The CLTT Industry Advisory Council Summit will take place this Thursday, May 17, 2012, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the University of Southern Mississippi campus in Long Beach on the 3rd floor of the library (pictured right).

Senator Willie Simmons, Chairman of the Highway and Transportation Committee, will be the guest Speaker and Dr. Frances Lucas, Vice President and Campus Executive Office for the University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast, will welcome and provide the opening remarks together with Dr. Tom Lansford, Gulf Coast Dean, and Dr. Joe Whitehead, Dean of the College of Science and Technology. 

The Center for Logistics, Trade, and Transportation hosted a delegation from Appalachian Regional Commission's (ARC) Network Appalachia that is examining ways to better connect the region to global markets. The Port of Gulfport, particularly in light of the ongoing expansion, has been identified as an important transportation route for the region so the delegation wanted to meet with Port officials. The ARC has developed a 21st century transportation and logistics plan that helps to assure the Region's access to both domestic and international markets. The Network Appalachia plan is a multi-jurisdictional, multi-modal network that highlights a partnership between both public and private sector interests. It builds on success with the Appalachian Development Highway System (ADHS) and stresses the importance of enhancing cooperation and coordination between the 13-state inland region and coastal port neighbors, recognizing their importance in serving as a "gateways" to international commerce. In working to build sustainable partnerships with the ports, the ARC has already conducted introductory meetings with ports in New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Norfolk, Wilmington, Charleston, Mobile, and New Orleans. This year they plan to meet with ports in Savannah, Jacksonville, and Gulfport.  LEARN MORE