If you send us your comments, we’ll post them to this page. Please be concise, clear, and solution oriented. Email: mickee@jcci.org
Recommendations for improving the region's economic competiveness
As we have gone through this study process, we have heard about the importance of targeting corporate headquarters, supporting the port, small business and education.
I have to assume that what I am proposing is neither new, nor novel, but I haven’t heard it discussed at the meetings I have attended. My proposal is to make Jacksonville a target destination for serious, high-potential entrepreneurs.
Recruit
--Formally market to technology and science graduating PhDs from the major research universities in US and abroad
--Highlight incentives, lifestyle, cost of living, universities, etc.
Incent
--No, or reduced, property taxes, on a sliding scale ties to fulltime employees for new businesses
--Reduced facility rental in identified “entrepreneur zones”.
--Public/Private “capital bank” for mezzanine and start-up financing
--Green Card sponsorship
--Reduced red tape
Support
--Formal access to incubators/mentorship
--Marketing synergies with Cornerstone
--Tailored training programs for workers
This approach could be regional along the lines of Cornerstone, although each county or municipality could sweeten the basic incentives if they so choose.
As I see it, this would not involve the city picking winners or losers, although we could limit the offer to targeted industries. As some of these start-ups become viable and profitable, they will generate more high-wage jobs and spawn businesses to support them. It would not be an “either or” approach, but an additional arrow in our quiver.
Post study meeting comments: John Ruis, Ed Pratt-Dannals, Tom Townsend, Joseph Joyner, and Ben Wortham 2-23-11
After listening to the presentations by the five K-12 school district superintendents, one has to be positively impressed with their understanding of their districts and the roles schools play in the region. Many assume K-12 superintendents are knowledgeable and competent, but this is not a given. The region is fortunate to have school district superintendents who have a feel for their respective districts and an awareness of the educational needs of the region. It appears the school districts are evolving in response to employment demands of the region and are aware of the need for increased competency among graduates. It is also apparent that these positive trends will diminish and, possibly, halt due to funding reductions. It is sad that it will take the disappearance of educational services and a noticeable decline in high school graduate competency for Floridians to realize that quality education does not come free. If anything positive comes from the experience, hopefully it will be the realization that quality education requires the investment of capital and an engaged citizenry.
So what are the implications for Northeast Florida? The people of this region need to realize they cannot depend on state funding or unfunded state mandates to improve regional education systems. Even if the school districts weather looming budget cuts, Florida has never adequately funded its educational systems and probably will not do so in our lifetimes. Further, Northeast Florida school districts tend to be underfunded compared to districts in central and southern regions of the state, a trend that probably will not change. With this in mind, the region needs to take charge of educational funding through a regional initiative that includes a palatable increase in taxes and investment by regional businesses. Though it would be nice to think that the populace would willingly accept necessary tax increases, it will probably take a special initiative akin to the “Better Jacksonville Plan” or the “Team Teal” initiative to persuade them. Such an initiative would need to increase awareness and educate people about factors that impact student success. The plan would need to delineate how resources will be used, expected outcomes, and accountability mechanisms. If such a plan was approved by the citizens, think about the power it would have as a regional marketing tool. Such an initiative would appeal to outsiders long before the effects on students are realized. A region that values and invests in quality education should be very appealing to those considering a business relocation or a place to start a new business. --Logan Cross
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Business Impact on Schools and Education: Recently I had the pleasure of attending a meeting for a city council. The guests for the meeting were a group of county education superintendents. They shared with us many things about their counties and schools, their progresses and pitfalls, and their shared input on the future of education in primary and secondary education.
One of the issues that came to the forefront was all the added education required by the government due to lobbyists. All admitted the importance of the requirements, but it served the audience as a reminder of all the external players on the education of our children.
During the meeting, it suddenly dawned on me our business community was as guilty as other lobbyists. We demanded so much of our teachers and school leaders to serve our community with a ready for work graduate. How can that not impact learning? What was our real intent and what are the unintended consequences?
In an interest to provide local businesses with talent ready for work, every county developed a plan that essentially trains students to work in:
Banks
restaurant businesses
administrative communities
engineering “interns”
other venues.
