Community leaders from Jacksonville and six other Northeast Florida counties are participating in a study to develop and implement a strategy that will grow the job base within the region. The study, titled 'Recession Recovery & Beyond: Job Creation, Employment and Improving Northeast Florida's Competitiveness,' is being conducted by the Jacksonville Community Council Inc. (JCCI) and funded through WorkSource and Cornerstone Regional Development Partnership.

The goal of the study is to identify specific issues that are affecting job growth and economic prosperity, determine strengths to build on and challenges to overcome, and identify ways the seven Northeast Florida counties can work together to enhance job creation opportunities in the region.

Since the study's launch on Oct. 20, 2010, the JCCI has held meetings in each county getting input from business, governmental and civic leaders. The Jacksonville Economic Development Commission (JEDC) and Cornerstone co-hosted Jacksonville's meeting on Dec. 15, 2010.

Results from the study will be compiled and recommendations will be presented on May 4, 2011. For more information on this regional effort, visit JCCI's Web site.