Chamber and County host Manufacturers Roundtable
The St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce and St. Johns County recently hosted a manufacturer’s roundtable to discuss issues our local manufacturers are facing and areas of potential collaboration. In addition to a strong representation from local companies, representatives from the St. Johns County School District’s Career and Technical Education program, First Coast Technical College (FCTC), St. Johns River State College, the First Coast Manufacturers Association, and JAXUSA were also in attendance. Scott Maynard, Sr. Vice President of Economic Development for the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce said, “It was extremely beneficial for us to gather this group. Hearing and understanding the issues and concerns our manufacturers are facing helps us and the county address the challenges head on and communicate those thoughts back to the policy and decision makers.”
One of the top issues discussed was workforce development. Many of the organizations represented are not only seeking to fill current open positions but have plans to expand in the near future. Each of the educational institutions represented discussed new programs they have started to address these needs, demonstrating a proactive and optimistic approach. The school district also provided insight on how companies can provide job shadow and internship opportunities for students to introduce them to the opportunities that exist in the County. FCTC and St. Johns River State College also discussed program expansion, and the new programs slated to begin this year. FCTC is starting the renovation of the old Hastings High School to open a second campus in that part of the County.
Another area addressed was the need for attainable workforce housing in the region. It was mentioned that 42,000 people a day commute into the County to work. Many of those would choose to live locally if there were more affordable housing options. The County and the City of St. Augustine have begun to address this need, but the process is slow, and the number of units available falls way short of the demand. The Chamber will continue to focus on this issue.
