George H. Cohen, director of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, which is providing mediation in the contract negotiations between the United States Maritime Alliance and International Longshoremen’s Association, reported “productive negotiations” after the first five days of talks earlier this month.
“The parties are making good progress on a number of difficult issues at the full committee and subcommittee levels,” he said, adding the group would meet again in the next few weeks.
Wednesday, Cohen issued another statement.
“I am pleased to report that the parties met the past two days and discussed a number of major issues,” he said. “As a result of these discussions, the parties will have their respective committees review their positions and analyze associated costs.
“Meanwhile, the parties’ subcommittees will continue to meet in an effort to resolve additional outstanding issues.
“I wish to commend the parties for their hard work and their commitment to this process.”
The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, created in 1947, is an independent U.S. government agency whose mission is to preserve and promote labor-management peace and cooperation.
Another feather in Siplon’s cap
Page Siplon, executive director of the Savannah-based Georgia Center of Innovation for Logistics, has been appointed to the newly formed U.S. Advisory Committee on Supply Chain Competitiveness by acting U.S. Secretary of Commerce Rebecca M. Blank.
Blank appointed Siplon only weeks after he was named by DC Velocity Magazine to its “2012 Logistics Rainmaker” list, which annually recognizes the top 10 logistics professionals in the nation.
Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal nominated Siplon for the committee. Representing the state of Georgia, he is one of only two committee members selected from the Southeast.
“I am pleased the U.S. Department of Commerce is engaging private industry so closely in efforts to shape the competitive strategy of our nation’s supply chains,” said Deal. “Here in Georgia, logistics is a solid cornerstone of our competitiveness and has been a major factor in creating new jobs and prosperity for companies in every corner of our state. Page’s leadership of our Center of Innovation for Logistics continues to pay dividends to our focused economic development efforts, and we are excited to have him now represent our state on this important national committee.”
The Advisory Committee on Supply Chain Competitiveness will act as a liaison between industry and government and is an important step toward ensuring regular contact with the supply chain industries, including manufacturers, distributors and exporters.
The committee’s advice will also be useful in the development of a national freight policy and in executing the National Export Initiative, which aims to double U.S. exports by the end of 2014. Committee members are recognized leaders and represent a wide range of supply chain expertise from companies such as Campbell Soup, Hewlett-Packard, General Electric, Pfizer, Target and Office Depot, as well as national industry associations and experts from academia.
Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson will serve on the committee as nonvoting members. The committee held its first official full meeting last week in Washington.
“I am honored to join such an esteemed group of industry experts and leaders on this new advisory committee,” Siplon said. “I look forward to being actively involved and helping our industry here in Georgia compete and grow in yet another capacity.”
As an industry-focused division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Center of Innovation for Logistics helps companies overcome challenges and capitalize on opportunities related to the movement of freight. The center provides focused expertise, specific industry data, connections to state resources and an extensive cross-sector industry network.
Wheeler joins SCPA
John M. Wheeler, who spent more than two decades with the Georgia Ports Authority, most recently as senior director of trade development, has joined the South Carolina Ports Authority as vice president of carrier sales, beginning Monday.
Wheeler left GPA in early September.
River flight
Maritime businessman McLeod Rominger reports tourists and locals on East River Street were treated to quite a sight recently when a bald eagle swooped down to take a fish from the river in front of the old Savannah Electric building.
“It flew to a tree on the opposite bank near the Corps of Engineers dock and stayed for a while,” said the former Propeller Club president.
“It was amazing to watch.”
Senior business reporter Mary Carr Mayle covers the ports for the Savannah Morning News. She can be reached at 912-652-0324 or at mary.mayle@savannahnow.com.