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New Carolina Distribution Services Cluster Kicks Off

May 2008

New Carolina Distribution Services Cluster Kicks Off

Nearly 50 leaders in the Distribution Services Industry gathered this week in Columbia for a kick-off meeting of New Carolina’s statewide Distribution Cluster, chaired by Deepal Eliatamby of Alliance Consulting Engineers, and Bill Smith of Red Rock Developments, LLC.

Who was there?

Leadership representing trucking, shipping, air, ports, rail, technical colleges, developers, consultants, engineers and commerce.

Keynote speaker Curtis Spencer, president and CEO of IMS Worldwide, presented and discussed with the group.

What did Curtis Spencer address?

Global Logistics and the impact on East Coast ports
Logistics trends in the next 5-10 years, with an emphasis on containerized cargo specifically in the Southeast
Where South Carolina is in the good movement process: strengths and weaknesses
What Logistics Providers can get out of a collaborative approach

What was the outcome?

The group identified issues and defined collaborative activities that industry leaders can work on together to develop distribution and logistics services in South Carolina: creating a unified marketing campaign for the distribution and logistics industry in South Carolina, conducting an economic impact study and outlining a strategic plan for development of the state's infrastructure. Next steps will be to outline the cluster’s action plans and to continue to engage the volunteers ready to spearhead efforts.

Many thanks to the Distribution Services Cluster Kick Off meeting SPONSORS!

Gold Sponsors:
Alliance Consulting Engineers
South Carolina Trucking Association
The South Carolina State Ports Authority - Port of Charleston

Silver Sponsors:
The Maritime Association
Dockside Logistics, LLC

Learn more about the Distribution Services Cluster at http://www.newcarolina.org.