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JACKSONVILLE TRADE AND LOGISTICS addition of the new University of Florida graduate campus in Jacksonville , we will continue to attract and retain the best and brightest , propelling us to have the dynamic talent base that can compete against any region in our country .”
In addition to the region ’ s higher learning institutions , Robert Hooper , CEO of third-party logistics provider Atlantic Logistics , emphasized the importance of investing in the Jacksonville community ’ s public schools .
“ A long-term challenge for our community … is to strengthen our Duval County public school system ,” Hooper said . “ I think that ’ s critical to be able to have strong candidates coming in to work in our warehouses , the port and our logistics businesses . We need to continue to have that pipeline , so that mid- and top-level leaders want to come be in the Jacksonville community .”
With these industry growth initiatives comes a focus on environmental , social and governance ( ESG ) goals . Sustainability has become the key to success for many organizations in the trade and transportation landscape .
Alongside Jaxport and SSA Jacksonville , Crowley has funded Jaxport Express , a public-private partnership that aims to support sustainability initiatives at the Blount Island and Talleyrand marine terminals . This partnership is one of the first large-scale investments in zeroand near-zero-emission cargo handling equipment technologies in the state of Florida and hopes to achieve greenhouse gas reductions , energy-efficient terminal infrastructure upgrades and expanded cargo throughput at Jaxport .
“ That whole project was around $ 47 million . The federal grant was around $ 23 million , and the tenants kicked in just about all the rest . It ’ s going to inject a lot of new cargo-handling equipment on our facilities that will produce lower emissions during port operations ,” said Robert Peek , chief commercial officer at Jaxport . “ It ’ s part of a larger effort toward sustainability efforts that support our business .”
Atlantic Logistics benefited greatly from the continued development of Talleyrand Marine Terminal , calling it “ a critical investment .”
“ The breakbulk and the commodities that they ’ re able to run through that terminal is huge for us ,” Hooper said . “ We ’ ve just landed a major account out of there … that wouldn ’ t happen if we didn ’ t have that relationship here in Jacksonville .”
Local businesses have also placed increased emphasis on sustainability and environmental stewardship within the industry . Crowley is making these changes via partnership with Jaxport to align with the company vision .
“ Crowley remains committed to reducing emissions across its value chain , including transitioning to more efficient and electric terminal equipment to make a significant impact on Jacksonville ’ s
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Blount Island facility opening mid-2025 www . joc . com April 22 , 2024 | Journal of Commerce 25