The TransPORT (The Heart of Illinois Regional Port District) Board of Directors has received funding from the six counties making up the port district that will enable it to hire its first executive director.  The counties of Fulton, Marshall, Mason, Peoria, Tazewell and Woodford have collectively contributed $100,000 for the position. 

 

Given this secured funding, TransPORT is now accepting applications for the position of executive director.  The ideal candidate for the position will have experience as an assistant director of a port district.  In addition, five years of significant management experience in port operation or industrial maritime development experience providing familiarity with waterway commerce, knowledge of international and intermodal trade, and knowledge of rail, water, and highway transportation is required.

 

TransPORT has grown tremendously in the two years it has been operating.  In the past several months, TransPORT has closed on a $6.2 million bond project and announced the redevelopment of the former Caterpillar Inc. foundry in Mapleton, Illinois. In addition, TransPORT continues to explore economic development opportunities from throughout the six counties it encompasses. The work underway and projects that will be explored and implemented in the near future necessitate the hiring of a full time executive director.

 

“We are really excited about the success the TransPORT initiative has seen thus far,” says Dan Silverthorn, Chairman, TransPORT board of directors.  “With the increase in activity over the past year the organization is looking forward to hiring a Director devoted to inland port development that will focus on generating jobs throughout all six counties.”

 

The application deadline is June 23, 2006.  Cover letters and resumes should be mailed to Scott Sorrel, Assistant to the County Administrator/Interim Budget Director, County of Peoria, 324 Main Street, Room 502, Peoria, IL 61602 or email application materials to jobs@portdistrict.com.

 

For more information about TransPORT or the executive director position, contact Kip McCoy at kmccoy@h-p.org.