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.”

Service comes through public-private partnership at no additional cost to taxpayers

Mayor Alvin Brown is launching Jobs for Veterans, a one-stop service to help military veterans transition to civilian life by connecting them with educational opportunities and job leads at veteran-friendly employers.

“In today’s economy, companies need confidence and a strong work ethic. They could use that never-give-up attitude and that sense of ingenuity that so many of our returning veterans can offer,” said the mayor. “Jobs for Veterans will be good for all of the brave men and women who have so proudly served in defense of our nation.”

Gives city the authority to alter or amend Jacksonville Economic Development Commission (JEDC)

Last December, the Jacksonville City Council overwhelmingly passed Mayor Brown’s government reform initiative, the first major reorganization of city government in 20 years. That legislation reformed the city’s economic development structure to make it directly accountable to the mayor and includes all city functions that could enhance the mission of creating jobs.

In January 2012, Mayor Brown and the City Council sought the approval of the Florida Legislature to alter or amend the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission (JEDC) as a necessary step to evolve the city’s economic development efforts. Both houses of the Legislature unanimously provided that authority. Today, Governor Rick Scott signed the bill – CS/HB 1253 – which provided that authority.

The City of Jacksonville’s Neighborhoods Department is issuing an air quality advisory today in response to smoke from fires currently burning in the area. Elevated levels of particulate matter from smoke in neighboring counties may impact parts of Jacksonville today, as winds blow smoke into the area.

Children, the elderly and sensitive individuals should take steps to avoid exposure by staying inside or refraining from strenuous outdoor activity. If exercising outdoors, substituting less vigorous exercise (a walk instead of a jog, for example) can be helpful. In addition, outdoor activities should be planned for times when particulate levels are lower.

Jacksonville City Council President Stephen C. Joost (At-Large, Group 3) announced today the formation of a committee to review the nominations for the 2012 “Robert O. Johnson Good Government Award”.  The award was established by the Jacksonville City Council 2003 in honor of former City Council Auditor Robert O. Johnson.  Each year, the award is bestowed upon an employee who has demonstrated a sustained and significant contribution to the increased efficiency and effectiveness of the City of Jacksonville or its Independent Agencies.

More than 20,000 tickets have been sold for the U.S. Men’s National Team game against Scotland on May 26 at EverBank Field in Jacksonville, Fla.

Mayor Alvin Brown announced today that IBM has selected Jacksonville to receive an IBM Smarter Cities Challenge grant. The grant provides Jacksonville with access to IBM's top experts to analyze and recommend ways the city can become an even better place in which to live and work.

“This is about turning our downtown’s potential into a vibrant reality that will attract major employers, create jobs, draw new residents and serve as a focal point of our city’s unique identity,” said Mayor Brown. “Being the recipient of the IBM Smarter Cities Challenge grant places us among an elite number of national and international cities. This public-private partnership is possible because of IBM’s confidence in the talent, vision and energy of Jacksonville’s leaders to revitalize downtown.”
 

The City of Jacksonville and the Indo-U.S. Chamber of Commerce of Northeast Florida are partnering together to assist aspiring college students in completing their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at no cost to students or taxpayers.

There will be seven workshops at locations throughout Jacksonville starting March 31. Trained volunteers will help students complete and file FAFSA applications, a necessary step in the college entrance process.

“The FAFSA can be a challenging part of the college experience. We’re fortunate in Jacksonville to have so many people who want to use their talents for the good of helping others,” said Mayor Brown. “There is a strong relationship between college education and workforce success as well as a city’s quality of life. This workshop does not just give advice to students. They will leave knowing their FAFSA is done.”

Mayor Alvin Brown welcomed Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus to City Hall on Tuesday. Recently, the Navy released its fiscal year 2013 budget which allocated more ships and sailors to Naval Station Mayport.

“It’s a vote of confidence in our city,” said Mayor Brown. “And it is going to boost the number of personnel in Jacksonville – that’s good for our economy.”

The secretary was greeted in the atrium of City Hall by JROTC cadets from Mandarin High School.

Last Friday and Saturday, Mayor Alvin Brown hosted at least 70 local leaders including mayors, port directors and trade specialists are here in Jacksonville to develop a national agenda that expands exports, improves infrastructure and modernizes ports. Mayor Brown is Chair of U.S. Conference of Mayor’s Metro Exports and Ports Task Force.

"If you're serious about creating jobs, you have to be serious about expanding exports," USCM President and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said. "Ninety-five percent of the world's consumers are outside of the United States. To help businesses get their products from cities across the United States to markets around the world, we need to invest in our roads, bridges, ports, and rail systems."

Released at the meeting the report, entitled U.S. Metro Economies: Exports in the Next Decade, projects that exports will outpace imports by 2020, growing an average eight percent annually. A copy of the report and its key findings can be obtained at www.usmayors.org.

Learn more at the Mayor's Blog.