Rickenbacker Area Report (May - June 2009)
Print Newsletter
| Second Largest Cargo Plane Lands at Rickenbacker Print Article |
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Excitement was in the air recently as the second largest freighter aircraft in the world, a plane so large it has a maximum take-off weight of nearly 900,000 pounds, landed at Rickenbacker International Airport. The tail of the plane could be seen above the hangars and workers in the area came out to see it parked on the ramp.
The Antonov 124 landed at the airport at the end of April and spent a day loading one of the largest industrial turbines in existence. Two local crane companies were used to load the cargo and many people were involved in making sure the operation went smoothly. Once the plane was loaded, its crew continued their journey to Thailand to deliver the turbine.
“Many companies in the Rickenbacker area are in the logistics industry and may be experiencing the effects of these tough economic times like we are at the airport,” explains David Whitaker, Vice President of Business Development & Communications for the Columbus Regional Airport Authority. “So when a cargo plane like the Antonov 124 lands at Rickenbacker it demonstrates that we have great resources established, such as many logistics companies in the area, to service cargo.”
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| Area Sees Federal Stimulus Money Print Article |
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Ohio recently received $774.1 million for transportation projects via the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which has been commonly referred to as part of the federal stimulus plan. One of the transportation projects receiving money from this federal stimulus plan is Rickenbacker Parkway, a heavy duty, two-lane road that stretches around the west side of Rickenbacker International Airport from Alum Creek Drive to Lockbourne Eastern Road.
Currently, Rickenbacker Parkway connects the Norfolk Southern Rickenbacker Intermodal Terminal to area highways via Alum Creek Drive. Local partners and the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) will work to utilize the $14 million from the stimulus to expand Rickenbacker Parkway to a four-lane divided road. The design is predicted to meet future demand from the Air Cargo and Rail Campuses of the Rickenbacker Global Logistics Park and the Intermodal Terminal. This project will also upgrade Alum Creek Drive between Rickenbacker Parkway and State Route 317.
Efforts are also underway to study the potential continuation of Rickenbacker Parkway east around Rickenbacker International Airport to State Route 317. The potential completed route would create a loop around Rickenbacker International Airport - opening key areas around the airport to economic development opportunities especially in the Air Cargo Campus of the Rickenbacker Global Logistics Park.
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| Logistics Internship Program Underway Print Article |
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A strategy to grow the region’s logistics industry is now under full implementation headed by the Columbus Region Logistics Council (CRLC) with oversight from the Columbus Chamber. One of the key areas the council is focusing on as part of the logistics growth strategy includes fostering a high-skill logistics workforce for a competitive advantage.
“Looking to capitalize upon the region’s large number of local college students and the strong emphasis being placed on internships locally and state-wide, the Columbus Region Logistics Council, in partnership with the Columbus Chamber, is launching a logistics specific internship program,” said Tim Williams, VP Solutions and Operations of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. and co-chair of the CRLC's Workforce Committee. “The program, scheduled to debut this summer, will build upon the Columbus Chamber’s existing ‘attract and retain talent’ initiative and its ColumbusInternships.com web portal.”
With 115,000 college students attending 25 institutions, the Columbus region is ideal for cultivating young talent.
“Much of the talent produced locally departs the region after graduation for what is believed to be better opportunities elsewhere,” explained Dave Cofer, Internship Program Coordinator for the Columbus Chamber. “If more college students develop an interest in logistics as a career path it contributes to the potential of retaining them locally for the purpose of contributing to the future success of the region’s logistics industry.”
With logistics playing such a large role in economic development for the region, this internship program is very strategic in a number of ways.
“Students will have an added incentive to participate in logistics specific internships versus those in other fields, colleges and universities will improve their logistics programs by having more robust internship offerings, and local businesses will have a larger, more diverse, talent pool of students educated in logistics that will serve as a talent pipeline for future leaders,” said Williams. “This program has all the components of a win-win program to benefit the entire region and we are excited to get started.”
Employers in the region with ties to the logistics industry are encouraged to get involved. Currently one of the organizations supporting the internship program includes the Columbus Regional Air Cargo Association (CRACA).
