Cornerstone staying ahead

09/15/2008

by David Chapman

Staff Writer

With the national economy down, the competition rises for Cornerstone and its executive director, Jerry Mallot.

Not just from other U.S. cities, either — it’s the international business community that the Northeast Florida economic development organization is going to battle over business growth.

“The business climate has certainly changed,” said Mallot. “The late ‘90s had some of the most prolific growth ever seen ... today the strength of the euro versus the dollar means more companies are expanding their services overseas in foreign markets.”

Amid the current national economic woes, though, Mallot believes the region is building a foundation that will help it overcome the competition – even international companies – and flourish.

“The down economy is kind of a perfect storm affecting businesses,” he said, “but Northeast Florida is well positioned to come out ahead.”

He bases that optimism on the ever-growing and direct port system, numerous roadways that allow for easy accessibility and distribution.

For the Jacksonville Port Authority, working with Cornerstone — the economic development division of the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce — to attract business to Jacksonville is a “tag-team” effort according to one Port official.

“We have a very close relationship with Cornerstone,” said Roy Schleicher, senior director of trade development and global marketing for the Port. “We’re both constantly keeping each other involved with business and looking for opportunities to get jobs to Jacksonville.

“It’s a great relationship and the Port is lucky to have them.”

Mallot said he and his staff are currently looking to attract 57 different business clients — 24 in manufacturing and processing, 23 in office and commercial business and 10 warehouse distribution companies.

Of those 57 potential clients, said Mallot, 68 percent of them would be new to Northeast Florida. More here.