Georgia Targets Wind Power Industry

UPDATE

WINDPOWER 2012 drew thousands to Atlanta, with impressive participation of Southern manufacturing sector - The American Wind Energy Association's first-ever WINDPOWER Conference and Exhibition in the South succeeded in drawing 11,000 participants and 920 exhibiting companies to Atlanta June 3-6, including 120 exhibitors from the region.

"We met our expectations for our first entry into the South, with tremendous response from members of the business community who were not aware how much 'skin in the game' the South has, with 90 manufacturing facilities in wind," said Denise Bode, CEO of AWEA.

Original Article

The State of Georgia’s Economic Development Department, Georgia Ports Authority and the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce will share a booth at the Windpower 2012 conference.  With nearly $200 million worth of wind-related products moved through the port last year, Georgia is important to the wind industry according to Denise Brode, Chief Executive of the AWEA – American Wind Energy Association.

The state is already home to more than a dozen companies that make components that either goes into wind turbines or that assist in building them.

90 of the more than 470 wind-related manufacturing operations in the U.S. are located in the South.

“We’re not going to produce wind energy here, but these parts have got to be made somewhere, and from the Governor’s point of view, it should be done in Georgia,” said Brian Robinson, a spokesperson for Gov. Nathan Deal.

Written by David Moore
Resources provided by admin.  “Georgia targets wind-power industry at upcoming gathering”, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, June 2, 2012, http://www.atlantageorgia.in/2012/06/02/georgia-targets-wind-power-industry-at-upcoming-gathering/

GPA: Savannah Ports Poultry Exports Exceed Record Breaking Numbers

Georgia Ports Authority: Savannah Ports

GPA Poultry Exports Break Record Numbers in 2012 | Poultry Prices and Demand Are Up

www.MeetSavannah.com Newsletter written By David Moore.

Date: Tuesday, May 24, 2012

Savannah, GA - The Port of Savannah and the poultry industry share good news. Exports of poultry set a record for the first quarter of 2012, which is a complete turnaround coming out of 2011; the worst year they have ever experienced, according to Mike Giles, President of the Georgia Poultry Federation, as stated in an article written by Ellen Reinhardt. (1)  

The Port of Savannah is the largest exporter of poultry in the nation according to Curtis Foltz, Executive Director of the Georgia Ports Authority.  Foltz will be joining a group led by Georgia Governor Nathan Deal and other high-level state delegates to three cities in Turkey, from May 25^th through June 2^nd.  The purpose of their trip is to meet with government and business leaders to discuss and promote opportunities for business and trade, according to Michael Wheeler of the Gainesville Times. (2)

This trip to the country of more than 72 million, is very important for the Georgia Ports Authority. Georgia exported $609 million worth of goods to Turkey in 2011 alone.  The Governor’s office reports that the state’s top exports to Turkey more than doubled in the first quarter of this year compared to the same time period in 2011.

1.Reinhardt, Ellen. “Poultry Exports Set Record” Georgia Public Broadcasting, May 15, 2012 http://www.gpb.org/news/2012/05/15/poultry-exports-set-record

2. Wheeler, Michael. “Agribiz: Gov. Deal, Ga. Leaders Plan Trade Summit In Turkey” Gainesville Times, May 9, 2012

http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/section/75/article/67311/

Savannah Ports, Imports-to-Exports Ratio, Brings East Coast Business to The West Coast

Georgia Ports Authority: Savannah Ports

Image from Savannahnow.com

Green Fleet Systems opens in Savannah, GA

www.MeetSavannah.com Newsletter written By David Moore.

Date: Tuesday, May 24, 2012

Savannah, GA - Gary and Kyle Mooney, founders of Green Fleet Systems, are expanding their East Coast operations, and setting up shop at the Savannah Ports.  The drayage company opened at 276 Jimmy Deloach Parkway in Savannah. Currently, Green Fleet Systems, plans to expand their operations over the next calendar year in Savannah, adding a minimum of 25 jobs in Savannah when phase two is complete. 

“We saw the growth here, the balanced import-to-export ratio, and the reach well into the heartland of the country,”Gary Mooney said, “We think this is the place to be.”

According to an article, by Mary Carr Mayle of the Savannah Morning News, Green Fleet Systems uses alternative fuel powered tractors at its operations in California and as the infrastructure permits, will replicate those operations here in Savannah. Green Fleet is moving quickly to show environmental responsibility by replacing old lighting technology on their 6 acre yard. 

