Wisconsin sees great advantages from Fairview Port

Everybody it seems is finding something positive for their community when it comes to the opening of the Fairview Container port.

The latest state to point northwest and wait with anticipation is Wisconsin, which is looking for ways to take advantage of the link to China through Prince Rupert's front door.

Expert: Shipping could pay off for state
By Pete Bach
Appleton Post-Crescent staff writer
May 18, 2007

GRAND CHUTE — Wisconsin must try to wrest every business advantage possible from the rapidly evolving Prince Rupert seaport in British Columbia and its huge potential impact on railroad shipping opportunities in the state.

And while they're at it, Wisconsin businesses and the 18-county New North regional organization should prepare to find ways to make the most of Schneider Logistics' investment in China, where the firm was granted authority to operate in February.

So said David Ward, president of a Madison-based firm that focuses on economic strategies and regional economic development issues.

"We tend to get hung up on land (use). Let's think less about land and more about markets. Markets create jobs," Ward told about 30 people from the local chapter of the Wisconsin Innovation Network.

Ward, speaking at the Bordini Center on the Fox Valley Technical College campus, said the Prince Rupert seaport and its ability to move rail containers directly from ship to rail cars could create tremendous opportunities for communities along the route of the Canadian National Railway in the state.

The seaport has been hailed because of its natural attributes, which include its reputation for being 2½ days closer in shipping time to Asia than any other seaport in North America and very deep.

Edward Klug, senior vice president/investments and branch manager for Stifel, Nicolaus & Co., Kimberly office, found food for thought in Ward's presentation.

"I'm on the Redevelopment Authority for Appleton and part of the thing I would like to do is innovate in the Fox Cities, and look at redevelopment districts to create some of the high-tech jobs. A lot of these ideas you take and brainstorm back at the meetings."