by Fred Seely
Editorial Director
The Cecil Commerce Center’s new master developers will take a five-pronged approach to attracting business and expect to meet the goals that gave them the right to convert the former Navy air base into a viable business park.
In a glitzy presentation before over 200 civic leaders last week in a giant, almost empty hangar, Jeff Spence, the CEO of the TriLegacy Group, showed off a “branding” campaign to recruit businesses in the fields of aviation, distribution, recreation, technical and workforce education.
He was joined on the podium by leaders of the Chamber, the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission, City Council and the Jacksonville Aviation Authority. The five will work in partnership to promote the 17,000 acre facility, which includes the state’s second longest aircraft runway — only the Space Shuttle landing site at Cape Canaveral is longer.
“We have an unprecedented partnership with major players in this community,” said Spence. “We have a strategic plan to insure our goal of 1,158 new jobs by 2007.”
The goal was set to get the rights, which were granted by the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission and JEDC executive director Kirk Wendland said he was sure the goal — and subsequent goals — would be met.
“We have 4,000 military retiring here each year,” he said, “and we have 18,000 coming out of school looking for jobs. This area has gained over 60,000 jobs in the past five years. Cecil will be a prime place to work.”
Jobs are one thing, but businesses to hire people is another.
“This is a dynamic partnership,” said Wally Lee, president of the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce. “Cecil is one of our significant regional assets. If we work together, we can attract business.”
Chip Snowden, vice president of the JAA, said he was confident that Cecil’s growth would come quickly.
“When we took over this place [after the base was closed,] we projected break-even in 9-10 years,” he said. “We broke even in three years. TriLegacy has a talented group of executives in place. The partnership of the airport authority, the Chamber, the JEDC and TriLegacy is strong.”
Also on the podium was City Council member Alberta Hipps, who has shepherded the transition of Cecil from military to public. Other politicians present were Reps. Jennifer Carroll and Don Davis, City Council member Doyle Carter, and and incoming City Council members Art Graham and Daniel Davis.
The audience included numerous commercial realtors.
“We look to that community for help,” said Spence. “They have a national network which can help sell Cecil.”