JANUARY 2008 E-NEWS

Kansas City SmartPort E-News

2007 Attraction of Freight Projects to the KC Region

The year 2007 saw more than a dozen new distribution centers and manufacturers locating in the KC region. More than 1.4 million square feet of space was occupied and nearly 775 new jobs were created as a result of these attraction successes. Major corporations and brand names that made an investment in the KC region include Kimberly-Clark, MWI Veterinary Supply, Liquid Container, Piston Group and Johnson Controls among others.

TDE Update

The first phase of the TDE will be completed this month with testing to begin in March. This first phase focuses on the business value that the TDE creates for shipments being exported to Mexico. Initial tests cut shipment times by two-thirds! The trade documentation features of the TDE will add efficiencies while reducing inventory carrying costs. To take advantage of this new technology for your shipments to Mexico, please contact Chris Gutierrez.

Trade Opportunities in Panama

Panama is well known for its open economy and the Panama Canal, home to the largest merchant navy fleet in the world. The country is largely export-oriented and the Colon free zone, the second largest free zone in the world behind Hong Kong, illustrates the country's openness. Panama's three largest export countries are the United States, Sweden and Spain. Its three largest import countries are the United States, Colon free zone and Japan. The country mainly imports hydrocarbons, electrical and electronic equipment, machinery and vehicles.

SmartPort is planning a mission to Panama in spring 2008 to learn more about the opportunities the market has to offer. We will provide more details in coming weeks.
SmartPort’s Marketing Assistance Program 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.

For more information on the program please visit SmartPort or contact Larin Payne at 816-374-5640.

International Trade Council

The International Trade Council of Greater Kansas City, Inc. is an important resource for KC SmartPort and its membership through providing programs to go more in depth about doing business in various countries. The organization supports businesses in the Greater Kansas City area by promoting international business through education and networking. The ITC is a not-for-profit membership organization run largely through the efforts of volunteer leadership with the assistance of a professional staff. Larin Payne, Marketing Manager for KC SmartPort is First Vice President for ITCKC’s Board of Directors. For more information, visit International Trade Council.

Investor Profile: Midway Ford

Midway Ford Truck Center, Inc. began operations in 1961 as the first Ford commercial truck dealership in the nation. Midway has successfully utilized its central location in Kansas City to gain national prominence. It is a leading nationwide vendor of new and used trucks, truck parts, and repairs. Midway Ford is one of the largest volume Ford dealers in the U.S., having recorded consolidated revenues of approximately $300 million in 2007. Midway sells all models of Ford trucks from pick-ups and Explorers to F-750s. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Midway Sterling Truck Center, it sells and services Sterling and Western Star trucks.

This employee-owned company cares and has the authority to make Midway’s customers happy, as evidenced by the recognition Midway has received, including Ford’s Triple Crown Award for excellence in customer satisfaction and parts and service volume. Midway has been listed as one of Ford’s Top 100 volume dealers for the past 15 years, and routinely wins Ford’s prestigious President’s award for customer service. Such recognition is a product of management’s belief that honest relationships, quality products, services, and business integrity will bring long-term success. Midway supports the work of KC SmartPort and looks forward to contributing to the growth of transportation industry in our area.

For more information please visit Midway Ford.