Critical Components in Strengthening Our Logistical Infrastructure

Our region is distinguished for its freight transportation and logistics assets. We have a world-class logistics infrastructure, shaped by a history of manufacturing, distilling and processing along the Illinois River. “Our region has tremendous potential for warehouse and distribution center operations, as well as direct support activities such as equipment leasing and servicing,” according to the Heart of Illinois Regional Port District (TransPORT) director, Steve Jaeger. “There is also potential for increased logistics planning and management services, along with technical consulting services including third-party logistics providers.”

Globalization, intermodalism and the economy are now the waves that shape our transportation landscape. Is our region prepared for a future in transportation that includes: volatile fuel prices, transportation industry consolidations, workforce shortages, environmental concerns and aggressive cost reductions? That is what one strategy group for the Economic Development Council for Central Illinois (EDC) set out to discern.

Formed as part of the EDC’s restructuring for growth process in 2007, the Intermodal Logistics Strategy Group is one of 11 groups focused on the economic growth and stability of our region. It was established because of the critical importance of transportation and logistics industry to the future economic growth and development of the five-county region surrounding the Illinois River in the heart of our state. With a world-class logistics infrastructure comes world-class challenges that need to be met.

“Logistics in our region involves not only trucks and trains, but the movement of freight through the General Wayne A. Downing International Airport and bulk cargo up and down the Inland Waterway via our Illinois River,” said Maureen McNamara, project manager for TransPORT and a member of the strategy group. “Our region has direct routes to every national and international market and port.” Other key members included:

• Ken Spirito, Director, General Wayne A. Downing Airport Authority
• Tom Stagg, Logistics Manager, Supply Chain Management, G&D Integrated
• Steve Jaeger, Executive Director, Heart of Illinois Regional Port District (TransPORT)
• Maggie Martino, Planning Program Manager, Tri-County Regional Planning Commission
• Jennifer Daly, Executive Director and CEO, Morton Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Council
• Russ Crawford, Cat Logistics Global CAV, CC Manager, Caterpillar Inc.
• Maureen McNamara, Project Manager, TransPORT.

In a recent presentation, the group outlined the results of its project to identify and prioritize future challenges facing our region’s transportation and logistics growth. Led by Russ Crawford, a Six Sigma Black Belt, the team used this methodology to determine the regional logistics issues for both freight and passenger
transportation.

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