by David Chapman
Staff Writer
Numerous economic prognosticators view the international trade market as one of the ways Florida will continue its financial recovery. One local group learned from three distinct voices on the issue just how the market arrived, where it’s going and how it will affect their trade during its first meeting of the year Tuesday.
As part of its monthly luncheon series, the Commercial Real Estate Women Jacksonville hosted the panel discussion, “Welcoming the World to Jacksonville,” featuring Robert Peek of the Jacksonville Port Authority, Michael Breen of the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce and Steve Crosby of CSX to learn some of the details on how Jacksonville — and its businesses — stands to benefit from such an influx of trade.
The discussion, moderated by CREW member and Jacksonville Economic Development Commission Business Development Chief Lindsey Ballas, began with the question to all three on just where such trade will come from and the reasons behind the push.
“Most of what we’re seeing in the international community is coming from Europe,” said Breen, “and the reason is the (American) dollar ... we’re basically on sale and the U.S. offers a lot of opportunity.”
Peek agreed on the European opportunities, but noted the Asian markets are showing promise, which is in line with what Port officials are pushing.
Crosby added that from the railroad’s perspective, exports of foodstuffs have increased due to the demand and, agreeing with Breen, the value of the dollar.
Educating and selling the world on Jacksonville and its benefits to the international trade market is one of the biggest challenges Breen said he faced (“Business Florida” is how he describes Northeast Florida), but that building relationships — much like his two fellow panelists do — with local agencies and other entities is vital.
As for the commercial real estate audience itself, Ballas posed the question many wanted to know of how the industry stands to benefit from international trade and its business.
From the Port’s perspective, Peek discussed how cargo movement created jobs and the opportunity for companies trying to be creative to succeed. Breen agreed, yet said he believed it was going to be a tough year for the effects to begin showing and the commercial properties are fully utilized. Yet, he said, the warehouse and logistics industries stand to benefit in the short term.
To hear from the three on the matters was an educational opportunity, said Ballas.
“It’s very important, especially in this market,” she said. “For CREW members, it’s about trying to find every opportunity available through an industry that is extremely important.”
For the presenting panelists, it was an opportunity as well.
“It’s a great opportunity to share our message at the Port,” said Peek. “An audience like this is engaged ... they see the opportunities and the long-term effects of trade and how it affects local business and job creation in Jacksonville.”
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