Sessions & Slides
Recap the 2025 Ohio Conference on Freight
Tuesday, July 29
1:15 - 2:00 P.M.
Lourenco Goncalves
Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer
Cleveland-Cliffs
Opening Keynote: Why Ohio? Freight Powering the Future of American Steel
Lourenco Goncalves, Chairman, President & CEO of Cleveland-Cliffs, shares how
Ohio’s multimodal freight network—connecting the Great Lakes, rail, and roadways—
supports Cliffs’ vertically integrated steelmaking strategy. Cleveland-Cliffs
maintains an extensive operating footprint in Ohio, including two fully integrated
steel mills, a specialty steel mill, the Toledo Direct Reduction plant, and numerous
steel finishing facilities. Each year, the company moves over 8 million tons of pellets
into Ohio and more than 8.5 million tons of finished product from its Ohio
steelmaking operations. Goncalves explains why Ohio’s freight infrastructure is
essential to innovation, efficiency, and the resurgence of U.S. manufacturing.
2:15 – 3:00 P.M.
Moderated by:
Robyn Bancroft
AICP Strategic Initiatives Manager,
OKI Regional Council of Governments
Navigating the Future: Ohio’s Maritime Freight Plan
Ohio’s maritime transportation system is a vital link in the national freight network,
ranking 8th in the U.S. for total tonnage moved. With 736 miles of navigable
waterways, eight Lake Erie ports, more than 200 active docks, and nine locks and
dams, Ohio’s waterborne freight system is both expansive and essential. This session will unveil the newly completed Ohio Maritime Plan, highlight statewide strategies,
and share real-world insights.
Panel Members:
Randy Lane
Statewide Planning Manager,
ODOT Office of Statewide Planning & Research
David S. Gutheil
Interim President & CEO / Chief Commercial Officer,
Port of Cleveland
Joe Cappel
Vice President, Business Development,
Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority
Eric Thomas
Executive Director,
Central Ohio River Business Association
Wednesday, July 30
8:30 – 9:00 A.M.
Paul Ciannavei
Associate Director
S&P Global
Exploring the Economics of US-Canada Freight Flows
Click to download presentation slides
This session explores the economic impact of the longstanding trade partnership
between the U.S. and Canada by examining historical and forecasted freight
volumes and trade agreements since 1994. Data will assess Ohio’s strategic role in
cross-border commerce and analyze how the Gordie Howe International Bridge will
enhance freight movement, with insights into key commodities, industries, and
transportation modes.
9:00 - 9:10 A.M.
Kevin Chambers
Managing Director,
Military & Federal, Logistics,
Distribution, and Supply Chain
JobsOhio
Ohio’s Competitive Advantage
Learn how JobsOhio drives economic development, business growth, and job
creation through strategic investments and partnerships. This session outlines the
state’s unique approach to empowering industries, fostering long-term growth and
resilience, positioning Ohio as a destination for U.S. and international enterprises.
9:10 - 9:55 A.M.
Moderated by:
Kevin Chambers
Managing Director,
Military & Federal, Logistics,
Distribution, and Supply Chain
JobsOhio
Maximizing Global Advantage: The Strategic Role of Foreign Trade Zones
Click to download presentation slides
Discover how Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs) can be powerful tools for strengthening
competition and navigating today’s shifting trade landscape. This session will
explain what an FTZ is, how it works, and the key benefits, such as duty deferral,
tariff relief, and streamlined customs procedures. Hear from Chuck Bills, who played
a leading role in establishing FTZ #151, which has grown to cover seven counties,
offering valuable insights into how FTZs can drive regional economic growth and
global trade efficiency.
Panel Members:
D. Paul Zito,
VP of International Development
RGP Northwest Ohio
Randy P. Campbell,
President
Campbell Trade Group
Chuck Bills,
President/CEO,
Ohio Logistics
10:15- 10:45 A.M.
Andrew Bremer,
Managing Director of Local Affairs,
DriveOhio
Abbi Failla,
Executive Vice President, Business Operations,
EASE Logistics
Driving Change: Ohio’s Role in Deploying Freight Truck Automation
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Ohio is leading the way in testing and deploying automated freight technologies. This session features DriveOhio and EASE Logistics, highlighting public-private collaboration along the 166-mile I-70 Truck Automation Corridor. Truck platooning and advanced vehicle automation showcase how innovation is reshaping the future of freight.
10:45 – 11:15 A.M.
