By Karen Robes Meeks
The Oregon International Port of Coos Bay will be honored on October 4 by the American Association of Port of Authorities (AAPA) for its outstanding communication programs.
The port will accept its award at the AAPA’s 51st annual Communications Awards Program luncheon in Long Beach, California, where AAPA is also hosting its annual convention.
The port, which submitted the Coos Bay rail line Railroad Centennial project in the Special Events category, earned an Award of Excellence in AAPA’s Communications Competition. Coos Bay was among 18 recipients who received an Award of Excellence.
“Ports play an integral role in the economic development of their region and part of that role is to tell the story of the Port to our community, business leaders and policy makers,” said Coos Bay CEO John Burns. “The Coos Bay rail line Railroad Centennial was a platform for us to celebrate this region’s history with our community as well as look towards further economic development in the future. We want to thank the AAPA for recognizing these efforts, the stakeholders who made this event possible, and to all the attendees who came and celebrated with us.”
Showing posts with label AAPA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label AAPA. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 3, 2017
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
US Transportation Secretary to Speak at Ports Conference
By Mark Edward Nero
US Congressman Steve Scalise (R-LA) and US Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao will serve as keynote luncheon speakers on April 4 and April 5, respectively, during the 2017 spring conference of the American Association of Port Authorities.
In addition to the two keynote addresses and honoring Scalise with AAPA’s 2017 Port Person of the Year award, Adam Goldstein, president and COO of Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, is expected to present remarks after receiving AAPA’s 2017 Cruise Award on April 5.Other dignitaries, including House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment Chairman Garret Graves (R-LA), will discuss how port priorities will stack up under the Trump Administration and in the 115th Congress.
“In addition to the honor of having Secretary Chao and Congressman Scalise serve as our keynote speakers and kicking off the event with a celebration of the second annual Western Hemisphere Ports Day, we’re looking forward to the many informative and provocative discussions at this year’s program,” AAPA President and CEO Kurt Nagle said in a statement.
Western Hemisphere Ports Day – which in 2017 is celebrated on April 4 – is an annual recognition of the unity, importance and value of seaports throughout the Americas.
The conference takes place at the Renaissance Washington DC Downtown Hotel in Washington, DC.
More information about the event, including the agenda and speakers, is available at https://my.aapa-ports.org/Public/Events/Event_Display.aspx?EventKey=17SPRING
US Congressman Steve Scalise (R-LA) and US Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao will serve as keynote luncheon speakers on April 4 and April 5, respectively, during the 2017 spring conference of the American Association of Port Authorities.
In addition to the two keynote addresses and honoring Scalise with AAPA’s 2017 Port Person of the Year award, Adam Goldstein, president and COO of Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, is expected to present remarks after receiving AAPA’s 2017 Cruise Award on April 5.Other dignitaries, including House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment Chairman Garret Graves (R-LA), will discuss how port priorities will stack up under the Trump Administration and in the 115th Congress.
“In addition to the honor of having Secretary Chao and Congressman Scalise serve as our keynote speakers and kicking off the event with a celebration of the second annual Western Hemisphere Ports Day, we’re looking forward to the many informative and provocative discussions at this year’s program,” AAPA President and CEO Kurt Nagle said in a statement.
Western Hemisphere Ports Day – which in 2017 is celebrated on April 4 – is an annual recognition of the unity, importance and value of seaports throughout the Americas.
The conference takes place at the Renaissance Washington DC Downtown Hotel in Washington, DC.
More information about the event, including the agenda and speakers, is available at https://my.aapa-ports.org/Public/Events/Event_Display.aspx?EventKey=17SPRING
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
AAPA Launches Port Infrastructure Advocacy Campaign
By Mark Edward Nero
The American Association of Port Authorities has launched a campaign that will advocate for transportation infrastructure investment on behalf of the nation’s manufacturers, farmers and other workers who count on modern and efficient seaports to move American products to vital overseas markets.
Called the “America: Keep It Moving” campaign, AAPA’s US members in the coming months plan to coordinate actions to inform policymakers, and those who influence policy, about the job-creating power of US ports as the Trump Administration and Congress consider plans for national infrastructure improvements and funding.
