Earlier this year, Flagler County Government announced a new economic development partnership with the Palm Coast-Flagler Regional Chamber of Commerce. Flagler County invited the Chamber to participate in the JAX USA economic development meetings, of which several other Chambers of Commerce also attend. Dana Jones, President and CEO of the Putnam County Chamber and Darryl Register, President and CEO of the Baker County Chamber were also in attendance.
JAX USA is Jacksonville’s regional economic development initiative overseeing the efforts of the seven counties of Northeast Florida, including Flagler County. JAX USA’s mission is to be a catalyst for economic growth and maximize the region’s unique resources to aggressively recruit jobs and capital investment to the NE Florida region. Since 1990, JAX USA has been a driving economic force within the Jacksonville region and, together with partners, have helped create more than 130,000 jobs and $9.8 billion in capital investment.
Chambers of Commerce Unite (L-to-R): Greg Blose (Palm Coast-Flagler Regional Chamber President/CEO), Dana Jones (Putnam County Chamber President/CEO), Darryl Register (Baker County Chamber President/CEO)
Because of confidentiality needed to ensure economic development project success, the Chamber cannot disclose the content of the meeting. We can report that JAX USA and the partners at the table, including multiple Chambers of Commerce, are working hard to ensure economic prosperity for all NE Florida. The Palm Coast-Flagler Regional Chamber is thankful for the opportunity and will be an active partner fighting to support Flagler County job creation efforts.
There is so much more potential in Jax and business and community leaders alike should focus on the NE Florida coalitions and collaboration. To be aligned with central Florida economics may have made sense 40 or 50 years ago but, today, there is zero opportunity from Orlando and minimal from even Daytona. Kudos to the chamber for taking this huge step.