Northeast Florida had a year of outstanding growth and activity in 2016 with economic project announcements that will create nearly 3,000 jobs and $641 million in new capital investment.

Amazon, Mercedes-Benz USA and KLS Martin were among the 10 new company locations announced, joining the seven local businesses expansions, including Ernst & Young, Kraft Foods – Maxwell House and BMW of North America.

Amazon, the global Internet retailer, committed to bolstering its footprint in the area and selected Jacksonville as the ideal location for a fulfillment center to handle the company’s diverse array of products that will create 1,500 new jobs and $200 million in local investment.

The region’s direct access to a consumer market of 61+ million people, ease of doing business, thriving local economy and land availability at Alliance Florida at Cecil Commerce Center helped secure Amazon’s decision to invest in Jacksonville.

randrr, a software development company, will release its machine-learning-based career-planning app with plans to increase its tech workforce by hiring 200 new workers within the next 24 months.

These company announcements contribute to the robust business environment in Northeast Florida, further supporting Forbes’ ranking of Jacksonville among the top 40 best places for businesses and careers and Realtor.com’s ranking of Jacksonville as the #2 hot spot where Americans are moving.

High-end retailers are also making the move to Jacksonville because of the city’s central location and direct access to a large consumer market. Swedish-based IKEA plans to open its first Jacksonville location this fall, across from where TopGolf recently opened in October 2016.

Continued revitalization of Downtown Jacksonville along the St. Johns River is occurring, with increased activity around EverBank Field. Companies are taking advantage of the area's talented labor force, low operating costs and pro-business environment.

“The Jacksonville region is a competitive player in the global marketplace as international companies choose Northeast Florida as the location for business attainment and success,” said JAXUSA Partnership President Jerry Mallot. “The area’s access to talent, natural environment and unique personality continue to draw companies looking for a new market to grow operations.”

About JAXUSA Partnership

JAXUSA Partnership is Northeast Florida’s regional economic development organization. Economic development partners in Baker, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, Putnam and St. Johns counties, the independent authorities – JAXPORT, JAA, JEA and JTA – CareerSource Northeast Florida and private-sector investors comprise the strong partnership that drives our business development process forward. A division of the JAX Chamber, our purpose is to market the Jacksonville region and recruit new companies and expand our existing business community.