President Message from David Mihuta
Good Day and welcome to fall,
The fall usually means cooler weather and breaking out the earth tone sweaters and jackets to stay current with fall fashion. Leaves transform into shades of red, orange and yellow as pumpkins, corn stalks and scarecrows start showing up on front porches to compliment the rocking chairs we enjoyed to relax in during the hot summer months. Fall produces shorter days and longer nights and is usually considered the “harvest” time of year. Well that’s exactly what we did here in Savannah, Georgia with our transportation, maritime and logistics communities. September was the month many of our members cultivated and realized the dreams of years of hard work and commitment to the industries we have passion for.
Below are just a few of the highlights of happenings in September 2010 in and around Savannah, Georgia
• On the 1st, Maritime After Hours celebrated the monthly outing at Churchill’s Pub downtown.
• On the 1st, I saw a trucking legend, Mr. Joe Sikes, owner of the local Kenworth truck dealership and Glenn-Lee Truckinghave his 80thbirthday, still working hard as ever. Happy Birthday, Joe.
•The Hartsfield Warehouseon the 10thwelcomed the distinguished Congressman John Barrowof Georgia’s 12 Congressional District to visit their Savannah/Pooler facility. Many friends of Hartsfield came out to visit with the Congressman and share in an afternoon of new opportunities.
•The Savannah Traffic Club’s monthly board meeting was hosted this month by Clyde Usherand all the fine folks over at Schneider Logisticson the 14th, and adopted “Bridging Global Commerce” as the theme for the Transportation Club International conference to be held here in Savannah in the fall 2011.
•On the 16thGPA Executive Director Curtis J. Foltzdelivered his first State of the Port Address to a record crowd of nearly 1,100. Mr. Foltz outlined actions required to achieve continued growth and future prosperity as well as outlined the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project (SHEP). To become a SHEP Ally, please send contact information to externalaffairs@gaports.com.
•On the 21stseveral of met with Mark Rogan, Industry Project Leader Georgia Work Ready Initiativeat Savannah Technical Collegeto work on the development of curriculum that may offer an associate’s degree in logistics.For more information go to: www.gaworkready.org
•On the 22ndJIT Warehousing and Logisticshad their official ground breaking for the warehouse, trucking, and rail complex which, when completed, will be one of the most modern, high-tech logistic facilities in the Southeast according to PresidentBen Goldberg. Mr. Ben is a past STC president and we salute your efforts and wish you and your team nothing but continued success.
•Several Savannah Traffic Club board members were fortunate enough to attend the TransportationClubs Internationalconference held in Nassau Bahamas from the 24th thru the 27th. Hardly considered cruel and unusual punishment. Savannah was well represented as our team did everything we could to promote the 2011 conference that will be held right here in Savannah, September 2011.
•September 27, 2010 – Georgia Ports Authority’s (GPA) Executive Director Curtis J. Foltz announced the GPA experienced 22-percent container growth in August and has recorded nine consecutive months of double-digit growth. Great job and hats off to the Georgia Ports Authority.
•Coming October 12that Crosswinds Golf Club is the next in a series of STC “Lunch and Learns”This month’s hot topic, Chassis Pools. Make plans now to join our panel of speakers from Flexi-Van Leasing Inc. & Direct Chassis LinkSoutheastas we address the container chassis pool and the new opportunities that we’re all faced with. Seats are limited so please don’t delay, contact Sarah Thomas at: sarahthomasstc@aol.comfor lunch reservations today, or phone (912) 663-3293.
As you can see, the diligent work in our past has generated a wonderful harvest for our transportation logistics community here in Savannah. Here’s praying something super special happens for you, your family, and your businesses this fall. I personally look forward to hearing from you.
Till next time with warmest regards,
David "Fish" Mihuta
(912) 655-8518