Freight transport leader John Bowe named to Economic Development committee

John Bowe, President of the Americas for global container shipping line APL, has joined a state advisory committee created to strengthen California's role in international trade. Bowe's appointment to the Goods Movement and International Trade Advisory Committee was announced this month by Lt. Gov. John Garamendi.

Bowe was one of nine business, government and labor leaders appointed to the committee. Their job will be to counsel the state's Commission for Economic Development on trade and goods movement issues. Garamendi is chairman of the commission.

"The health of our economy and quality of life depend upon the safe, efficient delivery of goods to and from our ports and borders,' said Garamendi. "I look forward to working with our partners in Goods Movement to build an increasingly sustainable climate in this vital sector allowing California to maintain its position of leadership in the global marketplace."

Bowe, a 21-year shipping industry veteran at APL, is responsible for all the activities of APL and its sister company ' APL Logistics ' in North, Central and South America. A top industry spokesman on the topic of freight transport infrastructure, he's a member of the Washington, D.C.-based Transportation Research Board.

In his new role, Bowe will help the Commission for Economic Development address issues that could dampen future trade growth. These include congestion at ports and on highways and railways, and the environmental impact of goods movement.

The bipartisan Commission for Economic Development, consisting of government, community, labor, business, and education leaders, provides policy advice and recommendations to the Governor, Legislature and private sector to improve the economic well being and quality of life for Californians.

The Goods Movement and International Trade Advisory Committee that Bowe joins will provide expertise regarding goods movement in the state. It will also identify key challenges to the industry's growth and offer recommendations for solutions.

'As part of a company that has taken the lead on freight transport issues, and as a proud citizen of this state, I'm honored to serve the Goods Movement committee,' Bowe said. 'I want to prove that trade growth, job creation and environmental stewardship are not mutually exclusive.'