INVESTOR NEWSLETTER - September 2009

Saft Project Approved for Cecil Commerce Center
Last week Jacksonville City Council gave final approval for construction of Saft America’s new manufacturing plant, securing its location at Cecil Commerce Center and scoring a huge win for Jacksonville in the emerging clean technology industry. Saft America is finalizing a contract with the Department of Energy that is expected to provide $95 million in grant dollars under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Saft will construct a plant to build advanced lithium-ion cells and batteries for aviation, smart grid support, broadband backup power, energy storage for renewable energy and military hybrid vehicles.

French-based Saft has a proven track record manufacturing batteries for the U.S. defense and industrial markets for more than 40 years. “We see an increasing demand for our advanced lithium-ion technology in the United States and elsewhere in the coming years, and it is important for us to have a cost competitive domestic manufacturing base for that technology,” said John Searle, Saft’s CEO.

Jacksonville was one of several cities under consideration for this project, ultimately providing the most cost effective location. Saft will invest $200 million to build a plant on a 12-acre parcel at Cecil, creating almost 300 high-wage jobs in this first phase. In the first 10 years of operation, Saft America is projected to contribute $16 million in new tax revenue to Duval County.

"Saft’s selection of Jacksonville is a major coup in the highly competitive clean technology sector," said John Haley, senior vice president of business development for the Cornerstone Regional Development Partnership. “Mayor John Peyton was instrumental in closing this deal and support from City Council and the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission demonstrates our community’s commitment to attract economic development projects that create excellent job opportunities for our community.”

Cornerstone Hosts Sold Out Jaguars Event
The September 4th Cornerstone kickoff luncheon for the Jaguars was a huge success, drawing a sold out crowd of more than 1,400 business and community leaders from across Northeast Florida. The luncheon featured the entire Jaguars organization, including owners Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver, Head Coach Jack Del Rio and the 2009 team. This was the largest luncheon in Cornerstone history, showcasing the community’s support of the Jaguars franchise.

Mayor Peyton, as well as the team’s owners, head coach and players, all reiterated the importance of continuing to support the Jaguars, even in the face of these challenging economic times. The team continues to be a major economic driver whose presence placed Jacksonville on a national stage and continues to bring recognition to our region.

Delores Barr Weaver reflected on the day she and Wayne learned that the franchise had been awarded to Jacksonville and both she and Wayne reminisced about the hard work that has brought the team this far. Cornerstone recognized both Wayne and Delores with commemorative gifts celebrating the Jaguars’ achievements and marking the major milestones so far in the team’s short history. Several of the players, led by Quarterback David Garrard, expressed their enthusiasm about this year’s season and Coach Del Rio noted that the team’s sense of unity has never been stronger. Go Jaguars! Click here to purchase your Jaguars tickets.

2009 Jacksonville Chamber Leadership Trip

• Where: Kansas City, InterContinental Hotel Kansas City at the Plaza
• When: October 6-8, 2009
• Why: To get to know the leaders within Kansas City and discover how they were able to positively change the direction of their community with a single strategic vision. See first-hand results of that vision and learn how leaders overcame challenges along the way. This trip is not about a city; it's about the leaders of a city who made change happen. To find out more about Kansas City, click here.
• How: To register for the trip, click here and download the registration form. The registration deadline has been pushed to Friday, September 25. Be sure and view our new Interactive Agenda!

Cornerstone Gets Linkedin
Stay connected to news, events and discussions through the new Cornerstone Linkedin sub-group of the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce. To join our group today sign in to Linkedin and search for the Cornerstone Regional Development Partnership Group.

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
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