“Our first order of business will be to set up drayage operations and the container yard” according to Dennis Cravens, Green Fleets Director, who will be working with William Relihan, terminal manager for the Savannah Operation.

Cliff Pyron, Georgia Port Authority’s Chief Commercial Officer, said “We’re happy to welcome Green Fleet Systems to the Port of Savannah and hope their unique business models serves as a catalyst for change toward greener cargo-handling technologies.”  


For more information, visit Green Fleet Systems online. Georgia Ports Exports Brings New Company to Savannah.

1. Carr Mayle, Mary.  “Green Fleet Systems Opens Operations Here”, Savannah Morning News, May 10, 2012
http://m.savannahnow.com/exchange/2012-05-10/green-fleet-systems-opens-operations-here

US Army Engineers Approve Savannah's Port Deepening

Georgia Ports Authority: Savannah Ports

 

Governor Deal at Savannah Ports
(Photo: SavannahNow.com)

Savannah Port Deepening receives Approval: A Game Changer in The Harbor Debate 

Image Hotels Savannah Newsletter By Kristen Cole, eCommerce Marketing Director & Kaisa White, Director of Sales.
Date: Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Savannah, GA - It was announced that the US Army Corps of Engineers gave the green light to deepen the Savannah River from 42 feet to 47 feet. Now, the US Army Corps of Engineers are giving the public 30 days to voice their concerns . The opinions of the public certainly vary.  

The economic gains are undeniable. Deepening the ports will continue to make Savannah competitive in International Trade, while improving the flow of goods and providing Georgia Jobs. Sources, such as the state.com, point out that 300,000 of Georgia’s jobs come directly, or indirectly, from the port. However, environmental issues are still a big concern.


Georgia's Governor Deal,  is pushing a sense of urgency all across Georgia straight to the Washington. Deal believes Washington should cover the portions of the funds they originally agreed to, 60% of the project. To avoid a delay in the ports deepening, Deal plans to use Georgia's tax payers dollars to pay a heftier portion of the $653 million dollar project. The ports deepening will allow an increase of container size to enter the ports. This would be nearly three times the size of the containers currently able to transit the Panama Canal. Ultimately, this would allow Georgia to expand their role as a global gateway for commerce. According to the engineers’ report, the nation stands to gain $174 million in annual net benefits. 


In 2014, the Panama Canal expansion is to be complete. The Panama Canal expansion will increase the depth of vessels traveling to, and from, the U.S. East Coast; from 39.5 feet to 50 feet. If the dredging is not progressing by the finish of the Panama Canal expansion, Georgia Ports Authority runs at risk of loosing larger container ships to competitor ports. 


South Carolina lawmakers have been in alliance with environmental groups. The main concerns being discussed are damages to the freshwater marshes and endangered fish. The U.S. Army Corps of engineers recognize the environmental concerns but also want to keep the nation's forth-busiest port competitive. April 28, 2012, it was announced that they are now planning to place river respirators, to help fish breathe, in Savannah's ports.


As the Obama administration weighs all variables, they have to consider South Carolina's current position. Currently, South Carolina is seeking funding and permits to deepen their own harbor. Government funding allocated to the Savannah project diminishes the likelihood of South Carolina receiving Federal funding.  The Record of Decision is expected to be reached by November.   

Georgia Ports Announcing Record Breaking Numbers in March

Image Hotels Savannah Newsletter by Kristen Cole, eCommerce Marketing Director.
Date: Tuesday, May 8, 2012


The Georgia Ports Authority hit record numbers in March 2012, handling 2.37 million tons of freight, breaking the previous record set in October of 2010. 85% of the freight was containerized cargo, breaking April of 2011's record. For the month of March, containerized tonnage grew 8.3%, or 155,308 tons, compared to March 2011.


GPA Executive Director, Curtis Foltz stated, "Record volumes for Georgia's deepwater ports are good news for our region and its economic future." Foltz also stated, "We are cautiously optimistic about continued market recovery that will spur additional manufacturing and distribution opportunities."


In Fiscal Year of 2012 through March, the GPA handled 19.5 million tons of cargo, increasing 280,035 from FY2011.  Of that, 16.5 million tons of cargo, in 2.2 million twenty-foot equivalent container unit, was accounted for by container traffic. The export to import ratio for FY2012 through March, 53.71% to 46.29%.


The total number of vessel calls in March exceeded February's numbers; 203 vessels calls in March, compared to 183 vessels calls in February. 


