Rickenbacker Area Report (November - December 2008)
Print Newsletter
| Columbus Region Logistics Council Announces Executive Director Print Article |
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Dan Ricciardi, Executive Director of Columbus Region Logistics Council. |
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The Columbus Region Logistics Council recently announced the appointment of Dan Ricciardi to executive director.
Ricciardi will oversee the implementation of strategies to grow the Columbus region logistics industry by focusing on fostering a logistics friendly business environment, developing and enhancing an advanced logistics infrastructure, infusing working-class logistics technology into regional industry, and building a high-skill workforce for competitive advantage.
“I look forward to bringing my experience in logistics and transportation to enable the Columbus Region Logistics Council serve as the catalyst for the growth of logistics at Rickenbacker and the region,” said Ricciardi. “I believe all the ingredients are here for great success and I’m excited to get started in making the Columbus region a world-renowned logistics hub.”
Ricciardi is a seasoned professional with management experience in logistics and distribution and transportation companies. He served as vice president and general manager of the BMS Group, Inc., and general manage and operations director of the RM Services Group, LLC, in New Orleans. He managed numerous divisions at Midland Enterprises Inc., in Cincinnati. Ricciardi holds a bachelor’s from Youngstown State University, an MBA from Xavier University and is certified by the Executive Management Program at the University of Michigan.
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| Evergreen International Airlines’ New Shanghai Route Includes Rickenbacker Print Article |
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The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) proposed in September to name Evergreen International Airlines as a new all-cargo entrant in the U.S.-China aviation market. Evergreen, if granted final authority, could operate up to six round-trip flights per week to Shanghai from New York with additional stops in Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth and Rickenbacker International Airport.
The agreement between the U.S. and China reached in May 2007 permits the United States to name a new all-cargo carrier to begin service in the market on March 25, 2009.
According to their application, Evergreen plans to carry about 800,000 pounds of cargo a week out of China starting March 29. Unlike competitors that pick up cargo in South Korea and elsewhere, Evergreen freighters will fly directly to the United States, departing and arriving on the same day as they cross the international dateline.
Nippon Express, a well-known worldwide logistics company with an office in the Rickenbacker area, expressed its support of Evergreen’s plans to service the U.S.-China market through a letter to the DOT. In the letter, Nippon referred to Rickenbacker as “the next silicon valley for transportation” and noted that the service would benefit companies brining their time-sensitive products to market more quickly.
The DOT has tentatively concluded that Evergreen’s proposal offered the best service for the shipping public because the carrier was in the best position to compete with current all-cargo airlines in the market. Evergreen would be the first U.S. carrier to offer all-cargo service to China from New York and Rickenbacker International Airport, the Department said, also noting that Evergreen was the only applicant that would use the entire capacity of its aircraft for China services. In addition, the Department cited Evergreen’s experience operating in the U.S.-Asia market, including its U.S.-China charter services.
If the DOT issues Evergreen the certificate, designation and frequency allocations, the airline must request the necessary authorization from China’s government. Then Evergreen can make plans to move forward with the launch of its expanded service to and from China in March 2009.
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| RCS Logistics Opens Office at Rickenbacker Print Article |
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RCS Logistics, a fast growing multi-million dollar privately held international airfreight forwarder with headquarters in New York and Hong Kong, recently opened an office in the Rickenbacker area on Alum Creek Drive.
The company’s core market includes importers of department store merchandise, retail, wearing apparel, footwear and accessories.
“We feel that Rickenbacker is a logical location for our office and look forward to expanding our services in the Midwest region,” said Patti Harris, Operations/Customer Service Manager at RCS Logistics. “Being by the airport will help us support our offices and close global affiliates, which are located in more than 80 countries worldwide.”
RCS Logistics was formed in 1985 as H & M International Airfreight. The first office was in the JFK area and operated as an international freight forwarder bonded CFS and local trucking company. H & M merged with Wollack, owned by Mr. Philip Liu in 1996 and created RCS Logistics. |
| Reporting Suspicious Activity Print Article |
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The Columbus Regional Airport Authority (CRAA), operator of Rickenbacker International Airport, and the Ohio Air National Guard 121st Air Refueling Wing (ARW) have joined efforts in asking help from Rickenbacker area employees and residents in identifying and reporting suspicious people and activities in the area. This initiative is called Eagle Eyes and was officially launched in October.