“The nation’s seaports serve a vital role in US job creation, economic prosperity and international competitiveness,” AAPA President and CEO Kurt Nagle said in a statement. “To help American businesses compete in overseas markets, the Administration and Congress must make investments today to build a 21st century seaport infrastructure.”
Port activity supports 23 million American jobs and generates $321 billion in federal, state and local tax revenue each year, according to the AAPA, while the total value of economic activity related to America’s ports is $4.6 trillion. “Ports send products made in America’s cities, towns and rural communities to markets around the world,” Nagle said. “This activity is critical to the workers and management of US manufacturers, service companies, farmers and nearly every other kind of business across the nation.”
One of every three acres on American farmland is planted for export markets, according to the US Chamber of Commerce, and nearly 12 million jobs are supported by exports nationwide, including a quarter of all manufacturing jobs. Infrastructure investment impacts how efficiently US goods are transported to port facilities for export. Among the highways that take US goods to market, some 1,200 miles of the nation’s road, bridges and tunnels serve as vital freight connections to ports, much of which is in dire need of investment.
According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, the cost of deficient highways could cost US businesses and households up to $575 billion by 2025, reaching a $3.2 trillion loss by 2040.
The volume of freight in the US is projected to grow more than 40 percent by 2045, while the value of that same freight is projected to increase about 92 percent, according to the US Department of Transportation. By 2037, the US is expected to export over 52 million shipping containers through US seaports annually.
“We must prepare the nation’s infrastructure to meet a growing demand for the safe, efficient movement of freight,” Nagle said. “To keep America moving, the time to invest in port infrastructure is now.”
The American Association of Port Authorities has launched a campaign that will advocate for transportation infrastructure investment on behalf of the nation’s manufacturers, farmers and other workers who count on modern and efficient seaports to move American products to vital overseas markets.
Called the “America: Keep It Moving” campaign, AAPA’s US members in the coming months plan to coordinate actions to inform policymakers, and those who influence policy, about the job-creating power of US ports as the Trump Administration and Congress consider plans for national infrastructure improvements and funding.
“The nation’s seaports serve a vital role in US job creation, economic prosperity and international competitiveness,” AAPA President and CEO Kurt Nagle said in a statement. “To help American businesses compete in overseas markets, the Administration and Congress must make investments today to build a 21st century seaport infrastructure.”
Port activity supports 23 million American jobs and generates $321 billion in federal, state and local tax revenue each year, according to the AAPA, while the total value of economic activity related to America’s ports is $4.6 trillion. “Ports send products made in America’s cities, towns and rural communities to markets around the world,” Nagle said. “This activity is critical to the workers and management of US manufacturers, service companies, farmers and nearly every other kind of business across the nation.”
One of every three acres on American farmland is planted for export markets, according to the US Chamber of Commerce, and nearly 12 million jobs are supported by exports nationwide, including a quarter of all manufacturing jobs. Infrastructure investment impacts how efficiently US goods are transported to port facilities for export. Among the highways that take US goods to market, some 1,200 miles of the nation’s road, bridges and tunnels serve as vital freight connections to ports, much of which is in dire need of investment.
According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, the cost of deficient highways could cost US businesses and households up to $575 billion by 2025, reaching a $3.2 trillion loss by 2040.
The volume of freight in the US is projected to grow more than 40 percent by 2045, while the value of that same freight is projected to increase about 92 percent, according to the US Department of Transportation. By 2037, the US is expected to export over 52 million shipping containers through US seaports annually.
“We must prepare the nation’s infrastructure to meet a growing demand for the safe, efficient movement of freight,” Nagle said. “To keep America moving, the time to invest in port infrastructure is now.”
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
AAPA Concerned About Port Funding Cuts Under Trump
By Mark Edward Nero
The American Association of Port Authorities said March 16 that it has concerns regarding the potential of significant declines for most federally funded, port-related programs in President Trump’s first proposed fiscal budget.
