The Oakland Board of Port Commissioners praised the California Transportation Commission for its decision to commit $242 million in voter-approved Proposition 1B bond funding to the redevelopment of the former Oakland Army Base.
Oakland-based Matson was a recipient of the 2012 CIO 100 award recognizing organizations around the world that exemplify the highest level of operational and strategic excellence in information technology. Photo courtesy of Matson
By Patrick Burnson
Published: October, 2012
The Oakland Board of Port Commissioners praised the California Transportation Commission for its decision to commit $242 million in voter-approved Proposition 1B bond funding to the redevelopment of the former Oakland Army Base.
The Oakland Army Base project involves a transformation of the former base into a world-class trade and logistics center that will strengthen the port’s position as the leading export gateway on the United States West Coast. The port handles 99 percent of all containerized goods in Northern California, and agricultural products represent approximately 40 percent of the total value of exports.
As reported in Bay Crossings, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood and California Governor Jerry Brown recently visited the port to announce $15 million in federal TIGER grant funding for the project, affirming the project’s national and strategic significance.
The affirmation of these funds follows the Oakland City Council approval in June of development agreements with Prologis for the city’s portion of the 360 acres of former Oakland Army Base that it shares with the Port of Oakland. Walter Rakowich, co-chief executive officer for San Francisco-based Prologis, told shareholders recently that his company is building on the "momentum" from last quarter.
"Customers have new requirements for e-commerce facilities and remain focused on improving supply chain efficiencies," Rakowich said. "Given continued supply constraints, our customers with targeted requirements are increasingly pursuing build-to-suits, which we are able to readily accommodate with our strategic land portfolio."
The Oakland-based California Capital Investment Group has a similar agreement with the port. The Oakland Army Base project is scheduled to break ground by the end of 2013.
Steamship Night Planned for October 16
Staged at the San Francisco Marriot Marquis on Tuesday, October 16, this year’s "Steamship Night" promises to be another success. This gathering of industry leaders and prominent players offers fellowship and fine dining without burdening party-goers with speeches or other ceremonial trappings. The event is also a great way to network, said Pacific Transportation Association Director Jane Wisdom. With live entertainment provided by Blu on Green, the event benefits local waterfront-friendly charities.
The Pacific Transportation Association is still one of the leading traffic clubs in the Country, faithful to the ideals of its founders and a valuable link to the transportation industry.
Matson Receives IT Award
Oakland-based Matson, a premier ocean transportation and logistics company, has been honored by CIO magazine as a recipient of the 2012 CIO 100 award. The 25th annual award program recognizes organizations around the world that exemplify the highest level of operational and strategic excellence in information technology. This is the second time Matson has achieved this level of recognition by the publication, with the first honor occurring in 2010.
"For 25 years now, the CIO 100 awards have honored the innovative use of technology to deliver genuine business value," said Maryfran Johnson, Editor in Chief of CIO magazine & events. "Our 2012 winners are an outstanding example of the transformative power of IT to drive everything from revenue growth to competitive advantage."
Matson was one of four transportation companies honored this year, along with FedEx, Amtrak and Old Dominion Freight Line. Other recipients included AT&T Services, IBM, Intel, Pfizer, Procter & Gamble, Verizon Wireless and the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Matson was recognized for its multi-year IT initiative, known as miLogistx, designed to support growth for its logistics subsidiary.
"Over the past decade, Matson Logistics had expanded through a combination of organic and acquisitive growth," said Peter Weis, vice president and chief information officer. "As a result, the company found itself needing to support four disparate and increasingly obsolete IT operating platforms. With the miLogistx initiative, we successfully designed, developed and implemented our own internet-based logistics platform to support 17,000 domestic vendors and 8,000 customers."
"As an asset-light business, Matson Logistics can truly differentiate itself in our markets by offering customers industry-leading shipment information management tools," said Rusty Rolfe, president of Matson Logistics. "As the domestic third-party logistics marketplace matures into a more internet-based world, logistics providers who are able to effectively connect customers and carriers via technology will be best positioned for growth opportunities. Matson Logistics is proud to be honored by CIO magazine for its IT initiatives with such a distinguished group of global companies."
