Rickenbacker Area Report (July - August 2009)
Print Newsletter
| International Journalists Visit Rickenbacker Print Article |
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The Columbus Chamber, the Columbus Regional Logistics Council and regional partners recently met with journalists from France, Germany, Finland and China to discuss the benefits of the Columbus region. These journalists, plus two domestic writers representing the logistics industry, got an in-depth look at the investment and economic impact of logistics in Central Ohio.
The group visited the Rickenbacker area, including Rickenbacker International Airport and the intermodal terminal, met with industry representatives such as ODW Logistics and Exel, and learned from local experts at the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, Vorys, Sater Seymour and Pease LLP, Franklin County and The Ohio State University.
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| Rickenbacker Area Receives Funding for Transportation and Logistics Industry Print Article |
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Ohio is the premier international gateway and logistics hub in North America with an unparalleled infrastructure and location. The state’s focus on maintaining this status is evident by the recent funds announced for transportation projects to promote the logistics industry in Columbus.
Ohio received $774.1 million for 149 transportation projects from the federal stimulus plan known as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Of this federal stimulus plan, $14 million was allocated for the widening of Rickenbacker Parkway. This road is a critical route used by transport companies within the multi-modal logistics hub in Columbus. The widening of the road will allow trucks to safely and swiftly move freight around the cargo-dedicated Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK) to the intermodal terminal on a four-lane divided road.
Complimenting the federal stimulus plan is an additional $100 million committed by Ohio to spend on loans for supporting the logistics industry. This money is coming from the Governor of Ohio’s $1.57 billion job stimulus program enacted last year. A total of $7 million was approved for improvements to a highly trafficked intersection at the heart of the warehousing and logistics businesses at Rickenbacker. The planned improvements will enhance the flow of traffic and support the area’s competitive edge in the logistics industry.
The focus Ohio has on the logistics industry is very encouraging. The recent funding from the federal and state governments will help increase the flow of goods into and out of the state.
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| Preparing Land for Future Development Print Article |
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The Columbus Regional Airport Authority, in collaboration with Duke Realty Corporation and Capitol Square, Ltd., is developing 1,576 acres of prime industrial land near the Norfolk Southern Rickenbacker Intermodal Terminal and Rickenbacker International Airport. This industrial development initiative, branded the Rickenbacker Global Logistics Park, will include up to 29 million square feet of development and five campuses.
Recent activity on the southern campuses is making room for industrial development and the eventual continuation of Rickenbacker Parkway east around Rickenbacker International Airport to State Route 317.
To prepare the area for construction, former military infrastructure will be removed including the demolition of 19 structures, asphalt roads, abandoned utilities and the relocation of a portion of the airport security fence.
The cleanup efforts should be completed by November 2009 making the land ready for future development. |
| Hamilton High School’s Dedication Ceremony Print Article |
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Hamilton Township High School is hosting a dedication ceremony for its new building, at 1105 Rathmell Road, Columbus 43207, on September 14 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The new high school will house grades 9th – 12th, which is approximately 800 students. It is more than 123,000 square feet and replaces the former Hamilton Township High School facility which consisted of two buildings - the first building opening in 1939 with an addition in 1962.
The new high school will include: SMARTBoard technology in classrooms; a state-of-the-art auditorium; 1,700 seat gymnasium; and a 56 feet by eight feet mural depicting the district's history, which includes many Rickenbacker area landmarks such as the military base and airport.
The state funded 68 percent of the Hamilton Township High School construction while 32 percent came from local resident bonds. |
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| Groveport Farmers' Market and More Print Article |
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The Groveport Farmers’ market is open every Thursday in July and August from 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. on the front lawn of Groveport Elementary. Fresh fruit, vegetables, sweet treats and handmade artisan products are just some of the items on sale.
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| Groveport’s "Picnic in the Parks" Print Article |
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Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy "Picnic in the Parks" on August 20 from 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. on the lawn of Groveport Elementary. Pack a picnic dinner or buy a dinner meal from the featured vendor. Enjoy entertainment from local artists Roger and Ann Tedrow on the hammer dulcimer and guitar.
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| Save the Date: Military Appreciation Day Print Article |
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The Rickenbacker Backers will be hosting its annual "Military Appreciation Day" event on October 18 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. More information will be announced closer to the event. Contact Perry Payne for volunteer and donation opportunities.
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| Next REAN Meeting Print Article |
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The next Rickenbacker Employer Assistance Network (REAN) is August 12 from noon until 1 p.m. More information will be announced closer to the meeting such as location and items on the agenda.
REAN is a volunteer network of human resource professionals and area business owners interested in leveraging each other’s resources and strengths to further develop and grow the Rickenbacker area. Contact Christopher Kitchen for more information and how to participate.
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