Proposed for the budget chopping block is the US Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grants program, which last year awarded US ports $61.8 million in multimodal infrastructure grants such as dock, rail and road improvements. Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security’s Port Security Grants Program (PSGP), which Congress last funded at $100 million and provided 35 port security-related grants in fiscal 2017, is expected to experience a significant cut.
“We’re apprehensive about the fiscal 2018 budget,” AAPA president and CEO Kurt Nagle said. “Adequate federal investments into US port-related infrastructure, both on the landside and waterside, are crucial for the efficient movement of goods so the nation can remain globally competitive.”
Activities at US seaports account for more than a quarter of the nation’s economy, support over 23 million American jobs and generate more than $320 billion a year in federal, state and local tax revenue, according to the AAPA.
“International trade through ports is vital to our economy,” Nagle said.
The AAPA has also given its key recommendations for the fiscal 2018 budget. They include:
• Expand the USDOT’s TIGER program, or create a similar new, multimodal discretionary grant program, and fund it at $1.25 billion annually.
• Continue funding USDOT’s FAST Act programs at currently authorized levels, which includes formula funds to states and grants for nationally and regionally significant transportation projects.
• Increase funding to $400 million for the Department of Homeland Security’s Port Security Grant Program and increase the number of Customs officers in the maritime environment by 500.
“While the president’s budget request includes significant funding cuts to some port-related programs, we’re hopeful that, as the fiscal 2018 budget process as well as the anticipated sizable infrastructure package moves forward, that significant federal investments will be made in port-related infrastructure. Such investments will pay huge dividends in terms of economic growth, American jobs and tax revenues.”
The American Association of Port Authorities said March 16 that it has concerns regarding the potential of significant declines for most federally funded, port-related programs in President Trump’s first proposed fiscal budget.
Proposed for the budget chopping block is the US Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grants program, which last year awarded US ports $61.8 million in multimodal infrastructure grants such as dock, rail and road improvements. Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security’s Port Security Grants Program (PSGP), which Congress last funded at $100 million and provided 35 port security-related grants in fiscal 2017, is expected to experience a significant cut.
“We’re apprehensive about the fiscal 2018 budget,” AAPA president and CEO Kurt Nagle said. “Adequate federal investments into US port-related infrastructure, both on the landside and waterside, are crucial for the efficient movement of goods so the nation can remain globally competitive.”
Activities at US seaports account for more than a quarter of the nation’s economy, support over 23 million American jobs and generate more than $320 billion a year in federal, state and local tax revenue, according to the AAPA.
“International trade through ports is vital to our economy,” Nagle said.
The AAPA has also given its key recommendations for the fiscal 2018 budget. They include:
• Expand the USDOT’s TIGER program, or create a similar new, multimodal discretionary grant program, and fund it at $1.25 billion annually.
• Continue funding USDOT’s FAST Act programs at currently authorized levels, which includes formula funds to states and grants for nationally and regionally significant transportation projects.
• Increase funding to $400 million for the Department of Homeland Security’s Port Security Grant Program and increase the number of Customs officers in the maritime environment by 500.
“While the president’s budget request includes significant funding cuts to some port-related programs, we’re hopeful that, as the fiscal 2018 budget process as well as the anticipated sizable infrastructure package moves forward, that significant federal investments will be made in port-related infrastructure. Such investments will pay huge dividends in terms of economic growth, American jobs and tax revenues.”
Friday, March 17, 2017
April 4 is ‘Ports Day,’ AAPA Announces
By Mark Edward Nero
The American Association of Port Authorities says that its entire membership in North, South and Central America and the Caribbean will celebrate Western Hemisphere Ports Day on Tuesday, April 4 in recognition of the industry’s role in supporting job creation and propelling the economies of the nations they serve across the Americas.
“As the unified and recognized voice of the port industry in the Western Hemisphere, AAPA is excited to continue to share its story around the globe,” AAPA’s president and CEO, Kurt Nagle, said in a statement.
“Ports Day is part of an ongoing commitment to remind our policymakers, policy influencers and the public about the important role ports play in facilitating the movement of trade and linking their nations to the global economy,” Nagle said.
