(CSXT issued the following press release on May 29.)
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 29, 2003 – CSX Transportation (CSXT), a division of CSX Corporation (NYSE: CSX), today announced the winners of its Industrial Development Partnershipping Award for outstanding assistance in helping CSXT expand its business.
CSXT has selected John Pearson, executive director, Capital Choice Partnership, a division of the Lansing, Mich., Regional Chamber of Commerce, and Mark Sullivan, director of Community & Economic Development, in Grand Ledge, Mich., for facilitating a business partnership between CSXT and Lowe’s in the opening of a 40-acre flatbed distribution center in Grand Ledge.
“This award represents the dedication and effectiveness of two individuals whose professionalism and support helped CSXT expand its business, while furthering the growth of the communities they serve,” said David Hemphill, CSXT assistant vice president-Industrial and Economic Development. “John Pearson and Mark Sullivan provided needed information and sound economic development counsel to both CSXT and Lowe’s in developing a partnership at Grand Ledge.”
The Lowe’s distribution facility in Grand Ledge will supply 100 stores in six states. The new $13 million site plans to receive its first carload of lumber June 2. About 50 new jobs will be created at the distribution center.
“The partnership created between CSXT and Lowe’s has brought new development to the Grand Ledge area,” said Brad Hall, CSXT sales director-Forest and Industrial Products. “CSXT helps build communities while at the same time serving its customers, and local development officials are critical to this process. We congratulate and thank John and Mark for their effort.”
CSX Corporation, based in Jacksonville, Fla., owns the largest rail network in the eastern United States. CSX Transportation Inc. and its 34,000 employees provide rail transportation services over a 23,000 route-mile network in 23 states, the District of Columbia and two Canadian provinces. CSX Corporation also provides intermodal and global container terminal operations through other subsidiaries.