Rickenbacker Area Report (January - February 2009)
Print Newsletter
| Rickenbacker is Centerpiece of Logistics in Columbus Region Print Article |
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The Rickenbacker area, which includes Rickenbacker International Airport, the Rickenbacker Intermodal Terminal, Rickenbacker Global Logistics Park and other industrial parks, is being positioned as a leading logistics hub through efforts by the Columbus Regional Airport Authority, state of Ohio, Columbus Region Logistics Council and many others.
An example of these efforts includes the recent reception hosted by Woolpert and held at the Rickenbacker International Airport charter terminal attended by approximately 50 individuals in real estate, engineering and logistics. Presenters from the Virginia Port Authority (VPA) and Norfolk Southern explained the important role the Rickenbacker area plays with international shipping companies looking for growth and access through the East Coast ports.
One of the main items discussed at the reception was the Heartland Corridor, a three-year railway capacity improvement project that will significantly increase the volume and speed of containerized freight moving in double-stack trains between the East Coast and Midwest. The corridor connects the Port of Virginia to Chicago and goes through the Rickenbacker Intermodal Terminal.
All stakeholders are marketing the Heartland Corridor to companies doing business or looking to do business in the Rickenbacker region. It is expected to increase the industrial development in the area, producing jobs and providing tax revenues to the region.
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| Kuehne + Nagel Moves to Rickenbacker Print Article |
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Kuehne + Nagel, one of the world’s leading logistics companies, will be relocating to an office in the Rickenbacker area this month.
“We like the Rickenbacker area because it will bring us closer to governmental agencies, an international airport, and an intermodal facility that’s connected to major ocean ports,” said Lawrence Korb, Branch Manager at Kuehne + Nagel. “The growth in the Rickenbacker area is exciting, and we look forward to enjoying many of the benefits that Rickenbacker offers.”
Kuehne + Nagel will be located at 7200 Alum Creek Drive and will be home office to Korb and his colleagues. For more information and to welcome Kuehne + Nagel to their new home, contact Korb at (614) 836-7614 or larry.korb@kuehne-nagel.com.
Kuehne + Nagel is in over 100 countries and employees more than 54,000 people in 850 locations. Its strong market position lies in the sea freight, airfreight, contract logistics and overland businesses, with clear focus on providing IT-based supply chain management and leading logistics services. For more information, visit kuehne-nagel.com.
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| Governor Announces Investment in Logistics and Distribution Infrastructure at Rickenbacker Print Article |
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Governor Ted Strickland addresses the crowd at the Hyperlogistics Group warehouse regarding the Ohio Bipartisan Jobs Stimulus Plan. |
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Hyperlogistics Group’s state-of-the-art warehouse facility was the setting in November when Ohio’s governor, lieutenant governor and the director of Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) announced program details for a $100 million investment in the state’s logistics and distribution infrastructure as part of the Ohio Bipartisan Job Stimulus Plan.
Governor Ted Strickland addressed the crowd and provided an overview of the Jobs Stimulus Package and its impact on Ohio’s economic outlook. Lt. Governor and Ohio Department of Development Director Lee Fisher presented more detailed information about how the package will spur job creation. Director Jim Beasley closed the presentation by summarizing current ODOT initiatives concentrating on intermodal transport.
“Ohio’s economic development strategy is built on the back of our logistics and infrastructure systems and Hyperlogistics Group was a perfect stage to showcase this $100 million investment from our Ohio Jobs Stimulus Plan,” said Lt. Governor Fisher. “Enhancing the movement of freight allows Ohio companies to launch Ohio products into new markets and better support our existing manufacturing and retail sectors.”