The airport had implemented its own Eagle Eyes program and was recently given the opportunity to combine efforts with the Air Force’s program at Rickenbacker. The objective of the program is to increase the level of safety and security in the area by educating individuals on how to recognize and report suspicious activity and people.
The Eagle Eyes program asks that you help by submitting suspicious activities, as described below, to CRAA’s Communications Center at 239-4029. Airport personnel will act immediately and take necessary actions, which may include calling additional law enforcement agencies.
“Eagle Eyes operates much like a neighborhood watch program to prevent potential terrorist activity,” explained Captain Andy Powers, Antiterrorism Officer with the Ohio Air National Guard 121st ARW. “The program is designed to educate people on observable activities and what to do if they see something suspicious since they know what activities do, or do not, belong.”
Suspicious activity and behavior observed as described below should be reported to the Columbus Regional Airport Authority at 239-4029.
- Surveillance Someone recording or monitoring activities, including the use of cameras, taking notes, drawing diagrams, writing on maps, or using binoculars or any other vision-enhancing device.
- Elicitation Anyone or any organization attempting to gain information by mail, fax, telephone or in person about military operations or people.
- Tests of Security Any attempts to measure reaction times to security breaches or to penetrate physical security barriers or procedures.
- Acquiring Supplies Purchasing or stealing explosives, weapons, ammunition, uniforms, decals, flight manuals, passes or badges (or equipment to manufacture them) or any other controlled items.
- Suspicious Persons Out of Place People who don’t seem to belong in the workplace, neighborhood or business establishment.
- Dry Run Putting people into position and moving them about without actually committing a terrorist act such as a kidnapping or bombing. An element of this activity could also include mapping out routes and determining the timing of traffic lights and flow.
- Deploying Assets People and supplies getting into position to commit the act. This is the last opportunity to alert authorities.
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Contact Captain Powers at 492-3474 for more information on the Eagle Eyes program. |
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| Book Highlights Rickenbacker Airport Print Article |
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The history of Rickenbacker International Airport is illustrated in the recently published book by Rob Stroup titled Crossroads of Liberty.
The book is a pictorial tribute beginning when the airport was an Air Force base named Lockbourne and continues through the decades to its current use as home to many military units as well as an international cargo airport.
Crossroads of Liberty retails for $32 plus tax and is being sold at the following locations.
 Motts Military Museum, Inc.
5075 S. Hamilton Road
Groveport, OH 43125
(614) 836-1500
www.mottsmilitarymuseum.org
Village of Groveport
Town Hall
648 Main Street
Groveport, OH 43125
(614) 836-3333
Eternity Books & Gifts
Grove City Nazarene
4770 Hoover Road
Grove City, OH 43123
(614) 305-2037
Canal Winchester Community/Sr. Center
22 S. Trine Street
Canal Winchester, OH 43110
(614) 837-8276
Baymont Inn & Suites at Rickenbacker
2323 Rickenbacker Pkwy West
Columbus, OH 43217
(614) 491-4400
Statehouse Museum Shop
The Ohio Statehouse
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 728-9234
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| Pilot Freight Services Recognized for Environmental Strides and Customer Satisfaction Print Article |
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| Pilot Freight Services, a worldwide transportation and logistics services provider with offices across the U.S. and locally in Columbus, was recently named a SmartWaySM Transport Provider. The SmartWay Transport program is an innovative collaboration between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the freight industry designed to increase energy efficiency while significantly reducing greenhouse gases and air pollution.
Pilot's selection as a SmartWay Transport Partner reflects its commitment to strong environmental leadership and corporate responsibility. To qualify as a partner, Pilot was required to benchmark their current freight operations, and has committed to increase the percentage of freight shipped through SmartWay carriers by at least 10 percent a year.
“We are very happy to have the opportunity to join the SmartWay Transport program,” said Joe Perez, Director of Ground Transportation for Pilot Freight Services. “The transportation industry has an obligation to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions, and Pilot is proud to be a part of that effort.”
Pilot was also recently honored with the 2008 Quest for Quality Award from Logistics Management, the distinguished monthly magazine for supply chain professionals. This marks the 19th time Pilot has earned the esteemed Quest for Quality Award, which has become an industry standard for rating customer satisfaction and performance excellence. This year’s award recognizes overall service excellence in freight forwarding reader-based ratings in five areas: performance, value, information technology, customer service, and equipment and operations.
