Post by HardTimeTrucker on Jan 27, 2010 1:57:37 GMT -5
Steady at the helm: New year brings new opportunities, challenges for new ports director
Georgia Ports' new director wants to continue to build economic strength and focus on environmental improvements
January 24, 2010
Curtis Foltz is new executive director of the Georgia Ports Authority.
The major focus of this year will be moving forward with the Savannah Harbor Expansion Plan, a project both Curtis Foltz considers essential to future growth. The harbor expansion project would deepen the river channel from 42 feet to as much as 48 feet to accommodate larger ships expected when expansion of the Panama Canal is complete in 2014.
No single project has ever been more critical to the success of this port,Foltz said.
By Mary Carr Mayle
When members of the Georgia Ports Authority board of directors accepted Doug Marchand's decision to step down last year, they didn't have to look far to find his successor.
In fact, they didn't really have to look at all.
Five years before Marchand reached retirement age, the board brought maritime veteran Curtis Foltz on board, creating a new position - chief operating officer - and essentially putting their succession plan into place.
While there's no doubt Foltz, who took the helm at Georgia Ports on Jan. 1, has big shoes to fill, it's not likely he'll have to spend much time breaking them in.
"This was a targeted plan," Foltz said recently. "I've been transitioning for five years."
As far as the nation's fourth largest port is concerned, expect business as usual.
And that, Foltz said, is the way it should be.
"If this were about Doug or about me, it would be one thing," he said. "But it's not. It's the whole maritime community that makes this port what it is - from the longshoremen to the truck drivers, the crane operators to the stevedores."
Keeping the ship on course
That said, Foltz draws votes of confidence from all quarters.
"Curtis brings nearly two decades of managing port operations throughout the U.S., and his private-sector experience has proven invaluable to the GPA," said board chairman Steve Green.
"In addition to exceeding the expectations set before him as director of day-to-day operations, Curtis also has successfully leveraged his background in transportation and international relations to help expand Georgia Ports' global footprint."
Charlie Sutlive is the longtime executive director of the Savannah Maritime Association, a partnership of maritime-related companies dedicated to the development and safety of the port.
The maritime community couldn't be happier to see Foltz at the helm, he said.
"We haven't lost a leader, we've gained another," Sutlive said. "For this port to have two such outstanding leaders back-to-back is a real coup.
"Curtis has stood the test of the last five years and has more than measured up. He's well poised to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow."
Marchand agreed.
"Curtis ... is extremely competent, and I have no doubt he'll keep the ship on course," Marchand said last month. "The only advice I gave him was to never get complacent. Just because we're the number four container port doesn't mean we can rest on our laurels. It's the attention to detail and customer service that got us to number four, and maintaining that sense of immediacy is what will keep us there."
Moving in the right direction
Foltz intends to do just that, and he's encouraged by what he sees on the horizon.
"The last three months of the year have each improved over the same month a year ago," he said. "While one month doesn't necessarily forecast a trend, when we see small signs of recovery in each of the last three months, that's a very good indication that we are moving in the right direction."
Although there is still some uncertainty going into 2010, the Savannah maritime community should feel pretty good about the health of its port, he said.
"We've been fairly resilient, even through this catastrophic downturn, thanks in no small part to the broad, balanced portfolio we've continued to build over the years," Foltz said.
"As we were starting to see a downturn in imports coming from Asia, we were also seeing a strengthening in our exports, so we weren't hit as hard overall."
The addition early last year of new refrigerated storage racks allowed GPA to handle a record number of refrigerated containers for export, he said.
It's an example, Foltz said, of GPA's philosophy of building for the future, even in tough times.
"One thing we've done throughout the downturn is never take our focus off our long-term goals. We've continued to expand our container and rail capacity, while remaining sensitive to the environment."
Among the environmental improvements are the electrification of the refrigerated racks and ship-to-shore cranes, reducing diesel fuel consumption by 2.1 million gallons per year; the retrofitting container handling equipment with engine exhaust enhancements, reducing diesel emissions on that equipment by 25 percent and the conversion of its fleet of container handling equipment to ultra-low-sulfur diesel, cutting emissions on that equipment by an additional 10 percent.
"While our volume is up, our reliance on fossil fuels - and our environmental footprint - is down."
Looking ahead
Exports remain extremely strong in 2010, particularly in Georgia-based products, Foltz said.
"Now we're starting to see a strengthening on the import side, particularly for goods coming out of Southeast Asia."
For this year, he expects exports to stay strong and imports to slowly increase.
"It should be a good year for us," he said.
Of course, the major thrust of this year will be moving forward with the Savannah Harbor Expansion Plan, a project both Marchand and Foltz consider essential to future growth.
"We're extremely fortunate that Doug has agreed to help us this year and will continue to lead the charge to deepen the Savannah River channel," Foltz said. "No single project has ever been more critical to the success of this port, and I'm confident Doug will take that ball across the goal line."
The harbor expansion project would deepen the river channel from 42 feet to as much as 48 feet to accommodate larger ships expected when expansion of the Panama Canal is complete in 2014.
