by Joe Wilhelm Jr.
Staff Writer
The Jacksonville Bar Association will have room to grow and know when it moves its office to the Aetna Building on the Southbank at the end of August.
Over 2,000 members strong, the local Bar association has outgrown its 1,800 square feet of office space in the Gate Riverplace Tower. The new space will offer about 3,000 square feet for about a 15 percent increase in rent, said Susan Sowards, JBA Executive Director.
“It’s a beautiful building with great people,” said Joe Camerlengo, newly sworn in President of the Jacksonville Bar Association. “There are so many incentives, it was a no-brainer.”
The association will have access to training rooms to host continuing legal education seminars, and the building’s lobby to host social functions, like the annual Bench and Bar gathering. The cost for these amenities will be included in the association’s lease. It paid an additional charge for extra rooms at its current location. The association will also benefit from a 40 percent decrease in its parking fee. The lease is for five years with two, three-year options.
The association’s board of governors approved the terms of the lease last Monday and Camerlengo will sign it when he takes office July 1.
Camerlengo will get acquainted with the office during his term as president because he plans to spend every Tuesday in it handling association business. The office is well stocked with furniture, so it won’t be easy on the moving crew. Construction will not be necessary with the turn-key office. Once the lease is signed, the JBA will take bids for phone service and consider computer upgrades.
Camerlengo will join Sowards and five other employees who will work out of the office. The association has four full-time employees, including Sowards. The other three positions include a receptionist, communications coordinator and continuing education, sponsorship and events coordinator. One full-time and one half-time employee will work for the association’s lawyer referral service from the office.
“The move is an indication that we are a growing organization,” said Sowards. “We topped 2,000 members this year and the move will help us to better meet the needs of our members.”