Mayor Alvin Brown will host the second Business Builder summit this week. Mayor Brown’s Business Builder is designed to help small businesses gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed and to help them learn about gaining access to capital and credit. Topics will range from financing to franchising to marketing strategies.

President Bill Clinton delivered remarks at an economic summit hosted by Mayor Alvin Brown where business leaders made landmark commitments to public-private partnerships to accomplish the mayor’s goal of taking Jacksonville to the next level.

The economic summit on Friday, May 11, featured commitments from six companies in Jacksonville that will contribute resources to aid Mayor Brown’s priorities. The corporate commitments align with top policy initiatives of Mayor Brown to run the city government effectively and efficiently, partner successfully with the private sector, and make bold policy decisions for the best return on investment for taxpayers. The announcements took place at the Terry Theater of the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts.

Mayor Alvin Brown announced Thursday that he has vetoed Ordinance 2012-299, which directed $750,000 for additional furniture for the new Duval County Courthouse.

On Friday, May 11, President Bill Clinton will attend an event hosted by Mayor Alvin Brown focused on jobs, the economy and taking Jacksonville to the next level.

President Clinton served as the nation’s 42nd president and founded the William J. Clinton Foundation with the mission to improve global health, strengthen economies, promote healthier childhoods, and protect the environment by fostering partnerships among governments, businesses, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and private citizens to turn good intentions into measurable results.

Mayor Alvin Brown announced four appointments to the Jacksonville Children’s Commission board. Pending City Council approval, each commissioner will serve a four-year term with the ability to be reappointed for a final four-year term. There are eleven voting members, one from each of the seven school districts and four at-large appointments. The appointees are:

Session two of Mayor Brown’s Business builder will take place May 17 and 18 at the Prime Osborn Convention Center. This two-day session will focus on connecting small business owners and entrepreneurs with the resources they need to be successful and creating opportunities for small business growth here on the First Coast.

“It is encouraging to see so many people and organizations come together for the good of our small business economy," said Mayor Brown. "I’m proud to present, free of charge, this public-private partnership to help entrepreneurs better understand from experts what it really takes to get access to capital and credit, develop strategy and compete in today’s complex economy. Small businesses are vital to help put Jacksonville back to work and build a stronger sense of community in our neighborhoods.”

Admiral Victor Guillory presents Jobs for Veterans web-based program

Mayor Alvin Brown is continuing to assure Jacksonville is known as the most military friendly town in the United States. Admiral Victor Guillory, Military Affairs, Veterans and Disabled Services, is taking part in a Military Job Fair at THE PLAYERS on Monday. Mayor Brown elevated military affairs to a Cabinet position, which demonstrates his commitment to area’s military community.

Event provides opportunity for Book Club book to come alive

The Jacksonville Children’s Commission invites all members of the Jax Kids Book Club and their families to the eighth annual Museum Hop, a free reading celebration at four Jacksonville museums.

Bands of all genres welcome to compete

Whether they perform hip-hop, indie rock or R&B, local teens are invited to Own the Night, the 7th Annual Teen Battle of the Bands at the Jacksonville Public Library. Musicians ages 12 to 18 must register from now to May 31 to rock in this free, one-of-a-kind local competition. This popular contest gives teens the opportunity to perform their original work and build confidence in their stage presence. The Battle of the Bands competition will be held on June 23 beginning at 1 p.m.

In celebration of National Preservation Month, the Jacksonville Historic Preservation Commission will honor 22 projects and services at their annual awards ceremony.