The Port of Brunswick: Challenging Times – Positioned for Future Success
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10/16/2009 - Savannah
Marchand Reviews FY2009 Highlights at State of the Port Address
Brunswick, Ga. – October 16, 2009 –During his 15th and final Brunswick State of the Port Address,Georgia Ports Authority’s (GPA) Executive DirectorDoug J. Marchand announced that Colonel’s Island experienced its second highest volume ever – moving more than 1.3 million tons – in FY2009.
GPA’s Chairman of the Board Steve Green praised Marchand’s tenure and legacy: “Since coming to the GPA in 1994, Doug has helped to transform the Port of Brunswick into a Southeastern hub for the agri-bulk and Roll-on/Roll-off markets. Doug’s focus and determination to attract cargo to Brunswick is relentless. His successful implementation of a customer-focused operation has set new standards for the shipping and maritime industry.”
Marchand, who will step down from his position as GPA’s Executive Director effective January 1, 2010, also announced the south side of Colonel’s Island is prepared for new business. The Highway 17 overpass is now open and other infrastructure is complete. Mercedes Benz USA is nearing completion of its new facility on the south side. When opened, this 70,000 square-foot facility will become Mercedes’ South Atlantic hub, creating 122 new jobs for the area.
“I believe the future of this port is very bright and the opportunities we have worked so hard to attain are being realized,” said Marchand. “The team we have put together is first rate. They are dedicated and will ensure the Port of Brunswick reaches its fullest potential.”
Marchand, who will serve as GPA’s Executive Advisor through 2010, plans on continuing to assist with the Savannah Harbor Expansion Plan, strategic growth and development plans, marketing and sales efforts and the Jasper Port planning efforts. GPA’s Chief Operating Officer Curtis J. Foltz will become GPA’s Executive Director.
In other news, Marchand announced a new 10,000-ton grain storage tank, the third of its kind on the facility, was completed in June to accommodate recent increases in agri-bulk tonnage.
Also in FY2009, the Port of Brunswick:
• Welcomed the return of BMW to Colonel’s Island with the Pasha Group opening the fourth vehicle processing operation on Colonel’s Island;
• Celebrated the groundbreaking for Mercedes-Benz USA’s South Atlantic Hub:
• Began construction for the Anguilla Railroad Expansion (Phase 2), which is scheduled to be completed in November 2009; and
• IAP began construction on its south side paving project.
Georgia’s deepwater ports and inland barge terminals support more than 286,476 jobs throughout the state annually and contribute $14.9 billion in income, $55.8 billion in revenue and $2.8 billion in state and local taxes to Georgia’s economy.
For additional information, please contact Robert Morris, Director of External Affairs, at (912) 964-3855 or fax at (912) 964-3921. E-mail is available via rmorris@gaports.com. Visit the GPA web site at www.gaports.com.
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