Pilot provides customized shipping solutions and specialized services everywhere in the world through its global transportation and logistics services network. Pilot’s Rickenbacker office has been owned and operated by Gary Paine for over 25 years. Rapid growth in the home delivery segment -- specifically larger electronic equipment -- has contributed to Pilot’s dramatic growth in the Rickenbacker area. In the past year alone, staffing needs have increased 30 percent.
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| Rickenbacker Area Military Receives Support Print Article |
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A “Military Appreciation Day” was coordinated by the Rickenbacker Backers to show appreciation and support of the Rickenbacker area military. Civilians in the area, including residents, churches, businesses and associations, were invited to show their support by attending the October event at the Rickenbacker military base.
“The Rickenbacker Backers mission is to support our military personal in all branches of the military stationed here,” explained Perry Payne, one of the founders of Rickenbacker Backers. “We coordinated this event to show our gratitude for the tremendous commitment and sacrifice those in the military and their families continue to make.”
The event included remarks from state representatives and area mayors, family activities, door prizes and military displays.
For more information on Rickenbacker Backers, contact Payne at RickenbackerBackers@yahoo.com. |
| Operating in an FTZ Offers Many Benefits Print Article |
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Over 70 business and real estate professionals attended the Foreign-Trade Zone seminar the Columbus Regional Airport Authority hosted in October. |
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The Columbus Regional Airport Authority (CRAA) recently hosted a free seminar for over 70 representatives from Central Ohio area businesses and real estate professionals to learn the benefits of operating in a Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ).
CRAA is grantee of FTZ No. 138, which encompasses just over 5,000 acres in 10 counties in central and southern Ohio, the majority of which is in the Rickenbacker area. An FTZ is a site within the USA that is legally considered outside of Customs territory, so goods may be brought into the site duty-free and without formal customs entry.
“Many businesses do not fully understand what an FTZ is and what it can offer, which is why we annually organize the seminar,” explained Kathy Mills, CRAA’s Rickenbacker Business Development Manager – FTZ/International Trade. “If a company is importing goods, it may be able to save money and increase profits by operating in an FTZ and it could help them compete globally by lowering the cost of doing business.”
The following speakers presented the details and benefits of operating in an FTZ. Click on the speaker’s name to view the presentation slides.
- David Whitaker, CRAA’s Vice President, Business Development & Communications
- Dan Ricciardi, Executive Director of the Columbus Region Logistics Council, which is overseen by the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce
- Steve Schoeny, Director of Strategic Business Development at the Ohio Department of Development
- David Ostheimer, Lamb & Lerch, Honorary Director of National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones.
- Liz Whiteman, Foreign-Trade Zones Board Staff Representative
- Jason Martin, Import Manager at American Pacific Enterprises
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| Coat, Hat and Mitten Drive for Local Schools Print Article |
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Rickenbacker area businesses are joining efforts to make sure children in our local schools stay warm this winter season by donating coats, hats, mittens and gloves.
All area businesses and military are welcome to make donations by November 18 to one of the designated collection sites, which are gathering items for an assigned school or school district.
Collection site: |
The McGraw-Hill Companies
6405 Commerce Court
Groveport, OH 43125
Drop off donations Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 pm. and ask for Natalie at the front desk. |
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Recipient: |
Groveport Madison School District |
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Collection site: |
Baymont Inn and Suites
2323 Rickenbacker Parkway West
Columbus, OH 43219 |
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Recipient: |
Hamilton Local School District |
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Collection site: |
ODW Logistics
Building 1600 (SCOPE! Center)
1580 Williams Road
Columbus, OH 43207
Drop off donations Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 pm. |
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Recipient: |
Watkins Elementary (Columbus Public School District) |
Please contact Angie Atwood, REAN member and Columbus Regional Airport Authority employee, at 409-3622 for more information. |
| Air National Guard Donates Money to School District Print Article |
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Groveport Madison School Board President Dr. Naomi Sealey accepts a check for school supplies presented by Lt. Col. Rick Kincaid on behalf of the Ohio Air National Guard’s 121st Air Refueling Wing. |
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Ohio Air National Guard’s 121st Air Refueling Wing, located at Rickenbacker, donated $1,389 to Groveport Madison School District this school year.
“We are truly grateful for good neighbors who find ways to raise funds and contribute to our school supply drive,” said Chris Bowser, Supervisor at Groveport Madison Schools. “Their generosity gives our students the tools they need to become better scholars.”
