13 September 2021, 14:00 (BST)
Jacksonville in Florida is launching an autonomous vehicle network in its downtown core and has already opened an autonomous vehicle test track. Pair this with the existing automotive network in Northeast Florida, where OEMs including BMW, Volkswagen, Mercedes Benz and Toyota have established distribution operations, and it creates a region enticing for UK automotive companies interested in doing business in the American market.
Jacksonville’s large, talented workforce and deep water seaport – the second busiest vehicle port in the United States – make it a ripe location for manufacturing, logistics and distribution, including for electric vehicles and related services. The area’s enormous consumer base – 94 million people within a one-day truck drive of Jacksonville, located in the nation’s fifth fastest growing consumer market – further establish the region as a prime location to evaluate.
Join our webinar to hear about opportunities for vehicle manufacturing, distribution, import/export, sales and related services in Jacksonville, Florida. Click here to register.
Agenda:
- Intro
- Overview of Jacksonville
- Jacksonville Automotive industry and opportunities for UK companies
- Q&A
Speaker Bios
John Freeman – Director, Business Development at JAXUSA Partnership
John Freeman serves as Director of Business Development, focusing on advanced transportation and logistics business and international trade and investment for JAXUSA Partnership. He currently co-manages the organization’s Global Cities Initiative, aiding regional companies interested in growing their export business.
John studied business at Flagler College and later earned a Master’s in Business Administration from Jacksonville University. Passionate about the water and the world around him, it was only natural that he pursued career work in the maritime industry and later in economic development – managing the JAXUSA Partnership’s regional trade development and international recruitment programs.
With encouragement from friends, John subsequently co-owned his own business, but was drawn again to what fulfills him most – working in the realm of international trade and investment.
John is married with two adult children and is grateful to live and enjoy the coastal paradise that is northeast Florida.
Alberto Cabrera – Director at Jacksonville Port Authority
Alberto Cabrera has over 30 years of professional experience in the logistics industry. Alberto started his career in operations at Stevens Shipping. His experience and drive led him to pursue a path in sales.
Prior to joining Florida East Coast Railway, Alberto was the Senior Director of Cargo and Business Development for the Port of Canaveral. During this time, Alberto was successful in the development of the cargo business for the Port of Canaveral. Alberto was responsible for bringing the first automobile processing facility to the Port and negotiating the port’s first container service.
Alberto also served as the Director and General Manager for Development and Marketing at the Jacksonville Port Authority. In this position, he was responsible for developing the strategic marketing plan and managing trade and port development sales activities.
Alberto joined Florida East Coast Railway in June of 2017 as Assistant Vice President of International Sales. Alberto is enthusiastic about fostering relationships with providers that use the railway.
Most recently, Alberto worked as AVP of Sales for Refrigerated and marine terminal services for Patriot Rail and Ports. Patriot consists of six marine terminals – two located along the Gulf and four along U.S. East Coast. Their refrigerated services are located in Jacksonville, Fla. and Mobile, Ala.
Alberto holds a BS Degree from Jacksonville University. He is fluent in English and Spanish. He has been involved in various industry organizations including holding the office of President for the Propeller Club of Jacksonville. Alberto enjoys volunteering at his church community and spending time with his wife and two children.
