At 2 p.m. ET on Wednesday, April 15, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) will host a one-hour webinar showcasing the “Export-Oriented Industry Clusters, Trade and Transportation in Appalachia” report. This research report provides a comprehensive assessment of industry clusters and international trade in Appalachia. The report includes an analysis of key export-oriented industries and industry clusters and their economic characteristics, reflecting the evolving industrial landscape of Appalachia and the global economy these industries serve. This analysis identifies seven key export-oriented industry clusters in the Appalachian Region: (1) chemicals and plastics; (2) consumer products (including food and paper products); (3) electronics; (4) machinery; (5) metals and minerals; (6) mining; and (7) transportation equipment and vehicles.
Through analysis of these export-oriented industry clusters, this report provides insight into the ports that they use most frequently to ship exports, key trading partners, and updates on key freight trends such as the growth in warehousing and distribution, and the long-term decline of coal. Increased understanding of these industry clusters – such as areas of specialization and multi-modal transportation infrastructure needs – can help policymakers develop effective strategic economic development plans for the region.
Meet the presenters:
Ann Furbush
Ann Furbush is a Senior Economist at Cambridge Econometrics with seven years of experience in applied economics. Her areas of expertise include economic development analysis and strategy, industry cluster assessment, freight flow data, and fiscal and economic impact analysis. Ann earned her master’s in Agricultural and Resource Economics at the University of Arizona and a dual bachelor’s degree in Economics and International Business at Stonehill College.
Dan Hodge
Dan Hodge is Executive Vice President at Cambridge Econometrics with over 25 years of experience focused on transportation and economic development analysis, research and strategic plans. Dan has worked on numerous projects for the Appalachian Regional Commission related to the economic impacts of the Appalachian Development Highway System, freight flows and infrastructure, and key industries and trade. Dan holds master’s degrees in applied economics and public policy from the University of Michigan.