• Jacksonville Community Council Inc. will mark the 25th anniversary of its annual “Quality of Life Progress Report” with a big event Jan. 19 at the Main Library.
• The University of Central Florida’s Institute for Economic Competitiveness has released its December report that’s part of its 2009-13 economic forecast. A few highlights include: oil prices should remain stable next year, housing starts have bottomed out and won’t reach 2002 levels until 2013, unemployment will peak at 10.9 percent in the first quarter of next year and fall to 7.9 percent by the end of 2013 and the dollar will continue to depreciate, falling to record lows against other currencies.
• Landstar Chair and CEO Henry Gerkens will soon have a new title to add to his name: chair of the board. Gerkens was appointed to serve in the additional role by Landstar board of directors during its recent meeting, and will replace current longtime chair Jeffrey Crowe, who will become chair emeritus. Gerkens begins the new role Jan. 4.
• The Florida Venture Forum will host its 19th Annual Florida Venture Capital Conference Feb. 2 at the Omni Orlando Resort in Champions Gate. The purpose of the meeting is to showcase later-stage, high growth private companies to a national audience of venture capitalists, private equity investors and investment bankers. For more information or to submit a presenter’s application go to www.floridaventureforum.org.
• Missed breakfast and low on cash? People on the Southbank can grab a meal and a drink for about $5 at Currents Riverview Bistro in the Aetna Building from 6:30-11 a.m. Monday- Friday. The restaurant will be open regular hours today and closed Christmas Day.
• First Guaranty Bank teamed up with Second Harvest Food Bank this holiday season to collect almost 300 pounds of food during the bank’s holiday reception for clients. Everyone who came was asked to bring canned food to the bank’s King Street location.