Excerpted from Jacksonville Business Journal story.
The Jacksonville of tomorrow will be shaped by the young business leaders of today. So what do they want that future to look like? This year, as we celebrate the young executives selected as the 2019 class of 40 Under 40 honorees, we asked them for one word that summed them up, as well as what they thought made the First Coast special and what they believe needs to be focused on for the area to live up to its potential. In this special section, join with the honorees in celebrating the area’s natural beauty and friendly people — and learn how they think the future of the region should be shaped.
Justin Spiller – Director, Franklin Street
What do you think the greatest challenge facing the First Coast is right now?
I believe the greatest challenge facing the First Coast right now is identity. What does Jacksonville want to be? We are a logistics hub, attract world class entertainment, have a history and culture that rivals few, but it does not feel like strengths of Jacksonville are properly conveyed to those outside of Jacksonville or appreciated enough within.
What thing about the First Coast are you proudest of?
While I do not think it is celebrated, appreciated or fostered enough, I am proud of the diversity of Jacksonville. The diversity of the population makes Jacksonville unique and full of different cultures. As a city, Jacksonville has to continue to find ways to highlight diversity as an asset and treat its diversity as the asset that it is.
For full story, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2019/04/25/40-under-40-justin-spiller.html
