America’s Central Port, the Illinois SBDC International Trade Center at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, MidAmerica Airport and Gateway Commerce Center are pleased to present: Foreign Trade Zone Conference Tuesday, May 22, 2012 from 9am – 1:30pm (8:00am registration and networking breakfast) America’s Central Port – FTZ #31, Warehouse 3B 1201 West First Street. Granite City, IL 62040 (map) This free, half-day event will provide manufacturers, distribution and logistics companies, economic development representatives, developers and service providers a background on the economic advantages that can be achieved through the use of a foreign-trade zone. The FTZ program offers tariff benefits and other …

Over 100 professionals representing manufacturers, local and state governments, universities, economic development agencies, and related organizations attended the “Meeting the Demands of Manufacturing in the Next Generation” event hosted at America’s Central Port on Wednesday, April 11, 2012. Dennis Wilmsmeyer, Executive Director of America’s Central Port, welcomed attendees and highlighted the importance of the region’s multimodal transportation infrastructure to economic growth in a global economy.  The event’s presenters provided information on new technology innovation, next generation productivity, expanding exports and market access, and improving manufacturing infrastructure.  Local and regional manufacturing resources were featured throughout the event.  Presentations included: “Manufacturing is …

America’s Central Port participated in the first of four public meeting of the Tri-Cities Community Planning Area of the St. Louis Regional Plan for Sustainable Development. The goal of this effort is to envision a better future for our local communities and our region that is sustainable, equitable, and livable. Staff from East West Gateway’s Regional Planning Agency and FOCUS St. Louis facilitated the meeting which was held at the Granite City Housing Authority Administration offices on Nameoki Road. Over 40 residents, representing the Tri Cities, first participated in an exercise where they were asked a series of questions about their community and …

America’s Central Port is proud to be a sponsor of the 4th Annual Confluence Trash Bash.  The mission of the event is to work together to clean local streams and neighborhoods. This year’s event will be held on March 24 from 8:30 a.m to 12:30 p.m.  Volunteers can choose from three locations throughout the region.  The Illinois location is on Chouteau Island on Chain of Rocks Rd., just west of the Canal Bridge in Madison, IL. This is a fun event for families, scouting groups, youth organizations, and individuals that want to make a difference.  After picking up litter, volunteers …

Granite City, IL- Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) District 8 Engineer Omer Osman and several of his staff visited America’s Central Port on Friday, February 24. IDOT District 8 covers Madison, St. Clair, Bond, Clinton, Calhoun, Greene, Jersey, Marion, Monroe, Randolph and Washington counties in Illinois. Also joining DE Osman was Ms. Mary Lamie, IDOT’s former District Engineer. Other IDOT officials participating in the visit included Ken Sharkey, Engineer Osman’s Assistant and Jim Stack, IDOT’s Urban Planning Chief. IDOT officials were briefed on America’s Central Port operations and facilities by Dennis Wilmsmeyer, the Port’s Executive Director, Bill Stahlman, Port Engineer and Frank …

America’s Central Port has partnered with the Cities of Granite City, Madison and Venice to participate in a regionwide planning effort that seeks to coordinate housing, transportation, environmental, and economic development planning across the St. Louis Metropolitan Area. Residents, business owners, and public leaders will have the opportunity to share your hopes, concerns, and expectations for your community by participating in a series of public meetings over the course of the next 12 months. The first public meeting will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 3, 2012 at the Granite City Housing Authority Offices Multi-purpose …

The Illinois SBDC International Trade Center at SIUE, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce, is hosting a free breakfast program to discuss trade opportunities in Colombia.  Information will also be presented on the International Trade Center at SIUE’s “Gateway to Latin America” grant.   Speakers include Jorge Toro, the president of Los Andes Ventures, and Margaret Gottlieb, an international trade specialist at the U.S. Commercial Service. SOUTHERN ILLINOIS TRADE BREAKFAST Business Opportunities in Colombia: The U.S. – Colombia Free Trade Agreement WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7, 2012 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY EDWARDSVILLE Morris University Center (map) International Room …

America’s Central Port- Brad Cole, the Downstate Director for U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (IL) visited America’s Central Port on January 30, 2012. As the Senator’s Downstate Director, Brad is responsible for coordinating the Senator’s office operations and policy issues in 95 counties outside of the collar counties near Chicago. Brad Cole, the former Mayor of Carbondale, Illinois and Deputy Governor of the State of Illinois was briefed on Port district operations by Dennis Wilmsmeyer, the Port’s Executive Director and Frank Miles, the Port’s Business Development Manager.  During the overview briefing of the Port, Director Cole was given additional information on the status of …

The America’s Central Green Team is excited to announce the availability of a free monthly electronic/computer recycling drop-off center, provided by WITS “BEE” Green. The service will be provided from February until November this year. Second Saturday of Each Month 10am – 4pm February 11 through November 10 America’s Central Port – Granite City, IL Former Army Depot Commissary Parking Lot West Seventh Street and A Street Donations to WITS Are Requested to Cover Recycling Cost All Donations are Tax Deductible All computer and electronic products are accepted, including household batteries, televisions, holiday lights, phones, a/v equipment, appliances, and more. …

Congressman Costello, Deputy U.S. Secretary of Transportation John Porcari, and Chinese Vice Minister of Maritime Affairs XU Zuyuan, participate Granite City, IL – U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello, U.S. Department of Transportation Deputy Secretary John Porcari, China Vice Minister of Maritime Affairs XU Zuyuan, SONG Dexing, Director of Water Transportation in China, Asst. Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs, Susan Kurland, U.S. MARAD Administrator David Matsuda and other U.S. and Chinese public and private sector officials visited America’s Central Port on Wednesday, January 11, 2012. The visit from the Assistant U.S. Transportation Secretary, the Chinese minister and his colleagues was part …