Key takeaways from Alan Shaw at the Southern Economic Development Council annual meeting

Norfolk Southern representatives pictured from left to right: GVP Industrial Development Craig Hudson, Sr. Industrial Development Manager Brian Gwin (also serving as current chair of the SEDC), Director Industrial Development Mike Grim, President and CEO Alan Shaw, Director Industrial Development Mary Beth Flournoy, and Industrial Development Manager Mary Lesa Pegg.

The Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC) Annual Conference, held in Savannah, Georgia, brought together a powerful group of more than 600 economic development professionals and allies. In the last year, SEDC members have helped secure $220 billion in new capital investments, creating a quarter million new jobs, and SEDC member states collectively represent the third largest economy in the world. That’s why Norfolk Southern’s Industrial Development team was on-the-ground throughout the conference, discussing how we can help accelerate economic progress alongside SEDC.

Norfolk Southern has been a “go to” partner in this space for 130 years. In fact, the Southern Railway established an industrial development department in 1894, and our international presence followed shortly after, starting with an agent in London who helped European farmers settle in the South. Throughout more than a century of transformation, our industrial development efforts have always been anchored by two key principles: a steadfast commitment to our customers and partners and a site-centered approach.

We’re still at it today. In 2023 alone, we supported 35 significant economic development projects within SEDC’s membership territory, leading to the creation of 1,261 jobs and $75.9 million in investment, and our pipeline of opportunities is strong – with about 450 active projects and more than 800 available rail-served sites along our 22-state network.

Bert Brantley, President and CEO of the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, hosted Norfolk Southern President and CEO Alan Shaw for an engaging conversation about our rail network’s pivotal role in fostering economic development across the South.

He also shared:

Rail is instrumental in driving economic growth, from site selection to sustainable transport. Even without direct rail access, we offer comprehensive end-to-end supply chain solutions.

Alan laid out Norfolk Southern’s strategy – which balances service, productivity, and growth – and why it matters to the greater economy:

We’ve crafted a distinctive strategy that, paired with our strategic network and partnerships, boosts our customers' global competitiveness.

He also shared:

Rail is instrumental in driving economic growth, from site selection to sustainable transport. Even without direct rail access, we offer comprehensive end-to-end supply chain solutions.