New Orleans – Port of New Orleans officials and industry leaders from the Central Ohio River corridor have signed an agreement which could help spur commerce between the two regions.
The Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans and the Central Ohio River Business Association (CORBA) signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a working alliance to enhance cooperation and grow new business between the region and the Port. The two-year agreement with annual renewal options lays the groundwork for joint marketing activities, data interchange, regional market studies and cross training opportunities with the goal of developing new business and streamlining customer service between the Port and CORBA.
“The Port of New Orleans and the entire Lower Mississippi River historically has strong ties to business and industry throughout the Central Ohio River region,” said Port President and CEO Gary LaGrange. “Today’s agreement solidifies our efforts to work together to enhance cooperation and foster a new generation of business for both parties. It’s a win-win for all.”
The agreement, which was signed by CORBA Executive Director Eric W. Thomas and LaGrange, is the culmination of several months of discussion and planning.
“The Lower Mississippi River and the Port of New Orleans in particular is a vital gateway to the global marketplace for the Ports of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky,” said CORBA Executive Director, Eric Thomas. “This agreement formally recognizes that longstanding connection between the two regions, and reflects a doubling-down of efforts by both ports to seek out opportunities that can leverage the significant port capabilities that join us together.”
(Read More: Putting the Ports of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky on the Business Map)
CORBA consists of more than 50 members, which includes barge and towing companies, equipment supply companies, cargo terminals, shippers, marine services, commercial passenger operators, public port authorities, public agencies and technical colleges.
Founded in 2011, CORBA’s mission is to promote commerce, safety, security, environmental stewardship and public relations for the Central Ohio River Valley Region including the tristate region of Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana.
CORBA represents the newly designated Ports of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.
The Ports of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, located at exactly the half-way point of the Ohio River, is the 15th busiest port in the U.S. (by tonnage) and is the second busiest port on the inland river system.
In addition to the Ohio River, the port boasts of two class-1 railroads and multiple short lines, intersections of major interstate highways, and an international airport, all within a day’s drive of over 60 percent of the population of the U.S., and more than 50 percent of the nation’s manufacturing establishments.
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