The JAX Chamber is asking the community to drive the #ilovejax campaign in 2012.
The campaign began in October after the Innovate Northeast Florida project preliminary identified the region’s self-image as a key area for improvement.
“The media attention surrounding the JAX region’s need to regain its ‘swagger’ helped launch #ilovejax naturally and contributed to its momentum and interest on Facebook and Twitter,” said a chamber news release.
The number sign “#” also is known as a hashtag, which is used to mark keywords or topics on Twitter.
The chamber reports the hashtag in the name, #ilovejax, will encourage others to use it on social media and provide the ability to track the online conversation.
“Regardless of the medium where the name is used, it represents the ongoing conversation about what makes the JAX region dynamic,” said the chamber.
“We want everyone throughout Northeast Florida to own #ilovejax and for it to take on a life of its own,” said Hugh Greene, 2011 chamber chair and president and CEO of Baptist Health.
The Innovate Northeast Florida official Phase 2 report stated that “economic development marketing begins at home,” and a community’s “ability to tell its story at home” is paramount to its success at marketing itself to the world, said the chamber.
“Jacksonville is a great city and we plan to show the world how much we love it,” said Tom Van Berkel, the 2012 chair for JAX Chamber and chairman and CEO of The Main Street America Group property/casualty insurance company.
The report identified entrepreneurship as a strength and “alive and well in Northeast Florida,” with startup activity exceeding many of the benchmark regions.
Transportation infrastructure, including the port, airport, rail and highways, was reported as a strength and an advantage. Growth in the technology industry was seen as a positive trend.
In addition to improving the region’s self-image, the report stated that investing in improvements and increasing skilled career opportunities should be priorities that will help remedy a declining young adult population.
According to the chamber, the Phase 3 report will include an action plan that addresses the challenge and each target industry regarding workforce development, business development, entrepreneurship and marketing.
“If our community feels good about the city and region, it will positively impact how others outside of our region feel, which improves our ability to attract businesses, jobs and investment,” said Innovate Northeast Florida co-chair Bob Rhodes, an attorney with Foley & Lardner.
The #ilovejax campaign will highlight different themes and all messaging and communication tactics will revolve around the themes and use the name #ilovejax, said the chamber.