by David Chapman
Staff Writer
Jaguars, business community converge at Cornerstone
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio said his team is totally committed for the upcoming season and Friday during the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce Kickoff Luncheon, more than 1,400 business and community members reciprocated that commitment to the team.
The event at the Prime Osborn served as the Cornerstone, the economic development arm of the Chamber, quarterly luncheon and featured the attendance of the entire Jaguars organization, a first for the event. Additionally, owners Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver, Mayor John Peyton, Del Rio, 2009 Chamber Chair Mike Hightower and 2009 Cornerstone Chair Greg Smith all gave comments during the event that served as a “reminder” of what the team means to the city in both civic pride and business.
“We’ve never done anything like this and it was a fabulous event,” said Hightower. “Even in a down economy, this city knows how important this team is. Today was just a great reminder of how much so.”
Many of the speakers referenced the tough economy and how it’s affected ticket sales and potential blackouts throughout the 2009-10 season, but the city and its services were also mentioned as suffering.
The Weavers were lauded for their community service and frequent charitable giving, but Delores Weaver said they — and other community entities — couldn’t do it alone and asked that the City “step up and accept its responsibility as well.”
During his brief address, Peyton digressed about the challenging economic times and while admitting to not always seeing eye-to-eye on how to handle the budget, but said the one thing that everyone he knew agreed on was the support for the home team.
“Everyone wants to live in a city with a successful NFL franchise, period,” said Peyton.
Weaver relayed a story about recently meeting a 14-year-old who worked through the summer to buy season tickets, something he said inspired him and is indicative of the future. The new season ticket holder is just one of thousands who have grown up Jaguars fans and will one day build on the franchise’s tradition and add to its fan base.
“We’re going to get them (new generation of fans),” said Weaver. “We just want you to be a part of the Jaguars’ future.”
Cornerstone President Jerry Mallot was impressed with the turnout — the largest for a Cornerstone quarterly luncheon — and realizes how valuable the team is to the community for both civic pride and business.
“They’re one of our greatest asset,” said Mallot. “I think more and more the community is finding that out.”
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