The Mid-America Port Commission has a new leader, and he is ready to hit the ground running.
Newly-Elected Chairman Blake Roderick will oversee the commission that covers 26 counties along the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers. It is designed to promote economic development, trade, and growth of ports in the region.
Roderick says he wants to prioritize in-person meetings with lawmakers and local leaders, and he wants to make sure those who want to develop ports in the region are not overburdened by red tape. He says the work his commission does will help the ag sector get the products they need more efficiently.