"We're currently pushing hard for a record of decision by the end of the year and working to secure both state and federal funding," Foltz said. "It's important to be ready when the Panama Canal is completed."
The long view
Beyond that - and beyond Georgia Ports' perimeters - Foltz wants to see the growth of a Southeast corridor for commerce.
"A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. We want to support and promote every harbor on the Eastern Seaboard.
"It's a fact that 80 percent of the U.S. population lives in the eastern half of the country. I have no doubt that, down the road, there is going to be a need to accommodate 6.5 million containers a year in Savannah, 6.5 million in Charleston and at least 6.5 million in Jasper.
"Commerce is going to dictate that, and the citizens of the U.S. deserve it."
For GPA's part, that means continued terminal improvements, completion of the "Last Mile" road projects, deepening the Savannah harbor and implementing environmental initiatives that will give the port an increasingly green footprint.
"Our growth is not about taking business from South Carolina," Foltz said. "Our growth is going to come, in small shifts, from the West Coast.
"Ten years from now, I'd like for us to continue to be recognized as one of the fastest-growing ports in the country, known as a port that treats customers better than anywhere else. I'd like us to be recognized for environmental leadership - not just meeting mandates, but going above and beyond to make sure our operations are as environmentally friendly as possible."
To achieve those ends, Foltz said he intends to stay the course his predecessor charted more than 15 years ago, adding his own particular expertise to build on past successes.
"For the most part, I plan to continue to do the same things we've been doing, essentially building on our strengths - our people, our facilities and our board and state leaders working together.
"We expect to continue to provide the most customer-driven, value-driven service of any port in the country."
THE FOLTZ FILE
Since joining Georgia Ports Authority as its chief operating officer in August 2004, Foltz has been responsible for the ongoing, day-to-day operating activities at the port, leveraging his past experience in land transportation and international relations to ensure long-term growth in revenue, profitability, service and market share. He:
-- Earned a bachelor's degree in business management and a master's in business administration from East Carolina University.
-- Worked as terminal operations manager for McLean Trucking in Winston Salem, N.C., and Overnight Transportation in Charlotte, N.C.
-- Worked for Sea-Land Service for 13 years, managing port operations in Tacoma, Wash., Charleston, S.C., and New Orleans, and serving as a manager of operations for Sea-Land's Americas division in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and Liberty Corners, N.J.
-- Worked for CSX World Terminals in Charlotte for five years before joining Georgia Ports, ending as senior vice president of operations, where he had responsibility for North and South America, Central America, the Caribbean, Australia and Europe as well as corporate operations.
Source: Georgia Ports Authority
Georgia Ports' new director wants to continue to build economic strength and focus on environmental improvements
January 24, 2010
Curtis Foltz is new executive director of the Georgia Ports Authority.
The major focus of this year will be moving forward with the Savannah Harbor Expansion Plan, a project both Curtis Foltz considers essential to future growth. The harbor expansion project would deepen the river channel from 42 feet to as much as 48 feet to accommodate larger ships expected when expansion of the Panama Canal is complete in 2014.
No single project has ever been more critical to the success of this port,Foltz said.
By Mary Carr Mayle
When members of the Georgia Ports Authority board of directors accepted Doug Marchand's decision to step down last year, they didn't have to look far to find his successor.
In fact, they didn't really have to look at all.
Five years before Marchand reached retirement age, the board brought maritime veteran Curtis Foltz on board, creating a new position - chief operating officer - and essentially putting their succession plan into place.
While there's no doubt Foltz, who took the helm at Georgia Ports on Jan. 1, has big shoes to fill, it's not likely he'll have to spend much time breaking them in.
"This was a targeted plan," Foltz said recently. "I've been transitioning for five years."
As far as the nation's fourth largest port is concerned, expect business as usual.
And that, Foltz said, is the way it should be.
"If this were about Doug or about me, it would be one thing," he said. "But it's not. It's the whole maritime community that makes this port what it is - from the longshoremen to the truck drivers, the crane operators to the stevedores."
Keeping the ship on course
That said, Foltz draws votes of confidence from all quarters.
"Curtis brings nearly two decades of managing port operations throughout the U.S., and his private-sector experience has proven invaluable to the GPA," said board chairman Steve Green.
"In addition to exceeding the expectations set before him as director of day-to-day operations, Curtis also has successfully leveraged his background in transportation and international relations to help expand Georgia Ports' global footprint."
Charlie Sutlive is the longtime executive director of the Savannah Maritime Association, a partnership of maritime-related companies dedicated to the development and safety of the port.
The maritime community couldn't be happier to see Foltz at the helm, he said.
"We haven't lost a leader, we've gained another," Sutlive said. "For this port to have two such outstanding leaders back-to-back is a real coup.
"Curtis has stood the test of the last five years and has more than measured up. He's well poised to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow."
Marchand agreed.
"Curtis ... is extremely competent, and I have no doubt he'll keep the ship on course," Marchand said last month. "The only advice I gave him was to never get complacent. Just because we're the number four container port doesn't mean we can rest on our laurels. It's the attention to detail and customer service that got us to number four, and maintaining that sense of immediacy is what will keep us there."
