POLITICAL LANDSCAPE
Professor of Political Science, Florida State College at Jacksonville
The primary economic issue facing the political landscape is to maximize relationships with the Trump administration and secure critical investments in resiliency and sustainability in what will be a tsunami of attempts to impose austerity measures.
The city of Jacksonville and the state of Florida have real fiscal restraints created by constitutional requirements mandating balanced budgets.
The federal government has no such fiscal restraints, only real resource constraints and a lack of political will to keep it from investing in our cities. Northeast Florida’s congressional delegation needs to work with the Mayor Donna Deegan administration in securing transformative infrastructure investment in our region.
We are uniquely positioned to leverage the special relationship between Northeast Florida and the Trump White House.
Decades of dogma surrounding national deficits and debt need to be jettisoned and our leaders need to recognize the absolute necessity of federal assistance in creating the conditions for sustainable and resilient economic growth for decades to come.
COMMERCIAL BANKING
Area Manager, Client Advisory Group, Pinnacle Financial Partners
The primary economic issue facing commercial banking is staying relevant in the face of increased competition.
A lot of commercial banking’s future is in cash management, payments and using AI to find efficiencies and enhance service.
The large national banks are investing billions in technology to stand apart, which is a smart move from one perspective.
The banks that stay relevant in the age of AI, though, are those that balance technology with people, giving clients the tools they need with people-powered advice and support.
When the technology falls short or, heaven forbid, someone becomes a fraud victim, they need a banker who will answer the phone with experience and help solve their problem.
The service and advice have got to be there before the technology, and that’s why we believe Pinnacle has a leg up.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
President, JAXUSA Partnership
The primary issue facing economic development in the Jacksonville region is developing the number of talented workers companies need to succeed here.
The word is out. Companies are investing in Jacksonville. To keep up, we need to continue to increase the number of talented people graduating from local colleges and universities.
Companies all say the same thing: The graduates we’re hiring are phenomenal. We just need more of them.
We will continue to make the case to our Duval Delegation and to leaders in Tallahassee that any investment in higher education in the Jacksonville region is an investment in our local economy and will drive our continued growth.
We have been clear for the past several years that this is our top legislative priority and have made significant process. We will keep pushing in 2025 and beyond.
HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM
President and CEO, Visit Jacksonville
The primary economic issue facing Jacksonville’s hospitality/tourism industry is continued economic uncertainty, especially during the construction of the Stadium of the Future.
While tourism/hospitality business models have adapted, uncertainty remains as inflation continues to be a factor in decision-making for both leisure and business travel.
More than half of the people who travel to Jacksonville are coming to visit family and friends.
Visit Jacksonville is increasing efforts to educate the Jacksonville community on activities to do in the area.
We also encourage locals to “Bring It Home” and host a meeting or convention in Jacksonville rather than traveling to another city or state.
This has never been more important than the upcoming 2026-28 period, when EverBank Stadium is being reimagined and will not host annual events that historically bring visitors to the city.
SMALL BUSINESS
Co-founder, Mr. Potato Spread Inc.
2024 JAX Chamber Small Business Leader of the Year
The primary economic issue facing small businesses is managing rising costs while accessing the resources needed to scale and compete effectively.
The restaurant and food service industry is adapting by embracing more profitable revenue streams like food trucks and catering.
Many fast-casual businesses are shifting to smaller footprints focused on takeout, with some even eliminating dine-in spaces entirely.
Drive-thrus remain a significant advantage for those who have them.
Customers want great food at affordable prices but increasingly prefer convenience over dining in.
At Mr. Potato Spread, we made the strategic decision to eliminate our brick-and-mortar locations and focus on our food truck and drop-off catering services.
This shift has proven more profitable, allowing us to operate with lower overhead and greater flexibility while positioning us to adapt quickly to market demands and customer preferences.
TRUCKING
CEO, T&N Xpress LLC
The primary economic issues facing the trucking industry is the ongoing driver shortage, compounded by rising operational costs, regulatory pressures and the transition to sustainable technologies.
The trucking industry is addressing the driver shortage by implementing higher wages, sign-on bonuses and improved benefits to attract and retain drivers.
Many companies are also investing in enhanced training programs and targeting younger recruits, including high school graduates and women through outreach campaigns.
Technology is playing a critical role, with autonomous driving systems and advanced telematics improving efficiency and reducing driver fatigue.
Additionally, the industry is streamlining licensing processes and collaborating with government agencies to create pathways for new entrants.
To tackle sustainability, fleets are adopting electric and alternative fuel vehicles, supported by partnerships with manufacturers and infrastructure developers.
These efforts aim to modernize the workforce and operations while ensuring long-term viability and compliance with environmental goals.
Northeast Florida expert insights from Nick Allard, Christian Oldenburg, Eric Heninger, Dennis Whittle and William Bishop