Combined international sea trade moving through Western Hemisphere ports in 2015 totaled 3.45 billion metric tons in volume and $3.36 trillion in value, according to IHS Inc. World Trade Service. Of that total, North American ports handled 1.76 billion metric tons of goods, valued at $2.21 trillion, while ports in Central and South America handled 1.69 billion metric tons of cargo, valued at $1.15 trillion.
A report by Martin Associates on the national economic impact of the US coastal port system, found that in the U.S. alone, ports’ contribution to the national economy reached nearly $4.6 trillion in 2014.
“Seaports of the Western Hemisphere are job creators and stimulators that deliver prosperity around the globe,” Nagle said. “It’s critical that wise investments are made to our transportation infrastructure to ensure that our industry can continue to make a valuable contribution to the economy.”
“We’re proud to recognize the contributions of our member ports as we celebrate Western Hemisphere Ports Day,” he added. “In support of workers, farmers, employers, manufacturers and consumers everywhere, our ports are united in planning for the future, creating jobs and propelling the economy.” More information about Western Hemisphere Ports Day is available at www.aapa-ports.org.
The American Association of Port Authorities says that its entire membership in North, South and Central America and the Caribbean will celebrate Western Hemisphere Ports Day on Tuesday, April 4 in recognition of the industry’s role in supporting job creation and propelling the economies of the nations they serve across the Americas.
“As the unified and recognized voice of the port industry in the Western Hemisphere, AAPA is excited to continue to share its story around the globe,” AAPA’s president and CEO, Kurt Nagle, said in a statement.
“Ports Day is part of an ongoing commitment to remind our policymakers, policy influencers and the public about the important role ports play in facilitating the movement of trade and linking their nations to the global economy,” Nagle said.
Combined international sea trade moving through Western Hemisphere ports in 2015 totaled 3.45 billion metric tons in volume and $3.36 trillion in value, according to IHS Inc. World Trade Service. Of that total, North American ports handled 1.76 billion metric tons of goods, valued at $2.21 trillion, while ports in Central and South America handled 1.69 billion metric tons of cargo, valued at $1.15 trillion.
A report by Martin Associates on the national economic impact of the US coastal port system, found that in the U.S. alone, ports’ contribution to the national economy reached nearly $4.6 trillion in 2014.
“Seaports of the Western Hemisphere are job creators and stimulators that deliver prosperity around the globe,” Nagle said. “It’s critical that wise investments are made to our transportation infrastructure to ensure that our industry can continue to make a valuable contribution to the economy.”
“We’re proud to recognize the contributions of our member ports as we celebrate Western Hemisphere Ports Day,” he added. “In support of workers, farmers, employers, manufacturers and consumers everywhere, our ports are united in planning for the future, creating jobs and propelling the economy.” More information about Western Hemisphere Ports Day is available at www.aapa-ports.org.
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
AAPA Honors Mohr, Yoshitani
By Mark Edward Nero
The American Association of Port Authorities, which represents ports throughout the Western Hemisphere, honored three port industry leaders for their accomplishments during the AAPA’s 103rd Annual Convention and Expo, which was held Nov. 11 in Houston.
Receiving the AAPA’s “ImPORTant Service Award” was Port of Everett CEO John Mohr. Former Port of Seattle CEO Tay Yoshitani and Dr. Bory Steinberg, founder and principal of the water resources advisory firm Steinberg & Associates, and a former US Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Program chief, received the AAPA’s Distinguished Service Award.
Recipients of the AAPA’s ImPORTant Service Award must have served with distinction and a record of outstanding leadership on one or more of the association’s technical or policy committees for at least 10 years, including two as a committee chairman, and have at least 10 years of port management experience.
Recipients of the association’s Distinguished Service Award are honored for their dedicated efforts toward the enrichment of the maritime and port industries throughout the Western Hemisphere.
AAPA President and CEO Kurt Nagle commended the three award recipients for their longstanding commitment to excellence to their port industry colleagues and for their leadership on seaport industry issues.
“Tay has been an active and highly engaged member of AAPA for many years, while leading the Maryland Port Administration (from 1995-1998), the Port of Oakland (2001-2004), and of course, the Port of Seattle,” Nagle said. Yoshitani retired from Seattle’s port in September after about seven-and-a-half years as CEO.
