California-based logistics management firm to make Charleston new east coast hub

October 29, 2002 – A small firm with big plans has selected the Charleston region for its east coast operations hub.

Transportation Management Concepts, Inc. (TRAMCO), founded in 1990, is a professional consulting firm specializing in developing custom solutions for freight logistics management. The firm’s expansion to an office in downtown Charleston was facilitated by the Charleston Regional Development Alliance.

Officials at the Sacramento, California-based firm noted that a large number of its customers are located in the eastern half of United States, which necessitates an east coast presence. The new Charleston hub represents the second office for the company, which also has a strategic alliance with a Canadian firm. TRAMCO specializes in transportation logistics for the food service industry.

The firm expects to create under a dozen new jobs in the next two years, but officials note that the value of technology-driven firms goes beyond investment numbers and jobs: “It’s about quality, versus quantity, when a community like ours begins the long, steady march toward developing a true critical mass of technology companies,” said F. Eugene “Gene” Williams, Chairman of the Charleston Regional Development Alliance.

“When we considered a compatible east coast city for our expansion, Charleston quickly emerged as the winning choice,” said Paul W. Coulter, President.

Coulter cited the region’s allure for TRAMCO’s customers as a factor in the move here. “Charleston is the kind of place clients will want to come. It’s historical, warm, attractive – it just has something special about it.”

Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. noted that the company joins a growing community in the city’s Digital Corridor, a stretch of specially zoned properties from downtown Charleston to Daniel Island. “We see companies such as TRAMCO becoming the backbone for Charleston’s newest economic direction. We welcome you, and the valuable career opportunities you provide to our residents,” Mayor Riley said.

“We’re delighted to welcome a high-tech plum like TRAMCO to our corporate family,” said Tim Scott, Charleston County Council Chairman. “Charleston is such a natural fit for this company – as a south-Atlantic transportation logistics hub, as a great restaurant and food service town, and as the supreme place to entertain clients. I’m not sure whose decision was easier – their choosing us, or us embracing them.”

In facilitating competitive expansion and relocation projects for the region, the Alliance works with numerous organizations. An especially noteworthy partnership exists with the South Carolina Department of Commerce.

“TRAMCO’s decision to locate its east coast operations here is proof positive that the South Carolina Lowcountry has everything a forward-thinking company could want,” said Secretary of Commerce Charles S. Way, Jr. “We know TRAMCO will enjoy Charleston’s stimulating business climate, access to talented employees and wonderful quality of life.”

The Charleston Regional Development Alliance represents Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties. Its mission is to broaden and diversify business investment in this region, with a new emphasis on technology-intensive business sectors. Since its inception, the Alliance has worked with thousands of companies to help promote business investment and quality growth in the area. To learn more, go to www.charleston-for-business.com.

To learn more about today’s announced company see www.tramcologistics.com.

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Colleen Troy
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