By Karen Robes Meeks
Strengthening partnerships with Long Beach agencies is a top priority for the Port of Long Beach’s newest president of the Board of Harbor Commissioners.
Harbor Commission President Lou Anne Bynum recently outlined her goals at her first meeting as president, which include connecting with educational and government institutions as a way of expanding economic development opportunities in the industry.
“Many great institutions are working locally right now to grow the economy – Cal State Long Beach, Long Beach City College, Long Beach Unified, our city and private sector entities,” said Bynum, the executive vice president of College Advancement and Economic Development at Long Beach City College. “Together, as a kind of virtual center for innovation, we could tackle export development, green technology incubation, supply chain efficiency and maritime workforce training.”
She also expressed interest in deepening the port’s involvement in local schools, including Cabrillo High School’s Academy of Global Logistics program. To achieve this, Bynum wants the port to tie its education outreach efforts to the ”Long Beach College Promise,” a citywide initiative promising a college education to every Long Beach Unified School District student.
“We must nurture the workforce of tomorrow, to help continue to propel this port forward for generations to come,” she noted.