2009 Global Logistics Summit

The morning began with a presentation from Bob Bach, Chief Economist for Grubb & Ellis Company. He shared with the group his outlook for rebounding from the recession and believes we will experience a U-shaped recovery, meaning there will be some delay before large amounts of jobs are created again. As 70% of economic growth comes from consumer spending, it will probably be 2011 before it seems as we've "recovered" and are growing again. He went on to say that the timing is excellent for a major project, such as the intermodals, to position Will County as The Midwest Empire and attract business going forward.

The Total Modal Panel, shared that the current market pricing environment favors shippers and "green" shipping is becoming more prominent in the industry. Some examples include looking to alternate hours, maximizing intermodal use, and reducing packaging. Supply chains have become vastly more efficient, thus requiring fewer assets.

The Logistics Real Estate Panel emphasized that because shipping makes up about 50% of delivery cost, many companies are looking to optimize their location and save money. The other key component in selecting location is the area's workforce, and Panelists commented that Will County employees have good retention and product knowledge. Companies are looking to do more with less, and they are looking at what they can add to products to diversify their market and keep costs down.

The Inland Port Impact Study presentation was still in the preliminary stages, but did reveal that we will be looking to identify "best practices" and strategies and recommendations on public policy will be the result.

Based on the fact that transportation and infrastructure are proven job-generators, Jim Smith, of Smith, Dawson & Andrews, gave an update of the Federal funding programs and the beneficial impact they will have on Will County. There is $28B included for highways, $7B for public transportation, and $8B for high-speed rail, and Will County stands ready to receive a fair amount of the funding. He further stated that there will most likely be an extension of the current SAFETEA-LU program rather than creation of a new bill when it expires today.

Keynote Speaker, Jack Lavin, Chief Operating Officer in the Office of Governor Pat Quinn, echoes again that "nobody is better than Will County to take advantage of the transportation & logistics industries" and stated that infrastructure investments are critical to lay the future of the logistics industry. He praised leadership for their "bold vision and commitments in Will County" and said the re-use of the Arsenal is a great example of public-private partnership. Focusing on jobs, he shared that there is $31B in the Capital Bill to create, support, and retain jobs in Illinois and announced that Illinois is ranked number 1 in getting projects going from the Federal stimulus funds. Because "the success of Illinois hinges on the success of Will County," Mr. Lavin said that Illinois has asked for $2B of the available $8B for high-speed rail funding and the Governor has included $100M in the Illinois Capital Bill for further land acquisition for the third airport, as well as $156M for workforce training.

Agenda

Speakers

Exhibitors

Sponsorships