At what expense are we gaining these workers? What did we create that would produce a worker instead of a learner? Was that our intent as business groups? I think we overshot our target without advising educators of our intent, at least I hope so. Read on with the thought this is supposition relying on the reader to correct my thinking.
Here is what I think is happening and surely someone smarter will tell me I a goofball. We, as businesses, invested in what are similar to a vocation. Nothing wrong so far, right? Who enrolls in these vocation programs? My gut tells me it is the very kids that are on track for college. If that is true, here is our delta.
Youngsters who are not planning on college are dropped along the roadside until graduation (please inform me). On graduation and with the school year starting in college suddenly the “trainees are all headed out of town. Those trained groups are replaced with workers that were not in the loop. Does this make sense? Is this reality or I’m off base?
With investing in the at school vocation program, we build senses of false hope possibly. The employer thinking every worker is ready, the idea students in school will not make it on graduation (at risk students particularly,) and that a student is a student is a student and therefore ready for work.
Something to think about. Am I so wrong (hearing John Lovitz in the background.) --Blog post from Jim Beeler at Acquired Consulting
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Overall I was pleased with the presentations of the school superintendents. I wished Ed Pratt Dannals had responded to my question about student achievement in career and professional academies as Joseph Joyner did. However I had a chance to speak with Ed after the session and repeated my question. He said he did not have hard data, but felt that Duval students in career and professional academies did at least as well as students in college prep. The problem, he added, is the third group of students who are in neither program. They are the ones comparable to the 30 percent who enter kindergarten behind, leave third grade behind and drop out of high school. In terms of work force preparation, they are the ones to identify and challenge, along with perhaps giving better visibility to students who do well in the career and professional academies.
Post study meeting comments: Dr. Charles Hall, Brent Lemond, and Dr. Steve Wallace on 2-16-11
The presentations by these educators illustrate that regional higher education institutions are sensitive to employer needs and try to respond accordingly. Whether it is due to financial limitations or a restricted institutional mission, there are limits on what these institutions can do to drive economic change. The ways these institutions can contribute to economic change, though, is through collaboration with business leaders. If business leaders can give direction to a change effort and garner necessary resources, educational institutions can promote creativity and innovation while shaping the needed workforce.
One of the more important outcomes of this study, thus far, is reinforcement of the belief that workforce enhancement is critical to immediate and long-term economic progress. While regional higher education institutions are critical cogs in workforce enhancement, they are hamstrung by the limited capabilities of students entering their institutions. This notion seemed to be reinforced by the three presenters. Think about how much the higher education institutions could contribute to educational enrichment if they did not have to direct substantial resources to student remediation. Think about how much the education of future workers would be accelerated if they did not have to devote a year or more to completion of developmental education courses that do not award college credit. With this in mind, it makes the upcoming presentations by regional K-12 superintendents all the more important. --Logan Cross
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One thing that came up today that needs to be considered and discussed further, is the impact of unemployment among people returning to society from prison. Some numbers on the scale of this problem might be useful. What percentage of the unemployed in our region are ex-offenders, etc? If this significant, then our study needs to address this specifically.
Post study meeting comments: John Haley, Carlton Robinson, and Al Rossiter on 2-09-11
The presentation by John Haley touched on past and current efforts to promote business relocation to the region. Such efforts make a valuable contribution to the regional economy and provide a mechanism for achieving a rapid increase in job opportunities. Whether business relocation makes a long-term contribution to regional economic prosperity, though, depends on the type of jobs that come with the relocation and longevity of the business in the region.
The presentations by Carlton Robinson and Alan Rossiter seemed to have a common theme: This region would benefit from more business entrepreneurship. What was not clear, though, was the best method(s) for achieving this end. Do the conditions (i.e., the environment and availability of capital) need to exist before entrepreneurship will flourish or do these things need to occur simultaneously? If you agree with the latter notion, there is a definite need for thoughtful planning and collaborative efforts involving business and educational leaders throughout the region. Though such an effort would probably not have an immediate impact on the regional economy, it would probably make a substantial contribution to the long-term economic health of the region. --Logan Cross
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The whole question of entrepreneurship continues to bother me in the context of what the study is trying to do. Mr. Rossiter and others defined it in very simple terms--the spirit and practice of creating or adding something to what already exists. Yet in terms of what Rossiter was saying in his presentation, he was speaking of something much more sophisticated that appears to emerge from business colleges and universities. Would it make sense to contact someone (dean?) from either JU's College of Business or UNF's College of Business to see what roles their institutions play in business development? Are there majors in entrepreneurial studies as there are in accounting, marketing or international business? If not, should there be?
