Australia-Based Developer Closes Escrow On Former C-17 Site
The former 1.1-million-square-foot manufacturing facility for the Boeing C-17 aircraft and surrounding land have been sold to Australia-based developer Goodman Group for future development, Boeing confirmed with the Business Journal. Escrow on the 93-acre property closed June 27. “I’m pleased to confirm . . . we acquired Boeing’s C-17 manufacturing property in Long Beach,” Anthony Rozic, CEO of Goodman North America, said in an e-mail to the Business Journal. “The 93-acre facility will been renamed ‘Goodman Commerce Center Long Beach’ and we are currently partnering with the City of Long Beach on future plans for the site.” The City of Long Beach has been working on the Globemaster Corridor Specific Plan, development guidelines for the Cherry Avenue corridor between Spring to Carson streets, for about one year. City staff have conducted several public outreach events for community input. For more information, pick up the July 2 edition of the Long Beach Business Journal or read it online at lbpost.com/lbbj. – Senior Writer Brandon Richardson

Freight Startup NEXT Trucking Inks Deal To Open Long Beach Drayage Facility
El Segundo-based freight startup NEXT Trucking has announced plans to open an 18-acre drayage facility in Long Beach. The firm’s new property is located on East 208th Street, right between the 710 Freeway and the Los Angeles River. NEXT Trucking is one of several startups in the Long Beach area that is seeking to disrupt the logistics industry around the nation’s busiest ports. To learn more about these new businesses and how they leverage technology to change the logistics industry, listen to this episode of the Long Beach Business Podcast or read our recent article on the issue here. “We’re creating a solution to ease congestion and eliminate the biggest choke-point throughout the shipping industry,” NEXT CEO Lidia Yan said. According to the press release, delays in drayage are costing the industry $350 million annually, a challenge the company is planning to address with its new facility and proprietary technology. The new yard’s proximity to the port will lead to quicker turn times for drivers and cargo, increasing throughput and reducing emissions, the press release stated.

State Treasurer, Former Senator To Launch Retirement Savings Program July 1
On June 26, California State Treasurer Fiona Ma’s office announced the planned launch of CalSavers, described as a state retirement savings program that will be accessible to more than seven million Californians who lack a workplace plan. The program is scheduled to launch Monday, July 1, at 10 a.m. at the State Treasurer’s Office in Sacramento. Ma will be joined by former State Senate Leader Kevin de Léon and members of the CalSavers governing board. The program completed a successful pilot phase in November 2018, Ma’s office stated. Monday is the first day that an estimated 250,000 employers can sign up. De León authored SB 1234, which led to the creation of CalSavers, according to Ma’s office. SB 1234 requires that all employers with five or more workers who don’t already offer a retirement plan must either begin offering a qualified plan from the private market or register for CalSavers. Ma’s office also stated that employers will need to meet “a series of staggered deadlines that rolls out over the next three years” to provide plans to their workers. More information is available at www.calsavers.com.

Port Of Long Beach Crowned Best West Coast Seaport in North America
The Shipping Trade Publication Asia Cargo News named the Port of Long Beach as the “Best West Coast Seaport” in North America during its 33rd Asian Freight, Logistics and Supply Chain Awards in Hong Kong on June 17. Contestants for the annual award are judged by importers, exporters, logistics and supply chain professionals. “We’ve invested $4 billion in modernization projects over the last 10 years, in a program designed to provide our supply chain partners with the services and facilities they need to move their goods rapidly and efficiently,” Long Beach Harbor Commission President Tracy Egoscue said. “It’s great to see customers satisfied, and we would like to thank Asia Cargo News for the award.” Last year, Asia Cargo News honored the port with the “Best Green Seaport” award. “Our business is focused on Asia, so this is a special honor,” Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero said. “We’ll continue our focus on ensuring the Port remains the premier gateway for trans-Pacific trade.”

Port of Long Beach Officials Recognize Ocean Carriers Participating In Environmental Program
The Port of Long Beach today recognized more than 135 shipping lines for participating in the port’s Green Flag Incentive Program, which offers financial incentives for cargo vessels to slow down near the port to reduce air pollution. The port awarded green flags to ocean carriers who opted into the initiative last year. Participating carriers must slow their ships down to 12 knots or less within 20 or 40 nautical miles of the Port of Long Beach, officials said. “Our shipping line partners play an important role in our efforts to improve air quality at the port and our surrounding communities,” Tracy Egoscue, president of the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners, said. Port officials estimated that the slowing of cargo ships is preventing the emission of 45,000 tons of greenhouse gases and 1,000 tons of green air pollutants every year. In 2018, 136 shipping lines met or exceeded the program’s required 90% participation rate at either 20 or 40 nautical miles, officials said. Within 20 nautical miles, 95.8% of vessels slowed down, while 91.14% slowed down within 40 nautical miles. Ocean carriers achieving a 90% or higher compliance rate at the 40 nautical mile mark are eligible for a 25% reduction in dockage rates, while those slowing down within 20 nautical miles receive a 15% break in fees. The Port of Long Beach initiated the program in 2005.

Chamber of Commerce To Feature 34th District State Senator For Luncheon Series
The Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce will host a luncheon tomorrow, June 28, at Hotel Maya, located at 700 Queensway Blvd., featuring California State Senator Tom Umberg, of the 34th District. The event, scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., is part of the chamber’s 2019 California Visionary Leader luncheon series, highlighting national and statewide public service individuals. Umberg is a retired U.S. Army Colonel, small business owner and former federal prosecutor as well as a three-term state legislator and former deputy drug czar for U.S. President Bill Clinton. During his time as deputy drug czar, Umberg was responsible for foreign drug interdiction, counter-drug intelligence and international drug policy, the chamber stated. In the state senate, Umberg represents Orange County and part of Southeast Long Beach. Register online at lbchamber.com/visionary. Cost: $50.