Just a couple of weeks ago at the Biltmore hotel in Coral Gables, we were part of a panel of speakers. Miami’s Economic Wave of Opportunity, as we coined it, aimed at informing and discussing with small business owners what the Port Miami and the Panama Canal expansion means to South Florida.
As if planned, two days later The Miami Herald began a series of articles on the topic — shading additional light and details. Projects like the port tunnel, laying of new railroad lines to Jacksonville, the revamp of the highway system around the airport and Doral area, and many other developments which may seem as isolated projects, but in fact are a symphony of logistical improvements — all aimed at increasing commerce in Miami.
So, what does it mean, how can you benefit, and what should a small business do about it?
To answer these questions, we’ve decided to create a synopsis of articles published by The Miami Herald, The Business Journal and others and uncover ways in which “we” small business owners can take action. So here goes:
The Miami Herald
Sunday, 11.18.12
by Mimi Whitefield
Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/11/18/3104373/miami-hopes-for-early-advantage.html
Reporter Mimi Whitefield points out that Florida faces a once-in-a-generation opportunity. She highlights the shift in U.S. population growth to the south, the Panama Canal widening, the resurgence of Latin America and the Caribbean trade and that the revolution of logistic practices create the opportunity for Florida to become a global trade and logistic hub. In addition, she mentions that 40 percent or less of goods consumed in Florida, come in way of out-of-state ports. Even though Florida has 15 seaports, companies like IKEA and Home Depot truck in their goods from distribution centers located just outside of the port of Savannah.
The Breakdown
- Picking up a small percentage of Los Angeles’ business is very likely. It’s more cost effective to ship to East ports than to ship West via truck or by train.
- Large distributors are already investing in larger warehouse space and many are turning part of their storage capacity Duty Free through the new Free Trade Zone.
- Latin America’s buying power has increased as the rest of the world suffered through the downturn.
- Colombia is also expanding its port capabilities in preparation for the Panama port improvements.
What Does it Mean to You?
- If you don’t have ties with Latin America, this is a good time to start looking. Attorneys, CPAs, marketers, entertainment professionals, logistics, realtors, staffing agencies, electricians, architects, developers of commercial space, among others can expect opportunities.
- Advertise on Facebook, build connections through LinkedIn, find talent that speaks Portuguese, Chinese and know those cultures.
- Consider possible products and services that could be of interest to Latin America.
- Research government incentives for local manufacturing.
- Consider shipping your products to Latin America, and don’t forget to look north of Miami for new markets. Ground shipping is expected be cheaper through economies of scale.
- Begin to allocate funds or relationships with financing. If growth comes quickly, those who are prepared will reap the rewards quicker.
Post any questions and tell us what you are doing. If you’ve found a bank that helped you get a line of credit, a government incentive that helped you grow, or an unexpected opportunity that came from this expansion, we would gladly share it with our friends.