Located in the Rickenbacker Global Logistics Park, Hyperlogistics Group provided an appropriate backdrop for the presentation. The company’s world headquarters sits adjacent to the Norfolk Southern Rickenbacker Intermodal Terminal, is a Foreign-Trade Zone approved warehousing and distribution center in Ohio, and is the first facility ready to receive loaded-to-capacity containers in the designated overweight hauling zone. |
| Rickenbacker Parkway Design and Construction Update Print Article |
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Anticipating an increase in truck traffic from the Rickenbacker Intermodal Terminal and Rickenbacker Global Logistics Park (RGLP), Rickenbacker Parkway was constructed from Star Check Drive on the north side of the airport to Lockbourne Eastern Road on the south side of the airport. Construction of this first phase of Rickenbacker Parkway, a two-lane, heavy-use roadway, was completed in 2007.
“The second phase of Rickenbacker Parkway will add two additional lanes and include improvements to Alum Creek Drive at the intersections of State Route 317 and Rickenbacker Parkway West,” said Eric Hensley Project Manager for the Columbus Regional Airport Authority (CRAA). “Street lights, landscaping, an irrigation system and curb and gutters, among other improvements will also be integrated into the design and a modern roundabout is being considered for the intersection of Rickenbacker Parkway West at Alum Creek Drive.”
Currently CRAA is working with a consultant on the final design, which will be completed in 2009. Construction is tentatively scheduled to start in the fall of 2010 and will be completed by the end of spring 2012. Funding for the project will come from Ohio Department of Transportation’s Transportation Review Advisory Council, Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission’s (MORPC) Surface Transportation Program and CRAA.
“Adding the two lanes to Rickenbacker Parkway will improve safety by separating north and south bound traffic,” explained Hensley. “It will also provide additional capacity for the intermodal terminal and RGLP.”
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| SCG Rebrands to CEVA Ground Print Article |
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 SCG The Select Carrier Group, a national for-hire transportation provider with a regional logistics hub located in the Rickenbacker area at 2727 East London Groveport Road, has been renamed CEVA Ground. The CEVA Ground brand is part of the CEVA Logistics family headquartered in the Netherlands.
Founded in 1998 as a scheduled service network for Eagle Global Logistics (EGL), SCG expanded in 2000 into a dedicated fleet operation. In 2004, SCG began offering services as a for-hire ground transportation provider. With the purchase of EGL by Apollo Management L.P. in 2007 and its merger with CEVA Logistics, SCG became part of a multi-billion dollar third-party logistics provider. The company was rebranded CEVA Ground in late 2008.
"We feel that the new brand better differentiates and defines our services in the marketplace,” said Clayton Halla, the Chief Operating Officer of CEVA Ground US. “With the breadth of the combined transportation services offered by the two companies, CEVA Ground will be able to offer end-to-end supply chain solutions to fit the needs of our growing customer base.”
CEVA Ground’s core service is trucking in addition to dedicated fleet services, intermodal marketing and full transportation brokerage services.
“The rebranding efforts will extend 60 to 90 days and any effect to the company's customer base will be minimal,” explained Halla. “Our customers will continue to receive the world class service they are used to receiving from SCG.”
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| Lt. Col. Kathy Lowrey Accepts New Position at State Headquarters Print Article |
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Lt. Col. Kathy Lowrey is the Wing Executive Support Officer and Community Affairs Manager of the 121st Air Refueling Wing. |
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Lt. Col. Kathy Lowrey, Wing Executive Support Officer and Community Affairs Manager of the 121st Air Refueling Wing, will be accepting a new position at the Ohio National Guard's state headquarters in late winter. She will be serving as the Director of Community Outreach for the Ohio National Guard.
“I'll be working on a new program focusing on cultivating and maintaining civilian ambassadors who might have a positive impact on Guard members' quality of life,” explained Lt. Col. Lowrey. “The program will coordinate initiatives targeted at fostering the readiness of civilian employers, the needs of family readiness programs, reaching out to diverse populations, and building awareness among youth about Guard careers. We also want to maintain our tradition of participating in community projects that add value to America.”
“I am excited to begin working at headquarters but will miss the Rickenbacker area," said Lt. Col. Lowrey. "The military support from the businesses, residents, nonprofit organizations and others make Rickenbacker a great place to work. I have really appreciated working with so many wonderful people!"