Second, one of your handouts about Evergreen Cooperatives sounded like something larger businesses, hospitals, universities and governments could do in Jacksonville, namely focusing on purchasing as many supplies locally as possible. It clearly would be a job stimulus. How can we get that idea into the mix of things our group will reflect and make recommendations upon?
Finally, the Oklahoma MAPS sound like something we should discuss (as should the Jacksonville Civic Council).
Post study meeting comments: Peter Kantor and Adam Hollingsworth 2-2-11:
Peter Kantor’s presentation reaffirmed that financing for new businesses is still challenging to obtain, but is gradually becoming more accessible. His presentation also touched on the dearth non-traditional financing alternatives. This condition seems to be particularly pronounced in the Northeast Florida region. This is a shame because the availability of venture capital funds might spawn many new businesses and stimulate an increase in innovation and creativity. In the absence of venture capital funding sources, the region will probably remain a follower of business trends rather than a trendsetter.
Though Adam Hollingsworth’s presentation provided valuable insight into the economic plans of the new governor, his point about the need for a change in perspective has particular relevance for the jobs study. Currently the study seems to be focused on job creation without particular regard for the type of jobs being created. Yes, any increase in job opportunities will probably be welcomed by regional residents, but that would be more like a band-aid than a foundation for long-term economic enhancement. If newly created jobs are of poor quality and are low paying the economic effect of those jobs will probably be limited and short-lived. Thus, Adam Hollingsworth’s point about a need to emphasize “wealth creation” rather than merely job creation deserves more attention. It seems that this region would be better served by devoting more attention to creating jobs that will yield economic prosperity and ongoing financial enhancement of the residents.
Post study meeting comments: Aaron Bowman, Yank Coble, and Chris Kauffmann on 1-26-11
The presentation by Aaron Bowman illustrated the importance of the military bases to the regional economy. Though it is an integral part of the economy, its growth or decline is not easily controlled and is somewhat unpredictable. One to the more salient points made by Mr. Bowman was the fact that military decisions regarding expansion, reduction, or relocation are strategic in nature and not overly influenced by the economic needs of a region. Thus, efforts to improve the regional economy and employment market by promoting an increased military presence may be fruitless. More attention should probably be devoted to developing ways to capitalize on the military presence through spin-off industries and making military retirees part of the workforce enhancement scheme.
Yank Coble’s presentation highlighted the regional assets in the healthcare and medical sectors. While these industries are plentiful and high-quality in this region, there does not appear to have been a conscious, collective effort to promote and expand these industries. As a consequence, North Florida seems to have fallen behind Central and South Florida in the expansion of healthcare and medical job opportunities. It might be helpful to identify the aspects of these industries that hold the most potential for development and then begin a campaign to realize that development.
Chris Kauffman’s presentation reinforced the notion that the port is an integral part of the regional economy. The presentation also emphasized the importance of river deepening to further development of this asset. Though the economic importance of river deepening seems obvious, the funding for such an effort is far from certain. What seems certain is funding will be extremely difficult to obtain given the current economic climate and, if obtained, will be a long time in coming. With that in mind, it seems like alternate plans for port expansion and enhancement should receive more attention. --Logan Cross
Post study meeting comments: Cathy Hagen and Jerry Mallot on 1-19-11
Based on Cathy Hagen’s description of the UNF Small Business Development Center, the center appears to be more of a small business facilitator than a business promoter. It is one of a number of small business development entities in the region. While these centers provide valuable resources for small business development, they do not appear to provide a collective direction and driving force for new and innovative development.