Christopher Wichman Business Development Manager
Altitude by Geotab
The Truckers Crossroads Unveiled: Decoding I-70/I-75 Freight Trends
Click to download presentation slides
This session offers a data-driven dive, with a high-level overview of trucking trends and insights from the I-70/I-75 corridor. Then we zoom into Ohio and take a regional view on freight to analyze congestion points, truck parking needs, and transportation infrastructure, showing how data can enhance transportation resilience and efficiency.
11:15 – 11:30 A.M.
Bryan Keller
Chief Executive Officer
Keller Logistics Group
Freight Fraud: The Silent Crisis Undermining the Trucking Industry
Click to download presentation slides
Freight fraud has exploded into a full-scale, organized threat, driven by digital imposters, low prosecution rates, and systemic vulnerabilities. Learn how logistics leaders are shifting from reactive fixes to proactive defense, using layered technology, vigilant processes, and collaborative education to protect freight networks.
11:30 – 11:45 A.M.
Justin McInturff
International Logistics Manager
Jarrett Logistics
Bridging Compliance and Speed: Best Practices for Cross-Border Customs Readiness
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crucial. This session offers practical strategies for importers, exporters, and
logistics providers to streamline customs processes without compromising
regulatory integrity, preparing you to navigate customs smarter and with
confidence.
Detroit Experience Presenters
Gordie Howe Bridge Tour Facilitator
Katie Bosco
Manager, Outreach and Engagement
Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority
Gordie Howe Bridge Tour Facilitator
Stephanie Campeau
Associate Vice President, Stakeholder and Community Relations
Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority
Thursday, July 31
8:30-9:00 A.M.
Kendra Robinson
President,
InterJet West
Navigating the Air Freight Landscape
Click to download presentation slides
From the unmatched speed and reliability of air freight to its critical role in global
emergencies and modern e-commerce, the session explores key trends, market
volatility, regulatory challenges, and the rising importance of regional hubs like
Toledo. With equal parts strategy, innovation, and wit, this presentation will equip
stakeholders not just to survive the turbulence, but to fly smarter through it.
9:00 - 10:00 A.M.
Regional Airports: Runways to the Future
Growth through AI Driven Advanced Air Mobility
Click to download presentation slides
Fulton County Airport is taking bold steps to become a regional leader in Advanced
Air Mobility (AAM), starting with infrastructure to support missions like crop spraying
and air ambulance operations. Strategic investments in new hangars and new
technology lay a foundation for safe, scalable AAM integration. With ample countyowned
land and a proactive strategy to attract operators, the airport is uniquely positioned to demonstrate how future aviation can deliver real benefits to rural communities.
Operation Lollipop Drop: Introduction to Third Revolution Flight
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Last summer, a unique public-private collaboration brought Advanced Air Mobility
(AAM) to life in the Shores & Islands region. Operation Lollipop Drop trained high
school seniors in drone operation, culminating in Ohio’s first unmanned delivery
flight between the mainland and South Bass Island. Learn how public and private
partners worked together to show the future of workforce development and
regional innovation.
10:00 – 10:30 A.M.
Moderated by:
Chase Eikenbary
Vice President of Project Management
Regional Growth Partnership
Rail-Served and Ready Sites
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Rail access is a powerful driver of economic development that can slash transportation costs, streamline logistics, and reduce environmental impact while offering a competitive supply-chain edge. This session will explore the potential of rail-served land, including how to define and identify a rail-served site, assess customer needs, and build effective partnerships with railroads.
Panel Members:
Matthew Dietrich
Executive Director
Ohio Rail Development Commission
Matt Davis
Vice President, Real Estate
Regional Growth Partnership
Zachary Zaluski
Industrial Development Manager – Ohio
Norfolk Southern Corporation
10:30 – 11:30 A.M.
Moderated by:
Tim Derickson
Managing Director of Food and Agribusiness
JobsOhio
Innovating Ag Logistics:
The Louis Dreyfus Rail Project in Wyandot County
Click to download presentation slides
Discover how a $500 million investment is creating a major hub for agricultural
logistics. Slated for completion in 2026, the Louis Dreyfus Company’s state-of-theart
crush facility will process more than 1.5 million metric tons of soybeans annually.
With access to multiple Class I railroads via the Chicago, Ft. Wayne & Eastern
Railroad and featuring over 57,000 feet of track and capacity for 940 railcars, the
project sets a new standard in innovative rail logistics.
Panel Members:
Travis Smith
Assistant Vice President of Sales and Marketing
Genesee & Wyoming Rail Road Services Inc.
Madison Corbi
Manager of Demand and Market Development
Ohio Soybean Council
EXPLORE THE FULL AGENDA
Sponsors
Thank you to the Sponsors of the 2025 Ohio Conference on Freight!