January 2006
Kansas City SmartPort E-News

KC SmartPort Launches First Test Shipment Using ITS Technology

Kansas City SmartPort and its partners launched the first test shipment using Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) technology Thursday, Dec. 15. Kansas City-based Faultless Starch and Celadon Trucking Services were the first to utilize the technology developed by BV Solutions Group, Inc. in partnership with Nextel and Agilis Systems, Inc..

The second shipment was carried out on Dec. 28th with Riverside Transport providing the transportation services and Western Forms the freight. The shipment was bound for Vera Cruz when it arrived successfully. Testing included systems from BVSG in partnership with Nextel, Agilis Systems, AirVoyance, and LDS Corporation. Both shipments were arranged by SmartPort investor Priority Logistics here in Kansas City.

Approximately $6 million in federal funding has been dedicated to the use of ITS technology. KC SmartPort is overseeing these monies. This first test shipment was the first of many tests before the technology becomes standard on all shipments.

To learn more, please visit ITS and Test Shipment.

Lowe's Selects KC Region for Distribution Center

In December, Lowe's Company, Inc., the world's second-largest home improvement retailer announced its plans for a new flatbed distribution center in St. Joseph, Mo. The company will renovate the former Nestle Purina pet food manufacturing facility to use as a 200,000-sq.-ft. distribution center for a nine-state region. Lowe's will invest $12 to $16 million on land, construction and equipment. It expects to employ 35 persons when it opens in mid-2006, and will create additional jobs as demand requires.

KC's rail and highway access was key in locating this project to the metro. To learn more, please click here.

US, Mexico Freight Flow Analysis Completed

TransSystems Corporation, in partnership with EDS formerly BV Solutions Group, recently completed its US to Mexico Freight Flow Analysis component of the International Corridor Integration Project. The study has a specific focus on freight flows to, from and through Kansas City.

The analysis found that over the past five years, total surface trade between Kansas City and Mexico has grown faster than total U.S. trade. A 10-year forecast also shows that exports from Kansas City will grow at a faster rate than overall U.S. exports to Mexico. Other results, such as top-25 commodities, shipment volumes and projected truckloads, are also included in the report. For more information on the analysis or to obtain a copy, please contact Larin Payne, KC SmartPort coordinator at 816.374.5640.

SmartPort contracts IM International Marketing

KC SmartPort will soon contract with IM International Marketing, LLC to assist companies in the Kansas City Metropolitan area in exporting their products and/or services to the Mexican and Latin American market through KC SmartPort's inland port.

IM International Marketing, LLC is a full service marketing research and communication firm focused on the international and multicultural consumer within the business to consumer and business to business marketplace. IM International Marketing, LLC helps companies develop and implement strategic plans to penetrate and expand into new foreign markets.

More information can be found at IM International Marketing.

Investor Profile: Clarence M. Kelley & Associates

CMKA (Clarence M. Kelley and Associates) has a proud 24 year history beginning with the cofounder and namesake Clarence M. Kelley, the former Kansas City Chief of Police and Director of the FBI. Although CMKA is the Midwest's leading Security Solutions and Risk Management Firm, headquartered here in the Kansas City Metro, the company has operations and recognition both nationally and internationally.

CMKA is formed of the following:Protective Services Division - Executive Protection, Secure Travel Planning, Plant Closings, Employment Terminations, Special Events, Strike Management and Response to Violence in the Workplace. Other parts of the company include the Investigations Division - Surveillance, Corporate and Insurance Fraud, White Collar Crime, Digital Forensics, Fire-Cause & Origin and Special Investigations and the Security Consulting Division - Vulnerability Assessments, Facility Audits, Security Planning, Risk Mitigation and Technology Integration and Installation. Lastly, CMKA has a division for Sur-Tec (Surveillance Technology) - Covert, High-tech, Remote Imaging and Intelligence Gathering Equipment for Law Enforcement and Military Applications.

For further information, please contact Rod Smith, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at 913-647-7711 or visit the CMKA web site.