The Florida Council on Economic Education Honors Four Local Business Leaders at the 26th Annual First Coast Business Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

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(From Florida Council on Economic Education – November 22, 2024) – The Florida Council on Economic Education (FCEE) proudly inducted four distinguished local business leaders into its 26th annual First Coast Business Hall of Fame during a ceremony held at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront. The event, themed “Celebrating the Extraordinary,” highlighted the profound impact of business leadership on economic education and community development.

Jeanne M. Augspurger, Esq., Event and Selection Committee Chair, welcomed the Class of 2024 inductees: Eric Green of JAXPORT, Jack Hanania of Hanania Automotive Group, Joe Hinrichs of CSX, and Ari Jolly of Florida Blue.

Nearly 300 esteemed guests gathered to honor this year’s inductees, who join the ranks of over 100 of Jacksonville’s most influential business leaders inducted since the program’s inception in 1999. These leaders serve as role models, inspiring thousands of K-12 students to apply principles of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and personal finance to their daily lives.

A recurring theme of the event was the call to action: “When you see a need, get involved. When you see a problem, be part of the solution. Be an example of servant leadership.” This guiding principle exemplifies the extraordinary contributions of the 2024 inductees.

“We are honored to celebrate the outstanding vision and achievements of the Class of 2024 and all members of the First Coast Business Hall of Fame. Their unwavering commitment to economic and financial education has shaped a foundation for empowering informed, ethical, and forward-thinking leaders of tomorrow. By championing education and fostering opportunities for growth, these business legends ensure their impact will resonate for years to come, igniting the potential of young minds and strengthening our community,” remarked Suzanne Costanza, FCEE Executive Director. “This year, we are also honored to celebrate the inaugural Business Legends of the First Coast Members—Jeanne Augspurger, Ron Autrey, Henry Brown, Ray Driver, Jr., and Rev. Carlton Jones—each creating a lasting legacy in local schools. Their exceptional leadership, coupled with their annual monetary contributions, goes above and beyond to support economic and financial education. We are deeply grateful for their generosity and commitment, which will inspire and empower future generations of informed, responsible leaders.”

This year’s event, supported by Presenting Sponsors Marine Repair Services Container Maintenance Corporation, Drummond Press, Florida Blue, Hanania Automotive Group, and Raymond James, along with the generosity of numerous other sponsors and attendees, raised over $175,000. These funds will directly support the FCEE’s mission to empower Florida’s youth through programs in economics, personal finance, and the free enterprise system. By equipping students with essential knowledge and skills, the FCEE ensures that they are prepared to succeed as productive members of the workforce, responsible consumers, and informed investors.

For more information about the First Coast Business Hall of Fame and the Florida Council on Economic Education, please visit www.fcee.org/fchof.