Moving in the right direction
Foltz intends to do just that, and he's encouraged by what he sees on the horizon.
"The last three months of the year have each improved over the same month a year ago," he said. "While one month doesn't necessarily forecast a trend, when we see small signs of recovery in each of the last three months, that's a very good indication that we are moving in the right direction."
Although there is still some uncertainty going into 2010, the Savannah maritime community should feel pretty good about the health of its port, he said.
"We've been fairly resilient, even through this catastrophic downturn, thanks in no small part to the broad, balanced portfolio we've continued to build over the years," Foltz said.
"As we were starting to see a downturn in imports coming from Asia, we were also seeing a strengthening in our exports, so we weren't hit as hard overall."
The addition early last year of new refrigerated storage racks allowed GPA to handle a record number of refrigerated containers for export, he said.
It's an example, Foltz said, of GPA's philosophy of building for the future, even in tough times.
"One thing we've done throughout the downturn is never take our focus off our long-term goals. We've continued to expand our container and rail capacity, while remaining sensitive to the environment."
Among the environmental improvements are the electrification of the refrigerated racks and ship-to-shore cranes, reducing diesel fuel consumption by 2.1 million gallons per year; the retrofitting container handling equipment with engine exhaust enhancements, reducing diesel emissions on that equipment by 25 percent and the conversion of its fleet of container handling equipment to ultra-low-sulfur diesel, cutting emissions on that equipment by an additional 10 percent.
"While our volume is up, our reliance on fossil fuels - and our environmental footprint - is down."
Looking ahead
Exports remain extremely strong in 2010, particularly in Georgia-based products, Foltz said.
"Now we're starting to see a strengthening on the import side, particularly for goods coming out of Southeast Asia."
For this year, he expects exports to stay strong and imports to slowly increase.
"It should be a good year for us," he said.
Of course, the major thrust of this year will be moving forward with the Savannah Harbor Expansion Plan, a project both Marchand and Foltz consider essential to future growth.
"We're extremely fortunate that Doug has agreed to help us this year and will continue to lead the charge to deepen the Savannah River channel," Foltz said. "No single project has ever been more critical to the success of this port, and I'm confident Doug will take that ball across the goal line."
The harbor expansion project would deepen the river channel from 42 feet to as much as 48 feet to accommodate larger ships expected when expansion of the Panama Canal is complete in 2014.
"We're currently pushing hard for a record of decision by the end of the year and working to secure both state and federal funding," Foltz said. "It's important to be ready when the Panama Canal is completed."
The long view
Beyond that - and beyond Georgia Ports' perimeters - Foltz wants to see the growth of a Southeast corridor for commerce.
"A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. We want to support and promote every harbor on the Eastern Seaboard.
"It's a fact that 80 percent of the U.S. population lives in the eastern half of the country. I have no doubt that, down the road, there is going to be a need to accommodate 6.5 million containers a year in Savannah, 6.5 million in Charleston and at least 6.5 million in Jasper.
"Commerce is going to dictate that, and the citizens of the U.S. deserve it."
For GPA's part, that means continued terminal improvements, completion of the "Last Mile" road projects, deepening the Savannah harbor and implementing environmental initiatives that will give the port an increasingly green footprint.
"Our growth is not about taking business from South Carolina," Foltz said. "Our growth is going to come, in small shifts, from the West Coast.
"Ten years from now, I'd like for us to continue to be recognized as one of the fastest-growing ports in the country, known as a port that treats customers better than anywhere else. I'd like us to be recognized for environmental leadership - not just meeting mandates, but going above and beyond to make sure our operations are as environmentally friendly as possible."
To achieve those ends, Foltz said he intends to stay the course his predecessor charted more than 15 years ago, adding his own particular expertise to build on past successes.
"For the most part, I plan to continue to do the same things we've been doing, essentially building on our strengths - our people, our facilities and our board and state leaders working together.
"We expect to continue to provide the most customer-driven, value-driven service of any port in the country."
THE FOLTZ FILE
Since joining Georgia Ports Authority as its chief operating officer in August 2004, Foltz has been responsible for the ongoing, day-to-day operating activities at the port, leveraging his past experience in land transportation and international relations to ensure long-term growth in revenue, profitability, service and market share. He:
-- Earned a bachelor's degree in business management and a master's in business administration from East Carolina University.
-- Worked as terminal operations manager for McLean Trucking in Winston Salem, N.C., and Overnight Transportation in Charlotte, N.C.
-- Worked for Sea-Land Service for 13 years, managing port operations in Tacoma, Wash., Charleston, S.C., and New Orleans, and serving as a manager of operations for Sea-Land's Americas division in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and Liberty Corners, N.J.
-- Worked for CSX World Terminals in Charlotte for five years before joining Georgia Ports, ending as senior vice president of operations, where he had responsibility for North and South America, Central America, the Caribbean, Australia and Europe as well as corporate operations.
Source: Georgia Ports Authority
this man has been drinking the contaminated cool-aid. LOOK OUT DRIVER!