by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
Four times a year, North Florida’s corporate and government leaders gather to reflect on their accomplishments and share their aspirations for the future with one another under the auspices of the Cornerstone Regional Development Partnership of the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Friday marked the second such gathering of 2009 and featured a look at Jacksonville’s future in terms of transportation and economic growth from CSX Chairman and CEO Michael Ward.
One of the four major railroads in the country, CSX had revenues of $1.3 billion in 2008 and moves freight on 21,000 miles of track in 23 states. It employs 34,000 people, owns 3,800 locomotives and runs 1,200 trains each day, serving two-thirds of the nation’s population.
CSX has a local workforce of 3,400 people with a $300 million payroll. The company also spends $200 million annually for products and services in North Florida.
“We’re excited about the future,” said Ward. “Transportation is the key to economic development and over time the economy will recover.”
He admitted the transportation industry has been adversely impacted by the sluggish economy and that CSX has had to make difficult decisions. Ward reported the company had consistently recorded record profits for the past four years – until the first quarter of 2009.
“We had to furlough 2,800 employees and park 600 locomotives,” he said, then turned his attention to the future. “Over the next 15 years, the demand for rail transport is expected to go up 90 percent so we’re spending $1.6 billion this year to improve our tracks and build intermodal terminals.”
The railroad has a long history in Jacksonville that goes back to 1960 when the Seaboard Airline Railroad (later called Seaboard Coast Line) moved into its new building on Water Street, which is now CSX headquarters. Ward is confident the relationship will grow even stronger.
“We know we can count on Jacksonville and Jacksonville can certainly count on us,” he said.
EverBank received the Cornerstone Chair Award, which was accepted by CEO and Chairman Robert Clements. Everbank has $7.6 billion in assets, $5.6 billion in deposits and more than 450,000 customers nationwide.
In local terms, its employees built three new HabiJax homes this year for a total of 52 since EverBank began the hands-on community development effort. EverBank also donated $700,000 last year to fund more than 170 K-12 scholarships directed to low-income students in Duval County in the “Step up for Students” program. Since 2004, EverBank has funded more than 285 scholarships.
“This award is a wonderful recognition of the hard work and commitment of our employees,” said Clements, who added that EverBank is launching a new partnership with The Bridge of Northeast Florida later this year.
“Jacksonville’s business advantages have significantly contributed to our success,” said Clements. “We’re committed to making Jacksonville an even better place to live and work.”
Jaguars Head Coach Jack Del Rio also stepped to the podium to announce the next Cornerstone Quarterly Luncheon Sept. 4 will have a home team feel with guests Wayne and Delores Weaver, the entire Jaguars team, coaching staff, The Roar Cheerleaders and team mascot Jaxson de Ville.
Del Rio also commented on the team’s 2008 season.
“What occurred was not acceptable,” he said, then added regarding the upcoming year: “We’re going to deliver a product you can be proud of and we’re going to have some festive Sundays this year.”
There are two things Del Rio is asking from the people of Jacksonville in the upcoming NFL season.
“First of all, even in these tough economic times, consider doing what you can to support the team. If you can’t make the whole season, come to a few games,” he said. “Second, I ask you to pray for us.”
Mayor John Peyton also made a statement about Jacksonville’s economic future. He said critical investments must be made “so we can take advantage of opportunities when the markets return.”
Peyton defended his decision to lead a delegation to France to attend the Paris Air Show next week to promote Jacksonville as an aviation commerce center.
Peyton began by recounting the success Jacksonville has had in attracting international companies to Jacksonville including Alenia and Deutsche Bank. He then directed his remarks to “anyone who is small-minded enough to think we can sell Jacksonville by staying inside the city limits.”
“I’m going to Paris next week and I’m proud of it,” said Peyton.
356-2466