In the first of a monthly series with the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Director of Global Commerce for Logistics, Energy, Agribusiness & Food Annie Baxter discusses important transportation projects , innovations in logistics, and the economic development climate in Georgia.

1.  What current transportation projects (roads, bridges, port, aeronautics) will have the greatest impact on logistics in the state? Why?

The Georgia Ports Authority is a flagship to attracting companies in need of a strong distribution infrastructure.  The Port of Savannah is the second largest container port, and the four largest and fastest growing in the U.S. The Savannah Harbor Expansion Projects (SHEP) will surely have a significant impact on the state’s logistics offerings. In fact, it’s been called the most important infrastructure improvement project in Georgia in decades.

Another project that will have an impact on logistics in Georgia is a new cargo warehouse that’s currently being constructed at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Once completed, there will be a total of 128,566 gross square feet consisting of 104,538 square feet on the first floor and 22,814 square feet on the second floor, creating more opportunities for domestic and international air cargo, which is in addition to the more than two million square feet of on-airport air cargo space already in place.Just this March, the GPA welcomed the largest ship ever to call on the Port of Savannah (10,000-TEU vessel) which highlights the growing trends in the ocean carrier business toward larger vessels. With SHEP, a new class of higher volume ships will be able to utilize the port fully loaded, which will cut cargo costs.

2.  What innovations in logistics are on the horizon and how will they impact Georgia's economy? What is the timeframe for implementing these innovations? 

In Georgia, suppliers and companies can reach 80 percent of the U.S. population in a two-day truck drive or two-hour flight. Leading companies such as Wal-Mart and Castellini Foods are finding Georgia the best place to reach customers on the East Coast.

As the demand for overnight and one-day shipping grows in today’s highly mobile world, the need to get orders processed quicker and ship products to customers faster and more efficiently will greatly impact the logistics sector in Georgia, not just in terms of creating more distribution centers, but also in working with Georgia’s technology industry to find new ways to track products, provide real-time updates on tracking and location and communicate with customers and retailers on any changes or updates to their orders. In fact, more than 400 IT companies specialize in supply chain related applications in the state.

Also, the importance of providing fresh produce and meats to retailers and customers remains another concern. Tyson recently expanded its current plant in Vienna to supply fresh tray pack chicken. Castellini Foods created 300 jobs in Clayton County for a fresh-cut fruits and vegetables processing and distribution center. Lake Foods recently expanded its distribution center to support its refrigerated inventory. These companies require the right technology to ensure FDA regulations and Georgia’s strong cold chain logistics are at the forefront of these changes. For example, the airport houses the 32,000-square-foot Atlanta Perishables Center. The center is the only facility in the Southeast approved by the USDA to apply cold treatment, an alternative to methyl bromide. The Georgia Ports Authority has more than doubled its refrigerated cargo volume in less than 10 years, allowing the Port of Savannah to move more refrigerated cargo than any East or Gulf Coast terminal.

Finally, Georgia’s skilled talent is cranking out some of the latest discoveries in the industry. The Georgia Institute of Technology’s Supply Chain & Logistics Institute offers 60 years of industry collaboration with eight major research centers and more than 100 logistics-related courses, certificates and degree programs are available across the state.

In terms of innovation, we’re beginning to see a lot of R&D and experimentation in the automotive industry, such as driverless cars. While this may be years into the future, it is sure to affect on-the-ground logistics in Georgia. 

3. Why did you decide to work in economic development?

Like many of my colleagues, I had never heard of economic development until I interviewed for my first job in the industry.  My first job post-college was in public relations at a non-profit organization outside Georgia.  After 3.5 years, I was ready for a change. 

My goal was to return to Georgia and re-position myself into a more “sales oriented” field.  It had become apparent that sitting behind a desk from 8:00-5:00 and writing news releases was not for me.  A childhood friend alerted me to a position open with the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission and I have been in economic development ever since. 

Economic Development is about creating jobs and increasing the tax base, but also is a relationship business.  Leveraging relationships with public and private entities is truly how the work gets done and is my favorite part of my job.  

I’ve remained in economic development because of the challenge and excitement of working with companies to win their business and improve the climate of our state. 

4.  What do you enjoy in your spare time? 

In my spare time I enjoy playing tennis, running, travelling and enjoying live music as often as possible.