STATEWIDE REPORT SHOWCASES GEORGIA’S LOGISTICS INDUSTRY AS POSITIONED FOR GROWTH

The Georgia Center of Innovation for Logistics released the first-ever comprehensive snapshot of Georgia’s logistics industry at the 2009 Logistics Summit

ATLANTA (April 16, 2009) – The Georgia Center of Innovation for Logistics introduced the first-ever statewide logistics industry report at a gathering of 400+ industry leaders in Midtown Atlanta. The report, titled 2009 Georgia Logistics Report: A Focus on Providers is the first comprehensive profile of Georgia’s logistics industry and was conducted by an independent research firm.

“Not only is logistics a priority for us, but it is also a key draw for foreign investment into our state,” remarked Kenneth Stewart, Commissioner, Georgia Department of Economic Development. “From our deepwater ports in Savannah to our busy Atlanta airport, the state of Georgia gives companies global reach.”

The logistics summit was held at TWELVE Atlantic Station from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 16. Following an opening message from Governor Perdue, speakers included Curtis Foltz, chief operating officer of the Georgia Ports Authority; Dick Anderson, executive director, Georgia Regional Transportation Authority; Mark Holifield, senior vice president, global supply chain, Home Depot, Inc.; and Page Siplon, executive director, Georgia Center of Innovation for Logistics.

“There are many moving parts in this ecosystem of companies we call the ‘logistics industry’. Georgia is focused on feeding this ecosystem with innovative tools and information, highlighting its success around the world, and showcasing its unique assets and advantages,” said Page Siplon, executive director of the Center of Innovation for Logistics. “This in turn attracts new jobs, investment and business opportunities. It’s a unique business development cycle of which GDEcD and the Center of Innovation for Logistics are proud to be a part.”

Key facts from the 2009 Georgia Logistics Report: A Focus on Providers:
• Georgia is ranked 5th in the nation for business process (logistics-related) patents issued.
• Georgia’s container terminal in Savannah is the 3rd largest in the nation, shipping over 2,616 million TEU’s in 2008.
• Each week, a combined 12 million tons of cargo moves on Georgia’s 21,000 miles of highways.
• The direct total value of output from logistics providers was $11.2B in 2007 dollars.

The 2009 Logistics Summit was presented in collaboration with the Georgia Motor Trucking, Georgia Railroad and Georgia Economic Developers Associations (GMTA, GRA, GEDA), the Savannah and Atlanta Maritime Associations, the Metro Atlanta Chamber Logistics Council and both the Savannah and Atlanta chapters of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP).