The Florida Economic Development Council (FEDC) honored Innovate Northeast Florida co-chair Elaine Johnson, Putnam County Chamber of Commerce Vice President of Economic Development Alex McCoy, CEcD, and JAXUSA Partnership, a division of the JAX Chamber, at its recent state conference.

Johnson was presented with the 2012 Volunteer of the Year Award for the Northeast Florida region for her contributions to economic development and accomplishments as co-chair of the Innovate Northeast Florida project, an economic development initiative of the Northeast Florida Regional Council (NEFRC) and JAXUSA Partnership.

Johnson and Jacksonville attorney Bob Rhodes served as co-chairs of Innovate Northeast Florida, www.innovatenortheastflorida.com, a strategic plan to identify the target industries and sub-clusters that will stimulate future economic growth and create an action plan for growing those industries in the region. Johnson is a principal at Navigy, a wholly owned subsidiary of Florida Blue.

Alex McCoy was awarded the inaugural 2012 Young Professional of the Year for his leadership in economic development as a young professional. Working with contracted staff from the Florida Institute of Government at Florida State University, McCoy is creating an economic development community leadership training program. He earned the CEcD designation from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), which recognizes qualified and dedicated practitioners in the economic development field and sets the standard of excellence within the profession.

The FEDC also honored JAXUSA Partnership with its Excellence in International Business award. JAXUSA’s international program was recognized for the tremendous growth it has achieved in the past several years. Currently, there are 23 countries represented by businesses in the region. During the past five years, international companies added more than 2,200 jobs and brought more than $330 million in capital investment.

Congratulations to all the award winners!