JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- President George W. Bush chose the port of Jacksonville as a backdrop for a speech Tuesday on the economy and international trade.

"It's nice to be back to J-ville," Bush said early Tuesday afternoon as he began his remarks to several hundred invited guests and port employees.

Bush, Gov. Charlie Crist, Rep. Corrine Brown and other dignitaries were given a personal tour of Jacksonville port Authority's Blount Island Marine Terminal.

"This is a challenging time for our economy," Bush began his speech. "There are problems, but the key is to recognize problems and act early, which we have done."

After talking about his actions -- including the $168 billion stimulus plan that should have $600-per-taxpayer rebates in the mail by the second week of May -- Bush said his administration was prepared to do more, if necessary, to help the sagging economy.

Bush then got to the topic that brought him to the port: his support of a pending trade agreement with Colombia.

"One of the interesting signs of strength is that we're the world's leading exporter of goods and services," Bush said. "Anybody wondering about the stakes in the trade debate ought to come right here to Jacksonville, Fla., to the docks, to see whether trade make sense."

The president cited statistics showing that more 8 million tons of cargo move through Jaxport every year and it handles more automobiles than any other port in the country.

Bush noted that Jacksonville's port generates more than 45,000 jobs.

"This cargo doesn't move itself," Bush said. "I'm standing in front of people who are all part of the part of the process -- good hard-working Americans, putting food on the table for their families because of trade. I believe trade brings good jobs. I believe is in our interest."

Bush said his administration has increased the number of free trade agreements from three countries to 14. Of three new agreements pending now -- Colombia, Panama and South Korea -- Bush said Colombia is the most important.

"This isn't just one of these isolated votes that gets no attention outside of Washington," Bush said after touring a cargo shipping company. "This is a vote that is being observed very carefully by people across the world."

The deal would remove most tariffs on American exports and cement Colombia's preferential trade status with the United States, which allows it to sell many products here duty-free.

"I have confidence that Congress will get it right," Bush said. "Americans can compete with anybody, anytime, anywhere, as long as the playing field is level."

After the speech, port employees who met the president came away impressed.

Asked if he was a Bush supporter, Fredrick Bishop said, "I am now. It's pretty neet to get up close and learn he's on our side."

Volunteer Honored

After Air Force One landed at Jacksonville International Airport at 11 a.m., Bush greeted dignitaries -- including Gov. Charlie Crist and Sen. Mel Martinez. Then the president walked across the tarmac and presented a Volunteer Service Award to Holly Cleveland, a local Wachovia Bank official.

Cleveland set up a volunteer program in 1999 that became a model for the entire company. Her program sets up bank employees with volunteer opportunities such as tutoring, painting houses, preparing tax returns or serving on nonprofit boards.

"He was so gracious when he walked up," Cleveland said. "He told me we were here to celebrate volunteerism and he thanked me for what I do in the community every day."

The White House said Bush has awarded 600 similar volunteer awards in the past six year.

$685,000 Luncheon

Prior to Bush's port tour and speech, he traveled by motorcade to a Republican National Committee luncheon at the Mandarin home of John D. Rood, former chairman of The Vestcor Companies and former U.S. ambassador to the Bahamas.

A RNC official said the luncheon is expected to raise $685,000.

Some residents along Scott Mill Road were surprised to see the president's motorcade come past their homes.

"I think it's great. He should come more often," one man said.

While the mandarin residents seemed interested, if not pleased to get a glimpse of the president's limousine pass, others who waited in traffic on Interstate 295 and state Road 9A were frustrated by that traffic was blocked until the motorcade could pass.

Bush was back at Jacksonville International Airport and departed about 3:30 p.m. and headed for an early-evening RNC fundraiser in Palm Beach. Between the two appearances, the party expected Bush to raise $1.4 million on Tuesday.