More than 2,000 new jobs were created in 2009, according to a recent update posted by Cornerstone, the economic development arm of the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce. That’s in addition to 2,500 Navy jobs. And more good news appears to be in store for 2010.  JP Morgan Chase has recently added 900 local jobs to the local economy.

Also, Cecil Field Airport has been awarded a federal licensed to fly commercial space vehicles that could transport tourists, researchers and others beyond Earth’s atmosphere. JAA has worked for four years to get its commercial spaceport licensing and plans to offer Cecil Field’s 12,500-foot long runway to commercial space operators, including Virgin Galactic.

Boeing officially opened its new 125,000 square-foot structural repair facility at Cecil Commerce Center. With this expansion, Boeing will grow from 150 jobs to 210 jobs. The new facility will combine maintenance and repair along with technological advancements for Boeing planes.

The Hospital Corporation of America, which owns Memorial Hospital and Orange Park Medical Center, is moving ahead with plans to build a new $100 million hospital near Cecil Commerce Center. Plans include a three-story, 85-bed community hospital and a 200,000-square-foot medical office building. Construction will provide 250 people with jobs during the two-year building phase and about 800 positions will be needed for ongoing employment at the hospital.

2010 is off to a great start for Jacksonville’s economic development!