“Our mission includes supporting the growth and development of the logistics industry through education,” explains Gary Paine, Franchise Owner of Pilot Air Freight in Columbus and Board member of CRACA. “By partnering with the Columbus Region Logistics Council and Columbus Chamber we can leverage our assets and accomplish much more for the logistics industry. We look forward to the success of the internship program this summer when we plan to sponsor an event for the interns.”
Contact Cofer at David_Cofer@columbus.org for more information. |
| Ohio Air National Guard’s Energy Savings and Green Initiatives Print Article |
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The Ohio Air National Guard (OHANG) at Rickenbacker has taken strides in decreasing its energy use and continues to make adjustments as it implements green initiatives. Here is a look at what they have done; maybe it will give you some ideas as we all try to do our part to preserve our environment after celebrating Earth Day in April.
Heating renovations
New heating systems were installed in three high-use buildings that utilize modular heating systems. The systems are staged to turn on in sequence so that in off hours, when a building is not in use and does not require a lot of heat, only one small system is operating, thereby saving valuable natural resources. Installation of similar systems is planned for four more buildings. These improvements are expected to save approximately $40,000 per year.
The current 1970s vintage radiant heating systems in the two hangars are not operating at peak efficiency and the technology has improved tremendously throughout the years. After researching alternatives, a newer, more efficient model of radiant heaters will be installed in the hangars and new heating systems for the office areas in these buildings. Approximately $70,000 per year will be saved in natural gas costs.
Energy Management Controls System
An Energy Management Controls System was installed in the larger facilities. This enables the OHANG Civil Engineering Squadron to more closely monitor the temperature in the buildings and control energy usage throughout the base. This equals savings on the utility bills and offers a better working environment for personnel. Smart meters are also being installed to monitor electric, gas and water consumption. The real-time data the meters provide will be used to stager the startup of equipment, which decreases the use of electricity during peak demand, and monitor the gas and water usage to make better decisions on how to decrease energy demands.
Lighting Upgrades
New LED lights have been installed at several parking lots throughout the base. These LED retrofit kits for street lights look to save several hundred dollars per year in electrical costs, will pay for themselves in about three years and are nearly maintenance free. |
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“Beyond complying with all federal and state executive orders to generate green energy and reducing our energy usage, we all believe that it is important to cut back on our energy usage,” said Lt. Col, Michael A. Troxel of the OHANG 121st Civil Engineer Squadron. “We have instituted an Energy Management Steering Group, which informs everyone on base they should conserve energy as much as possible.” |
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| Meet Your State Representative for the Rickenbacker Area Print Article |
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Marian Harris (D-Columbus) represents the 19th Ohio House District as a State Representative. Her district extends from Westerville to parts of Obetz around the edge of Franklin County and includes Canal Winchester, Groveport, Jefferson and Madison Townships, and parts of Columbus.
Since Rickenbacker is in the southern part of the district, Representative Harris has taken interest in learning more about how she can help support the area as a logistics hub.
“I see Rickenbacker as an outstanding example of an international logistics hub,” explained Representative Harris. “Its central location in Ohio and strategic location between New York, Chicago, Toronto and Atlanta makes Rickenbacker the ideal place to do business. In addition, the logistics service providers, cargo-dedicated airport, intermodal terminal connected to all major ocean ports and easy access to major highways, are all the right ingredients to make Rickenbacker a successful international multi-modal logistics hub and inland port.”
Ohio’s rail and trucking industries are ranked 4th in the U.S. with a combined total output of $5.2 billion annually. The state has the 4th greatest quality of active rail miles and the 7th largest highway system in the country.
“Clearly Ohio is a leader and innovator when it comes to transportation and I see Rickenbacker in the position to set the precedent for the rest of the nation by marketing, supporting and increasing all the resources it has established,” said Representative Harris. “I cannot be more proud to represent this area and look forward to working with the businesses, citizens and military in the area.”
Contact Representative Harris with you concerns, questions and ideas at 466-4847 or district19@ohr.state.oh.us. |
| RCS Logistics Receives Award from Limited Brands Print Article |
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RCS Logistics received the 2009 Rookie of the Year award at the 9th Annual Limited Logistics Service Awards dinner in Hong Kong. The award was given in February to RCS Logistics due to its seamless integration into the Limited business through a 98.5 percent on time performance for the first nine months of handling business in Hong Kong, Cambodia, Manila and Jakarta. In addition, RCS Logistics had the required Electronic Data messages up and running in 30 days, which normally can take months.
