Adam Wasserman, a partner in Global Logistics Development Partners (GLDP), spent two days touring San Joaquin County to determine how its transportation network could be an attraction for his international clients.
He reviewed some of those findings this afternoon to the "Business Team San Joaquin" a group composed of city and county community and economic development representatives, San Joaquin Partnership staff, San Joaquin County Enterprise Zone staff, the SJCOG, Miracle Mile Association and the Downtown Stockton Alliance.
Wasserman was introduced by Audrey Taylor, Vice President of Marketing for Team California. Taylor, president of Chabin Concepts, is also a site consultant.
Wasserman explained to the group the role logistics (seaports/air cargo airports/rail) plays in the supply chain in relationship to manufacturing. He said increasing competition from Canada and Mexico makes this a critical time to examine national infrastructure, which is woefully inadequate. Thus, explained Wasserman, San Joaquin County has an advantage with the Port of Stockton and its role in the Marine Highway as well as two major intermodals - Union Pacific and BNSF.
"As the cost of fuel rises, companies are re-evaluating thier supply chain elements and those higher fuel costs will make North America more attractive for manufacturing," said Wassserman.
He said many of his clients are again looking at California as a place to do business because of its huge consumption and production centers, it's still the nubmer one state for attracting foreign direct investment as well as being responsible for more than 13% of the US Gross Domestic Product
According to Wasserman, San Joaquin County is in the "sweet spot" because of its location - the fulcrum of the growing valley- business base and land assets.
His advice to the group: more community coherence - tear down the "silos", work with the Port and create a coordinated marketing strategy.
"The Ports throughout the state are doing thier jobs - its up to the Economic Developers to work with them", said Wasserman.
With the Port of Stockton being a key asset and the Marine Highway project getting play across the county, Wasserman says there are investors casting eyes towards San Joaquin County. As he put it, there's a "ton of money looking for projects".
Wasserman has a senior background in economic strategy, project finance, infrastructure development, ports management and legislative issues. From his 23 year career, he brings a strong knowledge about integrating transportation, global logistics, infrastructure, regional economic strategy and finance.
Wasserman was a keynote speaker at “Meet the Consultants Forum” produced by TeamCalifornia, in Sacramento February 28. He was sponsored by the San Joaquin Partnership at this inaugural event.
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