SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
JACKSONVILLE TRADE AND LOGISTICS
was a great idea to move to Florida ,” he added . “ And since then , we ’ ve been able to hire another 15 people . We ’ re up to 65 people in our company headquarters … we ’ ve really picked up some wonderful talent here in the area .”
Collaborating closely with the Port of Jacksonville ( Jaxport ), Crowley Logistics supports innovation with ongoing and planned initiatives aimed at expanding infrastructure and enhancing efficiency within the port .
“ The region ’ s focus on innovation in transportation and logistics technologies fosters a dynamic environment that attracts companies and startups specializing in automation , digitalization and supply chain optimization ,” said Patrick Tamasitis , general manager at Crowley Logistics . “ By embracing and supporting innovation in Jacksonville and throughout the industry , we can advance unique solutions to enhance our operational efficiency , improve customer service and adapt to changing market demands effectively .
“ These projects , including the expansion of on-dock rail , are vital for accommodating larger vessels and supporting smoother supply chain operations and container-handling equipment ,” he added .
With a depot located less than two miles from Blount Island and Dames Point marine terminals as well as I-95 , intermodal and marine repair services company Container Maintenance Corporation has been able to streamline its logistics operations , improving transportation efficiency .
“ This [ location ] enhances the overall competitiveness of the port and the intermodal network in Jacksonville by reducing turnaround times , minimizing delays and optimizing supply chain management ,” said Davey Miller , senior director of marine repair services . “ The presence of such a facility can attract more businesses and investments to the area , further boosting economic growth and creating job opportunities for the local community .”
Aundra Wallace , president of regional economic development organization JAXUSA , links positive talent acquisition to the region ’ s distinct mix of industries .
“ One of the biggest opportunities in the region now is to grow our innovative niche industries ,” he said . “ Our niche industries — intermodal logistics , agribusiness , space and defense technologies , health tech , biomedical research and fintech — present regional opportunities for increased specialization and growth and can facilitate the region ’ s economic diversification and help create a more resilient economy .”
For JAXUSA , achieving that vision starts with embracing regionalism by investing in Jacksonville ’ s people and vibrant communities . Its workforce development initiative , Earn Up , aims to grow a talent ecosystem by aligning to the needs of the region ’ s population through awareness and education . This includes partnering with local colleges and universities , such as the University of North Florida , Jacksonville University and Florida State College at Jacksonville , to build curriculums and offer programs to train the next generation of transportation and logistics leaders .
“ The availability of talent is among the most important components of a company ’ s decision to relocate or expand , which is why talent development is our number one goal ,” said Wallace . “ With the
Driving value for Toyota dealers
ESTABLISHED IN 1968 when Jim Moran partnered with Toyota Motor Sales to help expand the automaker ’ s presence in the US market , Southeast Toyota Distributors is now the world ’ s largest independent distributor of Toyotas . Today , Southeast Toyota distributes vehicles , parts and accessories to 177 independent Toyota dealerships in Alabama , Florida , Georgia , North Carolina and South Carolina .
Toyota vehicles manufactured in Japan are processed at the company ’ s Talleyrand Marine Terminal in Jacksonville , Fla ., for distribution across the southeast . North American-made vehicles are processed at additional Southeast Toyota facilities located on the west side of Jacksonville and in Commerce , Ga .
A parts warehouse , also located in Jacksonville , supports dealerships across the five-state region . Southeast Toyota associates have a remarkable diversity of talent and support dealers with regional sales , customer service and marketing efforts .
Southeast Toyota also established the auto-transport company Southeast Transportation Systems , Inc . in 2000 to better serve our dealer partners . The company operates state-of-the-art facilities in Jacksonville and Commerce , which include a complete service shop , truck wash , fuel island and comfortable lounge for its dedicated drivers . Southeast Transportation Systems ’ fleet of more than 100 trucks and a team of 120 exceptional associates transport vehicles from Southeast Toyota ’ s vehicle processing centers to Toyota dealers . The company has been recognized as an industry leader in environmental performance and energy efficiency , and for reducing its overall carbon footprint .
Southeast Toyota Distributors is a subsidiary of JM Family Enterprises , Inc ., a privately-held company with more than $ 20 billion in revenue and more than 5,000 associates , which is headquartered in Deerfield Beach , Fla .
24 Journal of Commerce | April 22 , 2024 www . joc . com