit-oriented developments (TOD), mixed-use, failed mall sites and large-scale master-plans.
The cost to attend is $45 per person. Register today on the Website or contact Carolyn Clark at (904) 486-8256 or Carolyn.Clark@uli.org.
Cornerstone Staff Title Changes
As part of the Chamber’s reorganization, several Cornerstone staff title changes were made, including promotions for the following individuals:
- Jerry Mallot will be President of Cornerstone and remains Executive Vice President of the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce
- John Haley is now Senior Vice President of Business Development
- Cathy Chambers becomes Vice President of Business Development
- Melanie Moore is Senior Director of Business Intelligence and IT
- Broderick Green becomes Senior Manager of Business Development
Sincerely,
Greg Smith
Cornerstone Chair
Jacksonville and Northeast Florida President, Bank of America
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®