ImpactJAX, JAX Chamber’s young professionals group, is launching a career development program for its members.
The new NextUp JAX comprises three initiatives:
• AccessJAX is a 10-week experiential leadership curriculum from March to May that will allow participants to experience Jacksonville through behind-the-scenes tours, programming with arts organizations and engagement with local executives and civic leaders.
• InfluenceJAX will allow emerging executives the opportunity to connect with area influencers and participate in research-based trips. A 12-week leadership think tank, from September through November, seeks to develop “Community Challenge” capstone projects.
• InnovateJAX, scheduled to debut in 2023, will help young entrepreneurs identify trends and gaps within the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The initiative will partner with the Venture Services team at JAXUSA.
NextUp JAX also will introduce four awards recognition programs and two signature events, including the ImpactJAX Hall of Fame Awards and the Jacksonville Volunteer Expo.
“We all know that attracting and retaining top talent is critical for economic development and the chances of keeping young professionals in your city increase exponentially if they are involved in the community,” Daniel Davis, JAX Chamber president and CEO, said in a news release.
“ImpactJAX has provided an incredible foundation for more than 15 years, and we believe the opportunities in NextUp JAX will strengthen our young professionals and our community.”
The JAX Chamber established ImpactJAX in 2006 to attract and retain talent in Northeast Florida. It evolved to focus on public policy, professional development and service and giving.
The Hightower Emerging Leaders Fellowship, an ImpactJAX initiative established in 2017, furthers the goal of empowering the next generation by offering roundtable discussions between emerging leaders and Jacksonville’s current leaders.
The fellowship will continue as part of NextUp JAX.