Thrive’s 5th Annual State of Freight Forum highlights alternative fuels in the transportation sector.

The forum, presented by Chattanooga Gas, increases awareness of trends that impact the logistics economy in the greater Chattanooga region.

Ringgold, Georgia: Thrive’s annual State of Freight Forum, presented by Chattanooga Gas, publicizes the freight and supply chain industry in the tri-state, increasing awareness of trends that impact the logistics economy right here in the greater Chattanooga region.

Hosted today at the Catoosa County College & Career Academy in Ringgold, Georgia, the State of Freight Forum centered on the future of alternative fuels and sustainability in the transportation sector, implementation across the supply chain, and how increased vehicle electrification and lithium ion battery production is impacting the industry.

As market demand and regulatory pressure for cleaner energy drive the innovation of alternative fuels such as hydrogen and compressed natural gas in the logistics and supply chain industry, public/private partnerships will be critical for implementation.

Thrive hosted a panel of speakers who discussed how demand for cleaner energy and regulatory pressures are shaping the future of transportation, making supply chains more sustainable. Speakers included:

• Clay Greene, Hazardous Materials Program Manager, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
  Clay Greene has 30 years of experience in application and enforcement of the Federal Motor Carrier and Hazardous Materials Regulations on three separate levels of government, having begun his career in commercial vehicle enforcement as a MCSAP Inspector in 1994 while serving as a Deputy Sheriff in Lowndes County, Georgia. In his current role, Clay oversees implementation of FMCSA's HazMat program across eleven Southern States, while supporting state enforcement partners and industry stakeholders on HazMat-related matters. He is also a certified Instructor for the agency's National Training Center.

• Carl Garofalo, Director of Sustainability Solutions, Southern Company Gas
  Carl Garofalo is the Director of Sustainability and Renewable Gas Solutions at Southern Company Gas. In this role Carl supports the development of renewable natural gas (RNG) and hydrogen sustainability solutions for Southern Company Gas and its customers. This includes unregulated project development, RNG interconnections with regulated pipeline assets, RNG procurement, and customer programs. Carl’s team also supports the development of innovative end use technologies and programs to empower customers and internal stakeholders to use energy more efficiently.

• Jessie Hensley, President, PowerUp America
  Jessie Hensley serves as the President of PowerUp America, a pioneering force in Tennessee's electric mobility and hydrogen production sectors. Drawing from a background rich in telecommunications and data center development, Jessie offers a distinctive blend of expertise to the forefront of sustainable transportation innovation. PowerUp America has been at the forefront of DC fast charging infrastructure programs, as they have successfully been awarded 5 NEVI sites in Tennessee and have applied for NEVI projects in multiple other states, showcasing their commitment to charging solutions on a national scale.

In addition to this programming, attendees had the opportunity to tour the Catoosa County College & Career Academy to learn more about how they are supporting and educating the workforce talent pipeline in various pathways including Logistics & Supply Chain Management.

The 5th Annual State of Freight Forum was made possible with funding from Chattanooga Gas and Shaw Industries.