Economic Development Week: Meet the Team That Helps Your Community Grow

Every successful business in the Jacksonville region has a backstory. It could be started at a kitchen table, in a garage, or with a handshake and a bold idea. But behind that business? There's often a team that quietly connects the dots, offers the right tools and helps turn an idea into impact. That's what economic development is all about, and this week, we're celebrating the people who make it happen.

"We're here to be a force for good in the Jacksonville region. Our goal is to provide large and small businesses with the information, resources and expertise they need to succeed in our community," said Kristin Jamison, President of Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Corporation.

From May 12 to 16, communities across the country are recognizing Economic Development Week, a time to honor the work that builds stronger economies, fuels innovation and lays the foundation for tomorrow's opportunities.

Here, the Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Corporation (JREDC) is proud to be one of those behind-the-scenes drivers of progress. Our mission is simple but powerful: retain, expand, recruit and create job opportunities for our region.

What We Do (And Why It Matters)

At JREDC, we're not just focused on spreadsheets and site maps. We're focused on people, specifically helping business owners, community leaders and entrepreneurs confidently move forward.

We work hand-in-hand with companies of all sizes to remove barriers, find the right resources and bring ideas to life. That might mean helping a manufacturer expand into a larger space, guiding a new small business through local tax incentives, or ensuring a site selector has every piece of data needed to make a smart investment decision.

Your One-Stop Resource for Business Growth

Need to know which properties are shovel-ready? Wondering what incentives are available for expanding your workforce? Looking for up-to-date demographics, traffic counts, or retail data?

We've got it all—and we're just a phone call away.

Here's just a sample of what we provide:

• Available buildings and sites
• Financing and incentives
• Labor market and workforce data
• Tax information
• Zoning guidance
• Comparative economic indicators
• Retail and sales trends

Whatever you need to move your project forward, we'll help you find it or connect you with someone who can.

Focused on the Future Since 1964

For over 60 years, the JREDC has been the economic development engine for our region. We are focused on building opportunities in our community. To accomplish this goal, we focus our efforts on:

• Business Attraction: Marketing our region to new investors and companies.
• Business Creation: Supporting start-ups and entrepreneurs so they can grow right here at home.
• Business Retention & Expansion: Checking in with employers, understanding their challenges and helping them stay competitive.
• Workforce Development: Partnering with the Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce to build stronger talent pipelines for today's evolving industries.

Let's Build Something Together

Relationships are essential for economic development's success. If you've got a business idea, a challenge to solve, or a vision you want to bring to life, reach out to us. Whether you're just getting started or ready to take the next big step, we're here to help you grow with clarity, confidence and a community with your back.

Contact JREDC today to find out how we can help your business succeed.