Future job growth and business development were highlighted in a recent Business Briefs and Updates posted by Cornerstone, the economic development arm of the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce.

AvMax Group Inc. is opening a heavy maintenance and modification facility for the regional jet and turbo prop aviation industry at Jacksonville International Airport. The facility will initially employ as many as 100 to 120 licensed aircraft mechanics. Jacksonville was the ideal site location because of the volume of regional jets that travel to Jacksonville, the skilled workforce and the quality of life that will enable the company to attract and retain quality employees.

Boeing has been awarded a $69.7 million contract with the U. S. Air Force to build the new drone aircraft at Cecil Field. The drones will be built by modifying existing F-16 aircrafts. Boeing will begin the aircraft conversions in May 2011 and is expected to add 40 new jobs to its Cecil location.

Mayport Naval Station will become the home port of the littoral ship, the Navy’s newest combat ship. Eventually, the base will receive 32 of the new ships and approximately 7,200 military personnel. The ships will begin arriving in 2016 and the base will have 17 of the ships by 2020.

This is fantastic economic news for the Northeast Florida region!