Let's Talk Business

Leadership St. Johns Class of 2023 Starts the New Year

The 24 members of the Class of 2023 embarked on their eight-month journey on the road to servant leadership this weekend. Class members attended a 2-day offsite retreat at the Guy Harvey Resort in St. Augustine Beach.

Bob Porter

Bringing St. Johns County Workers Home

Last summer, the Northeast Florida Builders Association approached the Chamber with a proposal to address parts of this impending housing “crisis” facing SJC. Since then, the Chamber’s Essential Worker Housing Coalition has worked to refine the builder’s proposal to provide housing for our targeted employees.

Bob Porter

Chamber Membership Means Better Business

Sam Ruiz

Public Policy Outlook 2023

Expect to see a full schedule of business-related legislation this spring as the State Legislature prepares for the 2023 Session which runs from March 7 – May 5 in Tallahassee. Big ticket issues such as a continuation of the property insurance legislative review, Visit Florida funding, affordable workforce housing, and funding for numerous NE Florida hurricane relief and emergency resilience will be at the forefront. Why are these issues important to Chamber members?

Bob Porter

Chamber's Workforce Housing Task Force Works on Affordability for Essential Workers

Bob Porter

November Political Wrap-Up

The political arena was very active this November, with the mid-term election on November 8 and the decisions being made in Tallahassee days later. Throw in two hurricanes leaving Florida with billions of dollars in damage and lost wages, a call for a special legislative session regarding insurance, and planning for 2023 - November has been a busy, busy month.

Bob Porter

Looking at Florida's Employment Report - October

The CareerSource Northeast Florida Hiring Report for October 2022 showed continued growth and low unemployment in St. Johns County.

Scott Maynard

St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce Supports Sales Tax Referendum

The St. Johns County Chamber’s Board of Directors has unanimously approved a motion to support the proposed one-cent sales tax increase. "There is no question that St. Johns County’s infrastructure is in serious need of repair and replacement if it is to keep up with our growth and economic vitality so important to the quality of life here in the county," said Michael Scine, St. Johns County Public Policy Committee Chair. "Estimates of the deficit are in the $500 million range. If approved by St Johns

Jamie Johnson

Affordable/Workforce Housing Task Force Update

Bob Porter

Florida Constitutional Amendment #3

Florida Constitutional Amendment #3, the Additional Homestead Property Tax Exemption for Certain Public Service Workers Amendment, was approved by the State Legislature and is on the November 8 ballot in Florida as a legislatively referred constitutional amendment.

Bob Porter