Peoria MSA Ranks Among Nation’s Most Friendly for Moving Goods
(Peoria) – Expansion Management, a nation-wide site selection magazine, has released its 2007 Logistics Quotient. This survey ranks metropolitan statistical areas (MSA) based on a number of logistics related attributes. The Peoria MSA* received a five-star logistics ranking for 2007 and improved its 2006 score to reach the top 10 percent of logistics MSAs in the country. This is the third year the Peoria MSA has received the 5 star rating.
The factors that contribute to the ranking are: quality of the transportation and warehouse industry and its workforce; road infrastructure and congestion; state taxes and fees; interstate highways; road and bridge condition; railroad service; water-borne commerce; and air cargo. The Peoria region scored its highest marks in railroad service, water-borne commerce and road and bridge condition.
“Here in Central Illinois the logistics industry has seen a nearly 30 percent increase in employment since 2000, which is a phenomenal growth. Those jobs are not the kind that can be outsourced either; they have to be performed locally.” Jim McConoughey, President of The Heartland Partnership, noted.
Three Illinois MSAs made the list with Chicago leading Peoria followed by Champaign-Urbana. Illinois also placed seventh on the best road and bridge condition list.
Steve Jaeger, Executive Director of TransPORT, said “With the unique synergy of road, rail, air and water transportation available to us in this region, we have the pieces in place to become a major intermodal hub. The focus for the logistics industry has been towards multi-use facilities and it will continue to be a focus for TransPORT.”
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*The Peoria MSA includes Marshall, Peoria, Stark, Tazewell and Woodford counties.
To Expansion Management’s 2007 Logistics Quotient, visit:
http://www.expansionmanagement.com
Sponsored by:
© 2008 Heart of Illinois Regional Port District