Sherri Mitchell, Executive Director, Nassau County Economic Development Board
In an interview with Invest:, Sherri Mitchell, executive director of the Nassau County Economic Development Board, talked about the significant strides being made in economic development, with key achievements including the completion of the Crawford Diamond Industrial site and a new water plant, funded by $15.5 million from the state.
What have been some of the main highlights and achievements from the past 12 months for the board?
The Crawford Diamond Industrial Site represents a cornerstone achievement for our board, marking the culmination of six years of dedicated planning and collaboration. This year, we secured a transformative $15.5 million state grant to fund the construction of a water plant, a critical infrastructure project that will unlock the site’s full potential. This milestone positions our community to attract significant industrial investments, paving the way for sustained economic growth.
Traditionally recognized as a bedroom community with a strong focus on hospitality and tourism, we are now seeing encouraging growth in other pivotal industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, and distribution. These sectors not only enhance our economic diversity but also provide high-quality job opportunities, fostering a more resilient and balanced local economy.
Our board’s efforts over the past year reflect a forward-thinking approach to economic development— setting the stage for a prosperous future for all residents of our region.
What are some of the main measures being taken to create a booming business environment?
Our efforts to foster a booming business environment center on collaboration, strategic planning, and leadership. By working more closely with the county, we’ve aligned resources and initiatives to better support economic growth. Through our strategic plan, we’ve established four key pillars — business retention and expansion, recruitment and marketing, public relations, and revenue sustainability — that guide our actions. Additionally, we’ve built a board of directors deeply committed to driving economic progress. Every small stride we make benefits not only new businesses considering Nassau County but also the businesses that have long called it home.
To what extent is the county benefiting from population growth and company relocations?
Nassau County’s rapid population growth — now surpassing 100,000 residents, up from 75,000 just a decade ago — is driving significant economic opportunities. During the pandemic alone, we saw a net migration of over 7,000 new residents, attracted by our exceptional quality of life, including award-winning Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach, and scenic communities throughout the county. This growth has spurred a surge in residential and retail development, along with increased demand for services. Notably, we’re becoming a healthcare hub with three new facilities: UF Health Wildlight, Baptist Nassau Crossing, and the upcoming HCA Florida Yulee. Additionally, the Crawford Diamond Industrial Park on the west side has positioned us for future industrial expansion, complementing our already thriving business community. With a fast-growing population and a strategic approach to development, Nassau County is capitalizing on this momentum to create a prosperous future for residents and businesses alike.
What is the board doing in terms of workforce development?
Workforce development is a top priority for the board, and our efforts focus on two key areas: retaining and supporting the small businesses that form the backbone of our community and maintaining a robust workforce pipeline for new businesses. We are proud to partner with the Florida State College at Jacksonville, the Nassau County School Board, and CareerSource Northeast Florida to offer workforce training opportunities and ensure our businesses have access to skilled workers. Our grade-A school system, strong Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, and initiatives like the state’s ‘Get There’ program play a vital role in preparing residents for in-demand careers. Workforce development is truly a collaborative effort, and we are committed to fostering a talent pool that meets the needs of our growing economy.
What are some of the main challenges Nassau County is facing?
Nassau County faces several key challenges as we grow, including the lack of infrastructure, particularly shovel-ready sites and existing buildings that are crucial for attracting businesses. Affordable housing remains a significant issue, as it does across the nation, but we are making strides in addressing this challenge. While progress is slow, we remain optimistic about creating more housing options for residents at all stages of life. Transportation is another hurdle, with limited transit options impacting access to jobs and services. To tackle this, the county is conducting a transit study aimed at expanding service and improving mobility. Despite these challenges, the county is taking proactive steps to overcome obstacles and build a stronger, more inclusive future.
What are the board’s plans and priorities for the next three to five years?
Over the next three to five years, our primary focus is on diversifying the tax base by attracting a large manufacturer that can provide the high-wage jobs Nassau County needs to support sustained growth. Bringing in a major employer will not only strengthen our economy but also create opportunities for residents and businesses alike. We’re making significant progress, with key players on our board actively working to move these efforts forward. The groundwork has been laid, and our collaborative approach – bringing together stakeholders ready to financially support – positions us to achieve this goal. Our vision is to create a balanced, thriving economy that supports our community for generations to come.
