"These investments reflect the confidence that the private sector has in the city of Jacksonville’s growing economy,” said Mayor Brown. "It is important that we continue to work with the private sector to facilitate the creation of employment opportunities for our citizens that enhance our standard of living.”

Bank of America is planning to expand operations at its two Southside Jacksonville campuses to accommodate multiple Bank of America and Merrill Lynch lines of business. The expansion project would result in a capital investment of approximately $13 million and at least 200 new full-time, high-skilled jobs with an average wage of more than $50,000 by December 2015.

“Bank of America has selected Jacksonville as a critical market to continue to grow our business,” said Gregory Smith, the bank’s market president for Jacksonville and Northeast Florida. “Jacksonville has proven to be a leading location for financial services companies like ours to attract talent and serve our customers.”

EIWC is a Florida corporation headquartered in Jacksonville that was incorporated in 2011 to provide energy management solutions that lower resource consumption and reduce energy expenses. EIWC is interested in locating its global corporate headquarters and energy monitor center at 100 N. Laura St. in Downtown Jacksonville. The project would create 45 new full-time, high-wage jobs with a private capital investment up to approximately $674,000.

"We are excited to locate our Global Headquarters and Energy Management Center in Downtown Jacksonville,” said Herrald Jonkers, EIWC's President & CEO. “We chose Jacksonville over other cities because of its advancing international business climate, strategic location and quality of life."

Total Quality Logistics, the second largest freight brokerage company in the nation, is planning to open a new office in Jacksonville at a location to be determined. The company’s proposal would create 75 new jobs and a private capital investment of up to $380,000. Headquartered in Cincinnati with 17 additional satellite locations across the nation, Total Quality Logistics arranges transportation of consumer and industrial goods across North America. The company reported more than $1.3 billion in sales in 2012 and employs more than 2,000 people nationwide.

“Jacksonville gives us access to outstanding professional talent,” said Kerry Byrne, TQL executive vice president. “Finding the right talent is key to our ability to grow market share within the third party logistics industry.”

Legislation will be introduced to City Council today that enables Bank of America, EIWC and Total Quality Logistics to create up to 320 new jobs and make a $14 million capital investment in our community.

“We are thrilled that Bank of America, Energy Intelligence Worldwide and Total Quality Logistics want to expand in our region,” said JAX Chamber Interim President and CEO and JAXUSA Partnership President Jerry Mallot. “These projects demonstrate the tremendous confidence business leaders have in our region.”