by Karen Brune Mathis
Managing Editor
Starting May 1, the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce plans to launch a monthlong campaign building up to a June expo focused on Downtown.
Downtown will be on display June 1 when the chamber plans the 2011 Business Expo called “Starting or Growing a Business Downtown.”
Chamber plans show that the event starts at 2 p.m. at the Hyatt Downtown featuring a panel discussion of entrepreneurs who started or moved their businesses Downtown.
Currently, the panel includes Vince McCormack, CEO of Perdue Office Interiors; Tony Allegretti, co-owner of the Burrito Gallery; and Bill Cesery, an owner of the Haydon Burns Library building.
After the discussion, there will be a tour of available Downtown office spaces.
“With Downtown revitalization as a top priority for the chamber, the focus of this year’s business expo, ‘Starting or Growing a Business Downtown,’ is one of many initiatives to ensure the future success of downtown Jacksonville,” said chamber Chair Hugh Greene.
“A vibrant downtown is critical to the future economic success of Jacksonville,” he said.
Chamber Senior Marketing Manager Lisa Daniel said the expo will be the chamber’s 11th.
“It is used to showcase our small businesses,” she said. “It really gives an opportunity for small business owners to network.”
Daniel said there is a theme every year, and last year’s was health care. “This year, Downtown is a priority and we really want to focus on Downtown and really showcase and highlight the great things we have about Downtown.”
Daniel also said promotions for the monthlong campaign are in production and will continue after the expo.
“The ads show that it is a great place to live, work and play,” she said.
“We really want to show that Downtown has a lot to offer.”
Greene said the campaign is part of a larger effort.
“This campaign is one of many planned initiatives to focus on Downtown, including working with area organizations to develop and implement a plan that would revitalize Downtown,” said Greene.
The June 1 event coincides with the monthly Downtown Art Walk, which is 5-9 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month.
“We hope people will stay for the Art Walk,” said Daniel.
The chamber will sell booths for the expo while also offering free ones to organizations dedicated to helping small businesses start and expand.
It will also work with Downtown Vision Inc. and the City to provide information about Downtown, including a list of buildings with available office space and maps of Downtown restaurants, bars and entertainment venues, parking and government buildings.
The campaign that starts in May will include radio, print and television advertisements, as well as other promotions, including images and quotes of business owners and people working, living and patronizing Downtown.
The chamber also will commemorate the 110th anniversary of the Great Fire of 1901 during the week of May 2 on its website, www.opportunityjacksonville.com.
356-2466