Hoosiers don’t take lightly the title “Crossroads of America.”

It’s a moniker we’ve earned honestly: The state is in the heart of the Midwest and is one of the top manufacturing states in the country. Going hand-in-hand with manufacturing success are logistics and distribution, and the ability for Hoosier companies to move their goods efficiently and through cost-effective means.

We move products by sea, rail, over the road and through the air to national and global locations. More than 700 million tons of freight is moved annually in Indiana, according to the Indiana Department of Transportation.

As part of the ongoing Beyond the Bicentennial campaign, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce will release an open letter detailing the necessary policy positions for advancing the state’s Superior Infrastructure, as outlined in the Chamber’s long-range economic development plan Indiana Vision 2025. The letter, to be published on Sept. 27, will be the third in a series of four letters addressed to the major party gubernatorial candidates. Each letter details policies impacting the four drivers of Indiana Vision 2025. Additionally, the Indiana Logistics Summit will return to downtown Indianapolis on Nov. 16-17.

Keynote speaker Paul N. Jaenichen, Sr., United States Maritime Administrator, will address attendees on Nov. 17. Jaenichen was appointed to his position by President Obama in 2014 and is a retired career naval officer. He was a nuclear trained Submarine Officer in the U.S. Navy for 30 years, and will be speaking about the National Maritime Transportation Strategy and Marine highway projects.

New to the summit will be a series of educational breakout sessions. These will feature speakers on topics such as: rail, air cargo, barge and trucking industries; going global; innovation; policy; and workforce.

Early discounted registration is open until Sept. 30 (though registration will continue after that date). Visit the web site at www.indianalogistics.com for more information and to register.