IAMC INSIDER

   This issue of Site Selection addresses the global transportation infrastructure that moves your freight and keeps the economy humming. In the U.S. during the past couple years, public sector planners have recognized that alternate modes of transportation are a good thing for everybody, taking freight off clogged roads and some measure of tax burden off taxpayers’ shoulders. And shippers and receivers get the supply chain diversity, redundancy, and reliability they are seeking.

   The real breakthrough is in the public/private partnerships that are making leaps in accelerating the redesign of our transportation network, just as they have worked in financing major transportation upgrade projects in various states. One example was announced this summer in Florida, a state with plenty at risk if rapid population growth gets too far ahead of infrastructure. The plan combines pulls from several wish lists and creates a much more efficient “interstate highway” for rail to a single freight node in Central Florida, freeing up a rail corridor running through Orlando and its theme park mecca for passenger use during the day.

   Another key ingredient in rebuilding America’s infrastructure so it is “rebuilt to last” was the recent introduction of Senate Bill 3742 by Senators Trent Lott (R- Miss.) and cosponsors from seven others states. The bill offers incentives for railroads and companies using rail to expand capacity and utilization more quickly through use of a tax credit which frees up more cash and improves the returns on investment. The bill is extremely timely as America’s railroads are being called upon to reduce the pressure of freight growth on the aging highway infrastructure. For every $1 billion foregone by the Treasury, the public gets back over $2 billion in value of reduced environmental pollution, fossil fuel consumption, improved safety, reduced congestion on roads and other benefits. Take a look at the bill and think about its merits not only in terms of the big impact on the nation’s infrastructure, but in how it can drive new investment by your company in communities across the land.

   This is my final letter as IAMC Chair. It’s been a great journey, and others will follow and seek new heights. The collective will and wisdom of IAMC founders crafted a vision of IAMC that is now a relevant reservoir of talent and thought leadership. IAMC has broad respect as an authoritative leader in our profession. We have an organization that collaborates to create innovative solutions in the face of ever changing and highly challenging global dynamics. We grow our businesses and competitive edge in the process, a benefit to our shareholders: our communities, our partners and ourselves.

   I am truly excited about the level of engagement by all our members. Our programs reflect our need for new ideas and tools, e.g., Get Some Help, Knowledge Management, Research Roundtables, Leadership Seminars, BCIR, to name a few. We have embraced the distinguished through IAMC Fellows and welcomed the future leaders with an eye toward the value of diversity of opinion and people.

   It was truly an honor, and I am fortunate, to have been at the first small meeting of IAMC with 10 or so people who shaped this vision, just as our founder Mac Conway convened a similarly sized and focused group more than 50 years ago. It is simply remarkable to have seen that vision flourish and grow to IAMC today. Our incoming leaders will continue to thoughtfully steer IAMC according to the changing needs of our members and companies while being guided by our core values.

   I look forward to seeing you in Williamsburg for a Forum with our terrific Virginia friends, where I will have the pleasure of introducing our new leadership team.

Charles McSwain IAMC Chair