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[Nov. 10, 2016]

INDIANAPOLIS – Québec Associate Secretary General of Maritime Affairs Georges Farrah will examine the Canadian Province’s $9 billion maritime strategy as well as its partnership with Indiana during a special presentation at the Indiana Logistics Summit taking place Nov. 16-17 at the Indiana Convention Center. The Québec government recently announced a $9 billion plan to develop the province’s maritime infrastructure and create 10,000 jobs within five years and up to 30,000 by 2030. The State of Indiana has partnered with Québec to collaborate with shipping and maritime economic development on the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Seaway System.

Farrar was appointed in 2014 and serves as the Associate Secretary General for the implementation of the maritime strategy. Prior to his appointment, he served from 2006 to 2014 as CEO of the Société des traversiers du Québec (Society of Québec Ferries), leading a network of 13 maritime services that connect major highways, isolated regions and public transit systems throughout Québec.

“We applaud Québec’s dynamic maritime strategy and are eager to hear about the progress they have made toward driving future economic growth through an aggressive infrastructure investment,” said Ports of Indiana CEO Rich Cooper. “With Québec being a gateway to North America and Indiana a gateway to the U.S. Midwest, this amount of investment and support for the maritime industry validates a strong commitment for the growth of all shipping throughout the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence system.”

Québec and Indiana combine to generate 40 percent of the economic impact related to maritime shipping on the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Seaway. The two jurisdictions serve as co-chairs for the Conference of Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers Regional Maritime Entity, which recently released a regional maritime strategy designed to double maritime trade on the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Seaway while reducing the environmental impacts of freight transportation throughout the region.

The Summit, now in its 14th year, will include an “Election Aftermath” keynote luncheon address by political analyst and humorist Stuart Rothenberg. In addition, discussions about global issues affecting U.S. markets, workforce challenges and strategies and cost-saving measures will be presented by more than 20 executives from the U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, Celadon Group, Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana University Health and more.

A special celebration of Indiana’s international logistics and economic ties to countries around the world will take place at 5 pm on Nov. 16. This “Global Connections” Reception will feature distinguished guests including Victor Smith, Indiana Secretary of Commerce, Douglas George, Consul General of Canada, consulates from Mexico, Germany and Portugal, as well as refreshments and entertainment. This international reception is included in the registration fee, but tickets may also be purchased separately.

To register online or for more information about the 2016 Indiana Logistics Summit, visit www.indianalogistics.com. Registration includes all sessions, receptions, continental breakfast, three keynote addresses and conference materials. Sponsorships and group registrations are available by contacting Liz Folkerts at 317.232.9205.

Hosted by Ports of Indiana, Purdue University and Conexus Indiana, the Indiana Logistics Summit brings together a who’s who of people and organizations involved in all modes of transportation for discussions of critical issues facing the industry. For the first time, engineers and supply chain professionals may earn certification credits at the Summit. The Ports of Indiana is partnering with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) and the Indiana State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers to allow attendees of the conference to earn credits toward maintaining their respective certifications and licenses.

The 2016 Indiana Logistics Summit is made possible by key sponsorships, including Consolidated Grain and Barge, the Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana Economic Development Corporation and Indianapolis Business Journal.

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Media Contact: Rich Allen, 317-232-9204, rallen@portsofindiana.com