by Karen Brune Mathis
Managing Editor
Mayor-elect Alvin Brown and Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce leadership pledged mutual support Tuesday afternoon at a chamber board of trustees meeting at The University Club on the Downtown Southbank.
“We pledge to work closely with you,” said chamber Chair Hugh Greene in welcoming Brown to the microphone.
“I love the chamber,” Brown said after greeting the group. “I believe in the chamber. I believe in its mission and vision.”
Brown also urged members to “raise as much money as you can for the chamber,” eliciting applause led by chamber President Wally Lee.
Brown repeated his campaign focus on jobs, Downtown revitalization, small business, a balanced City budget, pension reform, safety and education.
He also emphasized his focus on the port of Jacksonville as part of his pledge to “put Jacksonville back to work.”
Brown also talked about Downtown, saying that having an authority to focus on the area and leverage its assets is critical. “We need to market Downtown as a destination,” he said, referring also to “a state-of-the-art convention center.”
He said a vibrant downtown would attract young people and benefit the entire city.
About 75 chamber members attended.
While Brown, a Democrat, did not land the endorsement of JaxBiz, the chamber’s political affiliate, many chamber leaders supported his candidacy during his runoff with Republican Mike Hogan. JaxBiz endorsed Audrey Moran in the first election. Brown appointed Moran as co-chair of his transition team.
Brown also appointed several chamber leaders, including Lee, Greene, Florida State College at Jacksonville President Steve Wallace and The Haskell Co. Chair Preston Haskell, to his transition team.
“We will have an excellent relationship in taking this city to the next level,” said Brown.
“We can be bold, progressive, proactive and make it happen together,” he said.
Brown concluded, earning a standing ovation.
“I am going to be the chamber’s best friend because I believe in the chamber’s mission.”
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