Thrive to Host Third Annual State of Freight Forum on August 20 in Ringgold, Georgia

Thrive Regional Partnership’s fifth annual State of Freight forum will center 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. Presented by Chattanooga Gas, the event is scheduled for August 20, 2024 at the Catoosa County College & Career Academy in Ringgold, Georgia.

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The State of Freight forum will host one speaker and three panelists:

• ‍Chad Bernbeck,
  Hazardous Materials Specialist, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
  ‍Chad Bernbeck has been with FMCSA for 5 years, and is currently serving as a Hazardous Materials Specialist for the Georgia and Florida Divisions. He retired as a State Trooper with the Colorado State Patrol, spending the last 16 years as a Hazardous Materials Technician with the Hazardous Materials Enforcement and Response Unit. He also served 8 years in the U.S. Navy as a Nuclear Machinist Mate.‍

• 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.

• ‍Erik Preece,
  Transportation Manager, Walmart Transportation
  Erik Preece brings over two decades of invaluable expertise in supply chain management, retail operations, and transportation logistics to the forefront of the trucking industry. With a profound dedication to enhancing freight movement efficiency, Erik's insights are sought after by industry professionals seeking to optimize their operations.

In addition to this programming, attendees will have 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.

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General registration costs $25, which contributes to Thrive’s regional infrastructure planning work.