Jerry Mallot’s description of the Cornerstone, its activities, and regional economic assets it promotes. Much of the presentation seemed anchored to factual information, making it convincing and persuasive. During his presentation, he made numerous references to databases tapped for the relevant statistics and information. What was not clear, though, is whether the underlying information and data reside in a single, centralized database or a collection of databases throughout the region. If the data are located in a central database and the data are available for analysis, study leaders should consider using these data for its purposes. It might be helpful to create multiple business development scenarios and then use the data for predictive analyses that reveal the likelihood of achieving desired outcomes. --Logan Cross
Post study meeting comments: Erika Alba and Ron Avery on 1-12-11
The speakers did a good job of conveying the mindset of the incoming governor and the preferences of regional corporate leaders. These represent factors to be considered when preparing recommendations for regional economic recovery. What was missing from the presentations, and post-presentation commentary, was a discussion of the applicability and effectiveness of a corporate decision-making model in governmental and public sectors. Also missing was a discussion of how streamlining or elimination of regulations would, or could, be balanced with the need to maintain the face of the region (i.e., its waterways, estuaries, and oceanfront). Even businessmen who view environmental regulations as road-blocks to business development will acknowledge the importance of the Florida environment to public relations and marketing campaigns.
The speakers seemed to posit the inevitability, and need for, more black and white decision-making to revive the state and regional economies. While government would benefit from becoming more business-like and efficient, it unlikely black and white decision-making will be a “cure all” for current economic woes. Black and white decision-making in a corporate environment is often guided by computational equations that include variables that are easily quantified and controlled. This type of decision-making seems to work in a corporate environment as long as gray variables (e.g., employee satisfaction and/or commitment) are controlled or excluded from the equations. When applied in the public sector, though, the efficacy of a “black and white” decision-making diminishes due to introduction of gray variables that cannot be easily quantified or ignored. Though the gray variables are many, two emerged as prominent themes in the two presentations. That is, the perception of the quality of the educational system and perceived capacity of the regional workforce. Whether it is true or not, the prevailing perception of the two tends to be negative. Though public perception is a gray variable that many would like to ignore, it is important to long-term economic development and should factored into economic decision-making and planning. --Logan Cross
Post study meeting comments: Clay County Meeting 11-08-2010
I was surprised how laid back my own Clay County was in pursuing job creation especially in comparison with Baker and Nassau presenters. Clay seems to be waiting for the State of Florida to set the direction and agenda for business expansion with tax incentives, school funding and the Outer Beltway. Clay County is putting little, if any, of its own resources on the table although I don't think it has much in the way of financial incentives to offer.
The targeted list of industries was pretty much the same for all three counties except that Clay seemed to be more satisfied with lower paying retail and hospitality jobs. Are our institutions of higher education capable of supporting high tech, sustainable energy, "green" technology or biotech companies? Except for UF and FSU which are not all that close, I'm not convinced that they do. This needs to be discussed by the study participants as a reality check on industry wish lists.
Federal and state governments have seemingly abandoned Space Coast NASA and NASA contractor employees with the termination of shuttle operations. Does this give confidence to high tech employers considering a move to the area? Why aren't these Space Coast technical people and their available resources on anyone's target list for northeast Florida? Perhaps that will be addressed in Flagler and St. Johns Counties.
Baker and Nassau mentioned a desire to retain existing businesses but I don't think Clay did. I'm hoping the topic of business retention will become the focus of some serious discussion (probably after all county visits are complete). Nassau participants mentioned that business regulation and impact fees presented a problem as far as attracting new businesses was concerned. All three counties thought their locations are currently attractive places in which to live, work and educate children. It was generally acknowledged that Clay has a commuting and traffic congestion problem. I think the moderator and selection of discussion questions need to focus on what I see is an apparent reluctance to use reasonable business regulation, appropriate impact fees and adequate funding for schools and recreation facilities to maintain a quality of life that companies moving to the area will insist on having so they can attract their top people to the area.
Except for Jim Crook's observations on race relations at our first meeting, nothing further has been said to insure that all area residents are included and welcome in the process. Crime, poverty, homelessness, lack of affordable health care and a high dropout rate from area schools will certainly give pause to those considering the area for business expansion, especially in the urban inner cities where jobs are most needed.
