December 2007 E-News

Kansas City SmartPort E-News

Kansas City Stands at Key Crossroads

Logistics Today magazine featured the Kansas City region in its November issue.  This special supplement touted the area as a logistics center due to geography and opportunity.  Kansas City has historically been a transportation hub and this infrastructure has drawn several significant players to the region to establish intermodal logistics centers. Not only does KC have remarkable infrastructure, but the city also has a strong and qualified workforce. 

To read the full article please Logistics Today.    


SmartPort’s Marketing Assistance Program

Food products and transportation equipment are two of the growth industries into Mexico.  With various opportunities in Mexico please remember that SmartPort can help your company expand your business into Mexico.  In planning for 2008, don’t forget SmartPort’s Marketing Assistance Program.  This program helps companies in the greater Kansas City area who wish to begin or expand exports into the Mexican or Central American market.  SmartPort can reimburse your company up to $3,500 for expenses incurred for travel or trade show participation, as well as marketing assistance for screening market segments in Mexico or Central America.  If you are interested in learning more about this program or if you need international marketing assistance please contact Larin Payne at 816-374-5640. 

See information on other opportunities at Foreign Trade Statistics.  For more information on SmartPort’s Program please visit SmartPort.    

Opportunities in India

The U.S. is India’s largest trading partner.  With the growth in global commerce, there are numerous opportunities for Indian and Kansas City companies to do business together.  SmartPort recently participated in the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce’s mission to India. The delegation learned of the progress India is making in the country’s infrastructure, the prominence of the manufacturing and technology industries and the opportunities for India and Kansas City to partner in business and international trade. 

SmartPort visited the city of Pune, India and learned that this city is an inland port and has many similar characteristics to Kansas City.  The first expressway was built in India between Mumbai and Pune.  Pune is connected by rail, road and air to major cities; it has 3 dry ports that are inland container terminals.  The infrastructure planned for the future includes updating the airport, building a new international airport, a mass rapid transportation system and several special economic zones.  Pune continues to build more infrastructure and is growing its status as a transportations hub.

APICS to Hold Annual Meeting in Kansas City

Kansas  City continues to locate transportation and logistics companies and events.  In September 2008, the Association for Operations Management will hold its annual convention in Kansas City. APICS is the global leader and premier source of knowledge in operations management, including production, inventory, supply chain, materials management, purchasing, and logistics. Since 1957, individuals and companies have relied on APICS for its superior training, internationally recognized certifications, comprehensive resources, and worldwide network of accomplished industry professionals. 

To learn more please visit APICS.

TDE Update

Secretary Michael Chertoff recently spoke to the annual U.S. Customs and Border Protection Trade Symposium.  During his speech he discussed the Global Trade Exchange (GTX) project.  Here is a quote from his speech.

"All of these things -- Security Filing and GTX -- share a common critical goal:  improving targeting by improving our visibility into the global supply chain process.  And by determining what additional data is necessary and valuable for targeting, while providing insight into potential facilitation benefits with an international scope, I think we, working with our partners around the world, are going to make it ultimately easier and faster for legitimate goods to move in a way that is unfettered around the globe."

SmartPort’s TDE will fulfill the parameters of the GTX project by focusing on the efficiency movement of freight for the private sector without driving additional costs for security. 

For the full context visit the Secretary’s speech.