One of the organizations that Lowrey refers to is the Rickenbacker Area Council. The council was created by area mayors, Brig. Gen. Thomas Botchie, Wing Commander of the Ohio Air National Guard, 121st Air Refueling Wing and Lt. Col Lowrey, who was the facilitator. The council is mainly comprised of elected officials and military personnel who meet quarterly and focus on strengthening relationships and communication among the two groups.
Michael "Tiki" Varias, Commander of the Naval Operational Support Center, will assume the role of facilitator of the Council said Lowrey. "I leave the Rickenbacker Area Council in good hands. I am confident that he will do a great job," said Lowrey.
For further information about the Rickenbacker Area Council, contact Commander Varias at 614-492-2909. |
| 2008 REAN Wage and Benefit Survey Print Article |
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Almost 30 members of the Rickenbacker Employer Assistance Network (REAN) recently completed the annual 2008 wage and benefit survey.
“The purpose of the survey is to give Rickenbacker businesses information on wage and benefits offered by companies in the area,” said Chris Kitchen, Manager of Organizational Development for Columbus Regional Airport Authority and REAN facilitator. “The results from the survey help employers develop a competitive benefits package and identify potential ways of attracting and maintaining good employees.”
The survey took about 30 minutes to complete and found that it was common for companies in the Rickenbacker area to offer medical, dental and life insurances and short-term disability benefits to their employees.
Contact Christopher Kitchen at (614) 239-4079 or at ckitchen@columbusairports.com for additional information about the survey and REAN.
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| Mitten, Hat and Coat Drive for Local Schools Print Article |
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Calley Williams, from Baymont Inn and Suites, helps gather the donated items collected at the hotel for the Hamilton Local School District. |
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Rickenbacker area businesses joined efforts in November to make sure children in the local schools stay warm this winter season by donating coats, hats, mittens and gloves.
Items were collected at local businesses and then distributed to Groveport Madison School District and Hamilton Local School District.
Thanks to the Baymont Inn and Suites, Columbus Regional Airport Authority, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, The McGraw-Hill Companies, ODW Logistics and Rickenbacker Employer Assistance Network for supporting and assisting our local communities.
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| Gap Inc. Direct Gives Back to the Community Print Article |
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Gap Inc. Direct was busy spreading holiday cheer the past few months by donating to local charities. The first initiative collected 1,302 pounds of food for the Mid-Ohio Food Bank.
“This was over twice the amount we were expecting to collect,” said JD Null, Human Resources at Gap Inc. Direct. “It was really inspiring to see our employees respond to our community’s need.”
The second charity Gap employees supported was the Holiday Wish Program. This gift-giving program allows each child under the care of Franklin County Children Services to wish for a specific gift. The child's wish comes true through the generosity of community donors like Gap.
“We collected new toys and donated them to the Franklin County Children Services through the Holiday Wish Program,” explained Null. “Gap was able to provide holiday gifts to 184 children this year.”
To top off the community support, employees at Gap held a blood drive with the American Red Cross and donated 51 productive units of blood.
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| You Are Invited to a Free Expo Print Article |
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The Southeastern Franklin County Chamber of Commerce along with the villages of Obetz and Groveport invite all businesses and community members to participate in a free expo on Jan. 30, at the Berwick Party House, 3250 Refugee Road, Columbus 43232 from 4:30 – 7 p.m.
Sign up for door prizes, silent auction, enjoy light appetizers and a cash bar. No reservations are necessary, just stop in at your convenience.
Forty-eight area businesses will be promoting their services and products at the event. Additional sponsors are Huntington Bank, National City Bank, KeyBank, Canal Banking Center, Southeast Messenger and Anthem. This is a great way to see what’s available in our corner of Franklin County.
Contact the Southeastern Franklin County Chamber of Commerce at (614) 836-1138 for additional information.
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