While the GPA is showing strong numbers in containerized cargo, they are also seeing growth in the auto/machinery units handled at the Port of Brunswick. The Port of  Brunswick is the third busiest U.S. Port. Foltz stated, "The Port of Brunswick is the third busiest U.S. port for auto imports, behind only Los Angeles and Newark." Foltz also commented on the competitive strengths of Brunswick's Port,"Brunswick's diverse carrier fleet, superior location and ample space provide the GPA's automotive clients a vital link to Europe and other global markets."


The Port of Brunswick's 2012 Fiscal year to April 19, handled 388,192 units. Of that, Brunswick's Port handled 57,001 unites, increasing 30% from March 2011 and 79% from March 2010. 


1. "Georgia Ports Hit Record Numbers in March." Georgia Ports Authority.  2012. Georgia Ports Authority. 5 May 2012 <http://www.gaports.com/corporate/tabid/379/xmmid/1097/xmid/6907/xmview/2/default.aspx>.

Israel Consul General Aviran Visits Savannah

Israel's Shipping Company is a Top Carrier for The Savannah Ports 

Image Hotels Savannah Newsletter by Kristen Cole, eCommerce Marketing Director
Date: Tuesday, April 10, 2012. 

Savannah,Ga. - Savannah's booming economy warranted a visit from Israel's Consul General Aviran last Friday. During Consul General Aviran's time here in Savannah he took interest in both educational and corporate organizations. 
Most of CG Aviran's trip was planned by Mayor Edna Jackson's office who accompanied CG Aviran during his visit. Consul General Aviran met with leaders from: SCAD, Savannah State University, Gulfstream, Georgia Port Authority, Savannah Visitors Bureau, The Savannah Economic Development Authority, and The Savannah World Trade Center. 

CG Aviran toured the Georgia Ports by both foot and boat. This was a unique tour due to current business relationship Savannah Ports has with one of Israel's companies. Isreal is home to a shipping company called ZIM, one of Savannah's top 5 carriers for import and export at the Savannah Port. In the near future Savannah Port executives plan to increase ZIMs production; ZIM provides 30% of their USA business to the Savannah Ports.

CG Aviran visited Gulfstream and was up close and personal with one of Savannah Gulfstream test planes. According to  an article written, CG Aviran Sees Opportunity in Savannah, Savannah has other ties with Israel outside of the current "ZIM Savannah" relationship. Gulfstream Aerospace and Israel Aerospace Industries are currently business partners where IAI produces G-150 and G-180 under the Gulfstream Aerospace Limited Partnership agreement. The Limited Partnership agreement along with Israel's purchase of Gulfstream planes (made in the U.S.) for military purposes has allowed Gulfstream to produce well over $1.5 billion dollars by doing business with Israel. 

Resources provided by billvons.com and atlanta.mfa.gov. 

FDA Commissioner and U.S. Congressman Visit Savannah Ports

Georgia Port Authority: Savannah Ports

FDA Commissioner states we Need More Inspectors for the Port of Savannah

Image Hotels Savannah Newsletter By Kristen Cole, eCommerce Marketing Director
Dates: Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Savannah, Ga. - U.S. Congressman Jack Kingston and FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg met in Savannah, GA to tour the Ports of Savannah. Currently, the port of Savannah is the fourth busiest container port in the country and has an estimated 40% of American poultry exports run through it terminals, according to GPA executive Director Curtis Foltz. Foltz recognizes the importance of GPA and FDA working together. Foltz stated,"The Georgia Ports Authority is working with our federal partners at the Food and Drug Administration to ensure the security and efficiency of the supply chain, in order to provide better service for our customers and safe food for the American public."


"One of the core missions of the FDA is to ensure that the food on our dinner tables and in our school cafeterias is safe to eat," Congressman Kingston stated "That effort includes keeping a watchful eye over the food imports that enter our country through our ports."


With FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg responsibility to make certain proper precautions are taken to ensure all food is properly handled in route to its final destination she recognizes that globalization has multiplied the scale of the FDA's responsibility. Dr Hamburg goal is to assure the ports properly abide by FDA rules and regulations especially larger ports such as Savannah. Dr Hamburg stated, "This year, we expect that nearly 20 million shipments of food, devices, drugs and cosmetics will arrive at U.S. ports of entry." According to Dr Hamburg, "Just a decade ago, that number was closer to 6 million, and a decade before only a fraction of that."

Source: DredgingToday.com