“It is an honor to receive this award and it shows how hard our global team works for the Limited,” said Evan Rosen, Vice President of Sales for RCS Logistics. “To have implemented this business not long ago and receive positive feedback through this recognition is a true testament to RCS Logistics' ability to deliver.”
RCS Logistics, a fast growing multi-million dollar privately held international airfreight forwarder, has an office at Rickenbacker and headquarters in New York and Hong Kong.
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| Network Global Logistics Hires Facilities Manager Print Article |
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Network Global Logistics (NGL) is pleased to announce Robin Britain as Facilities Manager.
“In her new position, Robin will oversee our Columbus and Indianapolis distribution centers,” said Irene Fogarty, Director of Warehouse Operations at NGL. “She will have direct responsibility for the profitability and financial performance, operational process improvement, quality assurance and productivity at both centers.”
With over 15 years experience leading distribution, transportation, quality and logistics services development, Robin most recently worked for DHL Solutions /ABX Air, Inc., in Wilmington, OH, as a Regional Logistics Manager and Quality Assurance Manager.
“We are very pleased to have Robin on our team leading our operational growth in the Midwest,” explained Fogarty. “Considering her wealth of experience in operations management and process improvement, our clients, employees, and operations will truly benefit from her knowledge and acumen.”
Please welcome Robin to the area by contacting her at 491-5662. |
| Navy Operational Support Center Recognizes Sailors Print Article |
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The Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) at Rickenbacker is gearing up for its Family Readiness Day on June 6.
A couple of times throughout the year the NOSC recognizes its returning sailors who went on mobilization in the past calendar year and their families.
The private event is designed to thank the sailors for their dedication. It also gives civic leaders the opportunity to meet and formally express their gratitude for the sailors’ duty. The governor, mayor and Congressman Tiberi are expected to have representatives at the upcoming event.
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| Governor’s Wreath Laying Ceremony Print Article |
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Participate in the Governor's Memorial Wreath Laying Ceremony in the Veterans Plaza at the Statehouse on May 22 beginning at noon. The ceremony honors the families that have lost a loved one since last Memorial Day. The ceremony is open to the public. The Ohio Army National Guard Band will be performing and the Ohio State ROTC cadets will perform a 21-gun salute. |
| Space Available in Lockbourne Memorial Day Parade and Program Print Article |
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The Village of Lockbourne will be hosting its annual Memorial Day parade and program on Monday, May 25. All local businesses and military are welcome to set up displays that highlight their businesses and educate residents about how they positively affect the community. Small demonstrations and listing of employment opportunities are encouraged as part of the displays.
“We are planning for military displays, the ‘fly-in’ of a military helicopter, the Franklin County Swat team, and many active service members from several units stationed in our area,” said Pastor Bill Danielson, Chairman of the Lockbourne Parade/Program Committee. “In addition, WBNS 10TV’s meteorologist Carlos Gonzales is scheduled as the keynote speaker.”
Contact Pastor Bill Danielson, Chairman of the Lockbourne Parade/Program Committee, at (614) 302-0799 or greenmarble@bright.net, for registration and more information. |
| Premier One-Day Leadership Event Print Article |
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Community Partners of Southern Franklin County invites you to attend a one-day event focusing on key elements of being a great leader. Leadership is cultivated with humility and discipline. It merges the passion of the heart with the ability of the mind. The premier speaker line-up places you in the craftsman’s workshop – hearing wisdom and experiences from the world’s best leaders. You will be inspired, revived and refocused. The simulcast includes speakers like Tony Blair and Jack Nicklaus.
Date: May 8
Time: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: Grace Ministries Church, 464 Rathmell Road, Columbus 43137
Cost: $75 in advance or $95 day of event; group discounts available
Contact: 409-9421 |
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| Be a Part of the Art! Print Article |
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You’re invited to attend the Groveport Arts Festival on Saturday, May 23, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. The festival will be celebrated on Main Street in Groveport between College and Front Streets.
Along with the unique art, the Groveport Arts Festival is including a Community Connect Area – giving local organizations and businesses the opportunity to connect and network with the arts festival attendees.
Cost for table space is $45. Contact Chriss Dunbar at 836-9414 for more information. |
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