The Nassau County Economic Development Board honored its partners Oct. 24 at its annual reception at Mocama Wildlight Taproom, it announced in a news release.
Here are the honorees:
The Regional Economic Impact Award: Rayonier
Business Retention and Expansion Award: Baptist Health
New Business Investment Award: HCA Healthcare
The board also posthumously honored its board member David Buchanan with the Excellence in Economic Development Leadership Award.
Buchanan, a longtime Hilliard businessman, director of transportation for the Nassau County School Board and mayor of Hilliard for 18 years, was on the board before his death in May 2024.
“Nassau County is the seventh fastest-growing county in Florida,” said Sherri Mitchell, executive director of the board, in the release.“Our Economic Development Awards celebrate the vision, dedication and hard work of individuals and organizations that are driving progress in our community. Rayonier, Baptist Health and HCA Healthcare exemplify the spirit of innovation and collaboration essential for sustainable economic growth.”
“We value our collaboration with the Nassau County Economic Development Board, a true champion for economic growth in the region,” Chris Corr, senior vice president of real estate development and president of Raydient at Rayonier, said in the release. “Our commitment to sustainable forestry and responsible community development goes hand-in-hand with our efforts to create a thriving business climate that benefits both residents and businesses. Through initiatives like Wildlight we’re investing in the long-term economic health and prosperity of Nassau County.”
HCA Healthcare is developing an 11,000-square-foot emergency center expected to open in the first quarter of 2025. The HCA facility will feature 10 exam rooms and spaces for CT scans and radiology.
The board is a nonprofit public-private organization created to promote the economic competitiveness of Nassau County by providing professional economic development services.