The Downtown Council
By Downtown Council of Jacksonville
We are the Chamber’s largest and fastest-growing council. Oh, and we’re pretty friendly, too.
The Downtown CouncilFeb 10, 2022
13 – Jacksonville Historic Naval Ships Association Vice President Justin Weakland
The USS Orleck is coming to JAX! Justin Weakland, Vice President of Jacksonville Historic Naval Ships Association shares details of the historic gearing-class destroyer.
12 – Jacksonville Symphony President & CEO Steven Libman
Steven Libman, President & CEO of Jacksonville Symphony, shares about the soul-stirring songs, artists and performances planned for the 2021/22 symphony season.
11 – Gator Bowl President & CEO Greg McGarity
Greg McGarity, President and CEO of Gator Bowl Sports, talks team considerations and other Gator Bowl opportunities.
10 – SPAR Executive Director Kelly Rich
Kelly Rich, executive director of Springfield Preservation and Revitalization talks Porchfest 2021 and other upcoming plans for historic Springfield. Learn more about SPAR and the Downtown Council of the JAX Chamber at www.downtowncouncil.org
09 – Southeast Development Group Principal Steve Atkins
Steve Atkins talks the masterplan for the downtown riverfront and the Laura Street trio. Learn more about Southeast Development Group and the Downtown Council of the JAX Chamber at www.downtowncouncil.org
08 – Downtown Investment Authority Chair Braxton Gillam
Braxton Gillam talks current and future development projects happening in Downtown Jacksonville. Learn more about Downtown Investment Authority revitalization and the Downtown Council of the JAX Chamber at www.downtowncouncil.org
07 – Big Summer Changes at DTC
The Downtown Council successfully hosted their first in-person meeting at the VyStar Tower with David Cohen and Jim Webb of Manifest Distilling. They discussed changes to liquor laws in Florida, and how that effects downtown entertainment. We also hosted its first podcast party where DTC members shared stories of our history and about what makes the Downtown Council so important to the growth and development of Downtown Jacksonville. Learn more about upcoming Downtown Council events at downtowncouncil.org.
06 – 904WARD CEO Dr. Kimberly Allen
Dr. Kimberly Allen talks the effects of racism in our city and what 904WARD is doing to build and embrace an inclusive community. Learn more about the 904WARD and the Downtown Council of the JAX Chamber at www.downtowncouncil.org.
05 – Mari Kuraishi and Mark Walker of the Jessie Ball duPont Fund Discuss Downtown Jacksonville
Creating inclusive communities will help creativity and entrepreneurship thrive in Downtown Jacksonville. Learn more about the Jessie Ball duPont Fund and the Downtown Council of the JAX Chamber at www.downtowncouncil.org.
04 - JWB Real Estate Capital President Alex Sifakis
You may be surprised just how much in-progress development there is in Downtown Jacksonville. Learn more about the JWB Real Estate Capital and the Downtown Council of the JAX Chamber at www.downtowncouncil.org.
03 - Cummer Museum CEO & Director Dr. Andrea Barnwell Brownlee
There is a new leader and a new vision for Jacksonville's riverfront gem. Learn more about the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens and the Downtown Council of the JAX Chamber at www.downtowncouncil.org.
02 – Reopening arts and entertainment amid COVID-19 disruptions with Numa Saisselin
Numa Saisselin, president of Florida Theatre joins the Downtown Council to discuss reopening arts and entertainment amid COVID-19 disruptions, renovations happening at Florida Theatre and an update on its capital plan.
Episode Notes
The renovations include new seats, expanding the lobby on the second floor, updated bathrooms and an new sound and stage lighting equipment. Improving wheelchair access is also very important for the Theatre, so that they are in compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act.
Saisselin talks the importance arts and entertainment in our community. Florida Theatre was also a top five attended theatre in the U.S. under 2,000 seats, and was performing more than 150 shows per year before COVID-19 started.
Want to attend a meeting? Visit downtowncouncil.org to sign up for an upcoming event.
01 – Eradicating poverty in Jacksonville through LIFT JAX with Darnell Smith
Darnell Smith, market president for Florida Blue – North Florida Region and board member for LIFT JAX, joins the Downtown Council to discuss the initiative and strategy that business and community leaders are using to eliminate poverty in and around Downtown Jacksonville.
Episode Notes
Extensive study and analysis points to Jacksonville’s Eastside neighborhood, which was once home to several prominent African American leaders, including Mary Magdalene White, James Weldon Johnson, A. Phillip Randolph and Bob Hayes.
Smith serves on the executive committee and presents how the people and businesses of the Downtown Council can best partner with LIFT JAX to help eradicate poverty throughout Jacksonville.
To attend a meeting, visit downtowncouncil.org to sign up.
Trailer – The Downtown Council
The Downtown Council is in session. We represent Jacksonville’s downtown business community, which includes major corporations, growing businesses and start-ups. We are the Chamber’s largest and fastest-growing council and our goal is to connect businesses so that Downtown Jacksonville, will thrive and prosper. Join us on the first and third Friday of every month to stay informed of business and civic issues that impact your bottom line. Visit downtowncouncil.org to sign up.