INVESTOR NEWSLETTER - APRIL 2010 


Regional Business News

Since the beginning of 2010 we have announced 10 new projects, representing 930 new jobs and a significant increase in capital investment. These projects include Interline Brands, Mercedes Benz, Digital Risk, Xorail, Aviation Systems Engineering Company Inc. and LPS.

DigitalRiskOrlando-based Digital Risk is creating 175 new jobs in Jacksonville. Since its inception in 2005, Digital Risk has become a market leader in helping the nation's largest and best-known mortgage originators, servicers and investors manage risk and mitigate losses. Jacksonville was selected as the ideal site because of its location, reputation as a financial center and availability of talent.

LPSlogoLender Processing Services (LPS) is adding 350 new positions at its Riverside campus. LPS is a provider of integrated technology and outsourced services to the mortgage lending industry, with mortgage processing and default management services in the U.S.  This latest expansion will increase the company’s total Jacksonville employment to 2,450.

Mercedes-Benz-Logo2Mercedes Benz USA added a 400,000 square foot parts distribution center at Jacksonville International TradePort. The project will add 100 new jobs with a $26 million capital investment. The Jacksonville distribution center is a consolidation of several distribution centers across Florida and Georgia.

interlinelogoInterline Brands, headquartered downtown, has expanded its operations to include a new 250,000-square-foot distribution facility. Interline Brands is a leading direct marketer and distributor of maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) products including plumbing, electrical, hardware, security hardware, HVAC and other related items.

XorailXorail, a Jacksonville-based subsidiary of Wabtec Corp., is proposing to add 55 jobs at its Gate Parkway location by the end of 2012, pending approval of an incentives package by Jacksonville City Council. Xorail was founded in Jacksonville in 1988 as Southwest Signal Engineering Co.

ASEClogoThe JEDC also approved an incentives package for Aviation Systems Engineering Company Inc. The company proposes to add 10 jobs by the end of 2010 to a Jacksonville branch office on the Westside pending approval of incentives by Jacksonville City Council. The average wage would be $79,242. The company's headquarters is in Lexington Park, Maryland.

northgatearinsosm2NorthgateArinso has announced plans to move its headquarters to Jacksonville once its acquisition of Convergys' human resource division is complete. The company's relocation from Atlanta will bring 10 to 20 senior executives and the prospect of future job growth.

Cornerstone V Funding: Igniting Our Economy

CORNERSTONE_REGIONAL_LOGOAs Cornerstone embarks on its fifth funding campaign, the focus remains centered around regional job creation, workforce development, new business recruitment and product development. Economic development initiatives must be a community priority in the coming years and Cornerstone needs investor involvement as we formalize new job creation and economic growth strategies.

We want to ensure that our final plans truly reflect the views of business and community leaders. Over the next several months, members of our economic development strategy team may contact you to get input. Your participation is critical to our region's economic success.
Upcoming Events

Cornerstone Hosts Sales Mission to New York

newyorkFollowing last year's successful sales mission to Atlanta, Cornerstone is traveling to New York in May to identify new business prospects and build on existing relationships. Cornerstone is taking aggressive action to bring business growth to our region and is inviting our investors to join us on this mission. New York area companies, consultants and real estate brokers represent significant business development opportunities for our region. Visit OpportunityJacksonville.com for more information.


U.S. Chamber of Commerce President to Speak at Cornerstone Lunch


staff_donohue2Mark your calendar for Cornerstone's second quarterly luncheon featuring keynote speaker Tom Donohue, President of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Donohue will be discussing the energy challenge ahead and how smart policies can revitalize the economy. Reserve your seat today at the June 24 luncheon to be held at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront! Visit OpportunityJacksonville.com and click on the Calendar of Events.

Region 2060: Developing a Sustainable First Coast

Region2060Region First 2060 is holding a sustainability workshop Tuesday, May 25 at UNF's University Center from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This event is the first in a series of interactive workshops that will focus on key principles from last year's Reality Check First Coast, which include promoting compact and sustainable development. For early registration, e-mail Carolyn.Clark@uli.org. View the invitation.
Job Report Update
  • Jacksonville's MSA job report for March 2010 showed an increase of 1,700 jobs, a two-month increase of 6,000 jobs and a decrease in the number of lost jobs since the peak in May 2007.
  • Between February 2010 and March 2010 the only negative job sector growth was Professional and Business Services.
  • The Construction industry one month job changes leveled out at zero after a 12-month loss of 6,500 jobs and 21,000 jobs since May 2007.
  • The Education (private sector) and Health Services sectors saw a 10.2 percent increase in jobs, totaling 7,900 additional jobs since May 2007.
These job reports provide a strong indication that the Jacksonville MSA has reached the bottom and is now on the road to recovery.

*Statistics provided by Luke Planning Inc.
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Sincerely,
 

Lee Thomas
Cornerstone Chair
Chairman of Rayonier


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®