FEDEX GROUND PACKAGE SYSTEMS, INC. EXPANDS
On June 29, FedEx Ground Package Systems, Inc. celebrated the $52 million expansion of its 250,000-square foot distribution and logistics center in Montgomery. Construction is underway with plans to open in 2023; the facility will employ approximately 150 people.
Mayor Steven L. Reed said, “FedEx’s continued investment in Montgomery showcases our essential role in global logistics and solutions for major industries. We look forward to building on this longstanding partnership and creating new opportunities for growth, development and prosperity.”
FedEx continues its longstanding relationship with its development partner, The Westmoreland Company, as it relocates the existing FedEx Ground facility located at 7910 Bill Joseph Parkway to 120 Folmar Parkway. The new state-of-the-art facility will be situated on 46 acres and handle more than twice the package volume of the existing facility. The site is in the Montgomery Water and Sewer Boards’ Interstate Industrial Park and will also include a new access road that will connect Folmar Parkway to Wasden Road.
County Commission Chair Doug Singleton said, “We are proud to welcome the expansion of FedEx’s distribution and logistics center in Montgomery County. The investment continues to build upon Montgomery’s reputation as the growing logistics hub of the Southeast.”
Montgomery Chamber Board Chair Cedric Campbell added, “FedEx’s expansion is a result of a continued and deepened partnership, and we are so thankful for this investment. Together, opportunities continue to abound for the River Region.”
MONTGOMERY CHAMBER WELCOMES NEW VICE PRESIDENT, MILITARY AFFAIRS
Scott Rizer joined the Chamber team effective July 18, in a new role as Vice President, Military Affairs. Rizer will be responsible for maintaining and continually improving the relationship between the military and civilian communities. “Scott will play a vital role as a communications link between our Maxwell-Gunter Air Force bases, our military community at-large and our state and federal legislators. We are thrilled to have Scott join our organization,” said Anna Buckalew, Chamber President and CEO.
After graduating with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and a master’s degree from the University of South Dakota, Rizer began his military career at the Maxwell Airforce Base at the Squadron Officer School. He returned more than 10 years later as an Air War College student with courses focusing on warfighting, foundations of strategy, joint strategic leadership, national security decision making and global security.
When he had the opportunity to return to Montgomery for his final assignment with the Air Force, he readily accepted. He recently retired from Maxwell Air War College, where he served as Seminar Director and Department of Strategy Instructor. Rizer and his wife Kacy have lived many places in the United States and abroad; however, they consciously made the decision that Montgomery was the place they wanted to call “home.”
BEST HOMETOWN IN THE AIR FORCE HOSTED FAREWELL & CONGRATULATIONS RECEPTION FOR GENERAL HECKER
On June 30, the Chamber held a farewell and congratulations reception for General James Hecker, who will be departing Montgomery for his new command, U.S. Air Forces in Europe –Air Forces Africa, NATO Allied Air Command. General Hecker is leaving his role as Commander and President of Air University, where he was once an AU student. He took command of Air University in November 2019 and during his tenure furthered AU’s mission to “Educate and develop Air, Space, and Cyberspace warrior leaders ISO the National Defense Strategy.” The Chamber thanks him for his service and wishes him well in all his future endeavors.
PREMIER TECH EXPANDING IN MONTGOMERY
Premier Tech is investing $32 million for the construction of a new facility in Montgomery for its Systems and Automation business group, specialized in the design and manufacturing of innovative end-of-line packaging and palletizing solutions that help increase capacity and optimize manufacturing facilities.
Montgomery Mayor Steven L. Reed said, “We are grateful for a global company like Premier Tech that has committed to invest in Montgomery and deepen its roots with innovative end-of-line packaging and the creation of new jobs for our community.”
Construction is underway for the new 100,000-square-foot facility. Once open in 2023, the facility will employ approximately 180 people. Premier Tech is a global company, and through a broad portfolio of products, services and technologies, is active in many market sectors including horticulture, agriculture and home and garden, automation and efficiency enhancement of manufacturing facilities and water management, treatment and recycling.
“We are proud to welcome Premier Tech to its newest facility in Montgomery County. Its investment showcases that Montgomery is on the world stage for innovation and technology,” said County Commission Chair Doug Singleton.
“We are so honored that Premier Tech has expanded since selecting Montgomery as one of its homes in 28 countries all over the world,” said Montgomery Chamber Chair Cedric Campbell. “Partnership and teamwork are key to this kind of economic growth, and we are grateful for the impact this kind of investment will have on the entire region.”
CEREMONY HONORED CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL RECIPIENT
On July 26, in a joint private ceremony, Colonel Eries Mentzer, 42nd Air Base Wing Commander and the Chamber honored Catherine Romay Johnson Davis, member of the 6888th Battalion and recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal. The women of the 6888th or “Six Triple Eight,” deployed to Europe in 1945 to sort through the backlog of mail whose delayed delivery was hurting morale on the frontlines.
Working through horrid conditions, the 855 women cut down the six-month backlog in just three months. Their work is credited with ensuring aid got to the frontlines and with comforting mothers and saving marriages. Recently, The House of Representatives passed legislation to award the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion the Congressional Gold Medal. Today, only six of the women are still alive. At 102, Catherine Romay Johnson Davis is the oldest.