The money donated for this year’s school supply drive was raised through participants paying for dress down days over a three-month period.
“Our collection of money through dress down days has been donated to local schools for the past two years,” explains Lt. Col. Kathy Lowrey, Wing Executive Support Officer and Community Affairs Manager for the 121st Air Refueling Wing. “We enjoy supporting our local schools and community through charity events such as this.”
Over the years, the 121 ARW has supported mentoring activities at Glendenning Elementary, collected school supplies, attended the Columbus Public Schools Principal for a Day program, and distributed Red Ribbon Campaign pins to nearby schools.
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| Put Joy in a Child’s Heart this Holiday Season Print Article |
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The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots, a national initiative with a local campaign organized at Rickenbacker, needs your help this holiday season. The not-for-profit organization is collecting new, unwrapped toys and monetary donations so they can distribute toys to Columbus area children in need during this Christmas season.
“Last year we provided Christmas presents to 70,000 children in the Columbus area and our goal this year is to give over 100,000 toys,” said Staff Sergeant Cary Anderson, Operation Chief Lima 3/25 and Toys for Tots Coordinator for Columbus.
Rickenbacker area businesses can drop off their donations until December 19 at the Naval Operations Support Center at 7221 Second Street, Columbus, OH, 43219.
“It is important for children to know that they are not forgotten and when you see the joy that just one toy can bring to a child’s life, you can’t help but smile,” explained Staff Sergeant Anderson. “It makes you realize your small act of kindness truly made a difference.”
Toys for Tots was established in 1947 by Major Bill Hendricks and a group of U.S. Marine Corp Reservists in Los Angeles who collected and distributed 5,000 toys to needy children. Major Hendricks wife, Diane, came up with the idea when she handcrafted a Raggedy Ann doll and realized there was no organization that collected and donated presents to children in need. The initial objective that remains the hallmark of the program is to “bring the joy of Christmas to America’s children in need.”
Visit www.toysfortotscolumbus.org for more information and a list of drop-off locations or contact Staff Sergeant Anderson at (614) 492-2973.
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| Be an Angel this Holiday Season Print Article |
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 It’s happening! The 2008 Groveport Madison Adopt-A-Family (GMAAF) project is in full-swing and needs "angels" (individuals or groups) to provide Christmas presents and food to families in the Groveport Madison School District who are under financial constraints.
Through GMAAF, “angels” adopt a family and provide the children with a new or gently used coat, hat, gloves and new pajamas, socks, underwear and two items from their wish lists. Since some of the families qualify for the free lunch program at school, when the children are home on winter break families need food to get them through without further economic set back. Therefore, each family receives a box of food and a gift card to purchase additional groceries.
Financial donations for the GMAAF project are being collected at the Huntington Bank in Groveport. Additional donations are accepted to help fulfill Christmas for families not directly adopted. For more information or to become an angel, contact Christine Boucher at (614) 836-7939. |
| Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Print Article |
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Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place at Franklin County Veterans Memorial on November 7. The public reception begins at 2 p.m. and is followed by the ceremony at 3 p.m.
This annual event recognizes inductees to the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame who have served their country honorably in a branch of military service and continued to serve their communities, state and nation after discharge. The inductees are leaders in a variety of areas including business, entertainment and education but most importantly, they all have made significant impacts on their communities.
Each year, an executive committee made up of representatives from Ohio's veterans organizations selects 20 inductees from applications received from across the state and nation. More than 460 veterans have been inducted since its inception in 1992. |
| Canal Winchester’s Christmas in the Village Celebration Print Article |
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Canal Winchester’s annual storybook Christmas celebration will be held in the village’s historic downtown on Friday, December 5 and Saturday, December 6. A Santa parade will begin at 5:15 p.m. each night with activities to follow. This year’s event will include horse-drawn carriage rides, visits with Santa, children’s games and crafts, ice sculptors, an electric train display, Christmas carolers, a gingerbread house contest, a business expo and much more.
Activities will take place on the sidewalks and streets of downtown Canal Winchester as well as inside several business establishments around the village’s municipal office building at 36 South High Street.
For more information about Christmas in the Village or details on how to enter the second annual gingerbread house contest, contact Carrie Hoover at 614-834-9727 or visit www.canalwinchesterohio.gov.
Christmas in the Village is a partnership between the Village of Canal Winchester and the Main Street Canal Winchester organization. This free community event is made possible through the support of many local businesses and volunteers. |
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