Recent actions by a Gainesville church to burn the Qur'an and the bombing of a Jacksonville mosque have received significant media attention. Fortune 500 company executives must be certainly aware that Northeast Florida does not offer anti-discrimination measures in housing, employment, benefits and protection from harassment that their gay and lesbian employees might expect before relocating to this area.
How can we guarantee that the St. Johns River, coastal waterways and wetlands will be preserved for generations to come when there is so much effort and money being spent to overturn or circumvent EPA regulations. Without such guarantees, how can existing business and their employees be expected to stay if our most precious and scenic natural resources are threatened?
The speakers seemed to posit the inevitability, and need for, more black and white decision-making to revive the state and regional economies. While government would benefit from becoming more business-like and efficient, it unlikely black and white decision-making will be a “cure all” for current economic woes. Black and white decision-making in a corporate environment is often guided by computational equations that include variables that are easily quantified and controlled. This type of decision-making seems to work in a corporate environment as long as gray variables (e.g., employee satisfaction and/or commitment) are controlled or excluded from the equations. When applied in the public sector, though, the efficacy of a “black and white” decision-making diminishes due to introduction of gray variables that cannot be easily quantified or ignored. Though the gray variables are many, two emerged as prominent themes in the two presentations. That is, the perception of the quality of the educational system and perceived capacity of the regional workforce. Whether it is true or not, the prevailing perception of the two tends to be negative. Though public perception is a gray variable that many would like to ignore, it is important to long-term economic development and should factored into economic decision-making and planning. --Logan Cross
Post study meeting comments: Clay County Meeting 11-08-2010
I was surprised how laid back my own Clay County was in pursuing job creation especially in comparison with Baker and Nassau presenters. Clay seems to be waiting for the State of Florida to set the direction and agenda for business expansion with tax incentives, school funding and the Outer Beltway. Clay County is putting little, if any, of its own resources on the table although I don't think it has much in the way of financial incentives to offer.
The targeted list of industries was pretty much the same for all three counties except that Clay seemed to be more satisfied with lower paying retail and hospitality jobs. Are our institutions of higher education capable of supporting high tech, sustainable energy, "green" technology or biotech companies? Except for UF and FSU which are not all that close, I'm not convinced that they do. This needs to be discussed by the study participants as a reality check on industry wish lists.
Federal and state governments have seemingly abandoned Space Coast NASA and NASA contractor employees with the termination of shuttle operations. Does this give confidence to high tech employers considering a move to the area? Why aren't these Space Coast technical people and their available resources on anyone's target list for northeast Florida? Perhaps that will be addressed in Flagler and St. Johns Counties.
Baker and Nassau mentioned a desire to retain existing businesses but I don't think Clay did. I'm hoping the topic of business retention will become the focus of some serious discussion (probably after all county visits are complete). Nassau participants mentioned that business regulation and impact fees presented a problem as far as attracting new businesses was concerned. All three counties thought their locations are currently attractive places in which to live, work and educate children. It was generally acknowledged that Clay has a commuting and traffic congestion problem. I think the moderator and selection of discussion questions need to focus on what I see is an apparent reluctance to use reasonable business regulation, appropriate impact fees and adequate funding for schools and recreation facilities to maintain a quality of life that companies moving to the area will insist on having so they can attract their top people to the area.
Except for Jim Crook's observations on race relations at our first meeting, nothing further has been said to insure that all area residents are included and welcome in the process. Crime, poverty, homelessness, lack of affordable health care and a high dropout rate from area schools will certainly give pause to those considering the area for business expansion, especially in the urban inner cities where jobs are most needed.
Recent actions by a Gainesville church to burn the Qur'an and the bombing of a Jacksonville mosque have received significant media attention. Fortune 500 company executives must be certainly aware that Northeast Florida does not offer anti-discrimination measures in housing, employment, benefits and protection from harassment that their gay and lesbian employees might expect before relocating to this area.
How can we guarantee that the St. Johns River, coastal waterways and wetlands will be preserved for generations to come when there is so much effort and money being spent to overturn or circumvent EPA regulations. Without such guarantees, how can existing business and their employees be expected to stay if our most precious and scenic natural resources are threatened?
