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JAX Chamber Board of Directors Sets 2012 Priorities
Posted February 8, 2012
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Initiatives Focus on Job Growth and Economic Development
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The JAX Chamber board of directors finalized its 2012 priorities and goals, all of which focus on driving quality economic growth in the JAX region.
"We identified six priorities that will help us drive jobs and business growth," said JAX Chamber Chair Tom Van Berkel, chairman and CEO of The Main Street America Group. "Our Chamber's leadership is inspired to make our community the best it can be in every area," Van Berkel said.
The 2012 board priorities include developing Downtown Jacksonville, enhancements to the port of Jacksonville, strengthening our sports and entertainment attractions, helping local businesses grow, improving education and increasing the area's community pride.
Downtown Development - Developing Downtown Jacksonville is essential for the JAX region's future success. The Chamber recently announced the redesign of its headquarters as Downtown's new front door. The board supports the creation of a Downtown Development Authority to help generate interest and encourage economic development in the city's core as well as marketing efforts to educate residents about Downtown.
"Downtown development is an important step to recharge our region's economy," said JAXUSA Partnership Chair Robert Hill, president and CEO of Acosta. "Downtown speaks to the character of our community, and every project to improve our Downtown ultimately plays a role in our region's economic development and job creation."
The port of Jacksonville - The port of Jacksonville is an economic driver for job creation and high-wage jobs in our community. The Chamber will continue to work with JAXPORT to advocate for port investments and progress in every way possible. Leaders are also looking to develop strategic partnerships with other Florida ports for marketing and advocacy plans.
Sports and Entertainment - Sporting and entertainment events not only add to the quality of life but also provide significant economic benefits for the JAX region. These events generate hundreds of millions of dollars a year into our local economy. They also help raise awareness about the JAX region as a destination and drive business development.
Buy Chamber - The Chamber will continue to develop and expand its Buy Chamber program, helping member businesses grow by enabling their owners to more easily market to other Chamber members. Plans include the development of a corporate buying program.
"Small businesses directly contribute to new job creation and our overall economic success," said Sandy Bartow, vice president of the JAX Chamber's Entrepreneurial Growth Division. "#ilovejax encourages residents to share what they love about the JAX region, which includes their favorite restaurants, entertainment activities and retail businesses."
Downtown development encourages greater patronage of Downtown businesses. Buy Chamber brings buyers and sellers together to increase their revenues thereby helping them grow. "All of the 2012 priorities play a role in helping small businesses thrive," Bartow said.
Education - Education is the key to success, providing the knowledge and skills necessary to compete and prosper in a challenging marketplace. High-wage job growth relies on an educated workforce. The Chamber will work with local organizations focused on education to engage the business community and serve as the resource for information about the educational system and promote programs in our area.
Community Pride -- #ilovejax is an initiative that the Chamber launched via Twitter late last year when the Innovate Northeast Florida survey indicated the need to improve local residents' perception of our region. The report stated that economic development marketing begins at home, and a community's ability to tell its story is paramount to its success in marketing itself to the world. The campaign uses multiple communication methods, with a focus on social media, to promote the many positive reasons that make the JAX region dynamic. The conversation continues at #ilovejax.
"We achieved tremendous success in 2011 as a result of the involvement of our members and business partners," said Wally Lee, president of the JAX Chamber. "Our region has a strong economy and offers an outstanding quality of life, and we are positioned for an exciting year of continued growth and success in 2012."
About JAX Chamber
The JAX Chamber is the business membership organization dedicated to driving quality economic growth in Northeast Florida to make this region the best place to work, live and play.
About JAXUSA
JAXUSA Partnership is the regional economic development organization comprised of almost 200 top private sector investors in Northeast Florida including the JEDC, JEA, JAXPORT, JAA, JTA, WorkSource and the regional county partners - Baker, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, Putnam and St. Johns counties. A division of the JAX Chamber, our purpose is to facilitate the creation and retention of quality jobs and significant capital investment, resulting in a higher standard of living and better quality of life in Northeast Florida.
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