The “Project Omega” company that’s expanding in Jacksonville and adding 450 jobs is public accounting firm Ernst & Young.
The company’s expansion and plans were announced at a news conference at City Hall this morning.
Mayor Lenny Curry said Ernst & Young’s decision shows Jacksonville’s continued progress in economic development and job growth.
“This expansion is an extraordinary asset to our city,” he said.
The mayor hosted the announcement attended by City Council President Greg Anderson, JAX Chamber Chair Audrey Moran and company officials.
Signs started showing Ernst & Young could be the unnamed global firm known as Project Omega soon after the economic development legislation was filed Feb. 9.
The legislation had the company seeking $3.29 million in taxpayer incentives, while investing $6 million in IT, equipment and real estate improvements.
In the weeks that followed, job sites like indeed.com and hirepurpose.com listed jobs for various positions as part of a financial services operation in Jacksonville.
Ernst & Young handles a range of services, including auditing and risk management. Its headquarters are in London.
The city and state are providing $3.29 million in taxpayer incentives for the company’s expansion.
Of that, the city’s share is $450,000 through a portion of a Qualified Targeted Industry Tax Refund grant offered for creating jobs.
The state’s share is $2.84 million, comprising $1.8 million through the job-creation grant along with an additional $1 million through a state training grant.
The 450 jobs would be in the information technology and financial services area at an average wage of more than $49,000.
Where the company will locate hasn’t been announced. The company has an office in the Wells Fargo Center.
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