September 2006
Kansas City SmartPort E-News
Fast Fact
The Kansas City International Airport has invested more than $450 million in improvements to its facilities and technology infrastructure since 2000.
KC Seeks Greater Role as Air Cargo Gateway to Central North America
Located in the heart of North America, KC offers tremendous opportunity for international air cargo carriers seeking access to the more than 18.9 million American consumers who live in the six-state region surrounding the Kansas City International Airport.
At The International Air Cargo Association's (TIACA) Air Cargo Forum & Exposition in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Sept. 12-14, KC SmartPort will partner with the Kansas City Aviation Dept., Kansas City Area Development Council and the Platte County EDC to launch an aggressive marketing campaign. The four organizations will host a booth at the show to raise awareness for the profit potential KCI offers cargo carriers and related businesses.
To learn more about this event please visit international air cargo.
EDS Selected for ITS Testing
KC SmartPort and the Mid-America Regional Council have selected EDS for its next round of testing of intelligent transportation systems (ITS). SmartPort has tested a mix of technologies that track the location and integrity of freight moving across the country. Thus far, it has proven that the byproduct of improving efficiency is security.
EDS will now work closely with KC SmartPort to create a data exchange or data fusion center. The center will provide a single source where the shipper, carrier, customer or government can view the freight and its exact location. It will be the first of its kind in the country.
The data clearinghouse will facilitate the process of gathering and sharing data in a public/private partnership; a process that takes the positive attributes of private and public exchanges and puts them into one exchange. The result is an economic generator for Kansas City and its companies because the increased visibility and accountability of the public-private exchange makes KC a more competitive global business location.
To learn more please click here.
Port Night
Mark your calendars for Port Night - International Trade Council, the annual membership meeting and trade awards dinner, Wednesday, Sept. 13. The reception will begin at 6 p.m. with the dinner and program following at 7 p.m. The event will take place at the Kansas City Central Library on 14 W Tenth St., Kansas City, Mo. Robert M. Landry, director of marketing for the Port of New Orleans will update attendees on the southern port, followed by the ITC awards presentation and introduction of officers and directors for the 2006-07 year.
To register for this event please visit port night.
Commerce Funds Assist Area Companies in Entering Mexican Market
Four area companies, ranging in size and specialty, gained significant benefits this past year utilizing a program KC SmartPort developed to assist area companies in starting or increasing exports to Mexico. Through a U.S. Department of Commerce grant, KC SmartPort is able to provide financial assistance for companies to participate in trade missions to Mexico. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Larin Payne at 816.374.5640.
Exports on Track to Shatter 2005 Record
Missouri's exports through the second quarter of 2006 were up by nearly 19 percent compared to the same period in 2005. Through June 2006, exports topped $6 billion, compared to just over $5 billion after the second quarter of 2005. This is particularly good news for the state's businesses because Missouri set a record for exports in 2005 -- and these figures put the state on track to top that mark.
Investor Profile: URS Corporation
URS Corporation provides engineering and technical services to federal, state and local government agencies as well as private clients in the chemical, pharmaceutical, oil and gas, power, manufacturing, mining, forest products and transportation industries.
Engineering News Record ranked URS as the industry's No. 1 design firm for the sixth consecutive year. It also ranked No. 2 in transportation.
For more information, please contact Dean Vakas, director of KC area operations at (913) 344-1096. Area offices are located at 8300 College Boulevard, Overland Park, Kan., 66210.
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