In recognizing Mohr, Nagle said that throughout his 33 years as a public seaport executive, Mohr has been a devoted and energetic contributor to AAPA initiatives, standing committees and programs.
“He’s always been willing to lend his experience as a conference speaker and session presider at innumerable programs and Congressional hearings, and served admirably as AAPA’s U.S. port delegation chairman in 2002-2003,” Nagle said. Mohr, who has been the Port of Everett’s executive director since 1997, is retiring in January 2015.
The American Association of Port Authorities, which represents ports throughout the Western Hemisphere, honored three port industry leaders for their accomplishments during the AAPA’s 103rd Annual Convention and Expo, which was held Nov. 11 in Houston.
Receiving the AAPA’s “ImPORTant Service Award” was Port of Everett CEO John Mohr. Former Port of Seattle CEO Tay Yoshitani and Dr. Bory Steinberg, founder and principal of the water resources advisory firm Steinberg & Associates, and a former US Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Program chief, received the AAPA’s Distinguished Service Award.
Recipients of the AAPA’s ImPORTant Service Award must have served with distinction and a record of outstanding leadership on one or more of the association’s technical or policy committees for at least 10 years, including two as a committee chairman, and have at least 10 years of port management experience.
Recipients of the association’s Distinguished Service Award are honored for their dedicated efforts toward the enrichment of the maritime and port industries throughout the Western Hemisphere.
AAPA President and CEO Kurt Nagle commended the three award recipients for their longstanding commitment to excellence to their port industry colleagues and for their leadership on seaport industry issues.
“Tay has been an active and highly engaged member of AAPA for many years, while leading the Maryland Port Administration (from 1995-1998), the Port of Oakland (2001-2004), and of course, the Port of Seattle,” Nagle said. Yoshitani retired from Seattle’s port in September after about seven-and-a-half years as CEO.
In recognizing Mohr, Nagle said that throughout his 33 years as a public seaport executive, Mohr has been a devoted and energetic contributor to AAPA initiatives, standing committees and programs.
“He’s always been willing to lend his experience as a conference speaker and session presider at innumerable programs and Congressional hearings, and served admirably as AAPA’s U.S. port delegation chairman in 2002-2003,” Nagle said. Mohr, who has been the Port of Everett’s executive director since 1997, is retiring in January 2015.
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Port of Hueneme CEO Elected AAPA Chair
By Mark Edward Nero
The American Association of Port Authorities’ Board of Directors has elected Port of Hueneme CEO Kristin Decas as its incoming chair for AAPA’s 2014-2015 activity year. Decas takes office at the conclusion of the association’s annual convention in Houston later this year.
Decas will succeed Tay Yoshitani, CEO of the Port of Seattle, whose tenure as AAPA chair expires in November. Yoshitani, who announced in January that he would retire from the port in June, recently agreed to stay on until at least the end of September.
Decas took over as the Port of Hueneme’s CEO in February 2012 and previously spent five years as CEO and port director for the Port of New Bedford, Mass. In that position, she helped orchestrate a fiscal turnaround for the port and played a role in the development of a new terminal to support the nation’s first offshore wind energy project.
The Port of New Bedford also realized growth in its cruise and recreational boating activity during her tenure. “Kristin is a proven leader and will be a great asset to AAPA, and to the port industry,” AAPA President and CEO Kurt Nagle said.
Decas was recently awarded a high-profile appointment by the US Department of Transportation to both the National Freight Advisory Committee (NFAC) and the US Marine Transportation System National Advisory Council (MTSNAC).
“I feel very privileged to serve as AAPA’s next chairman of the board and am thankful for the opportunity,” Decas said in a statement. “I very much look forward to working with all of my maritime colleagues on important and timely initiatives, including the reauthorization of the nation’s transportation act, advancement of maritime policy, infrastructure and economic development initiatives, and outreach and communication strategies.”
The AAPA, which is headquartered outside Washington, DC, is a trade group representing about 160 Western Hemisphere ports. It advances its members’ interests through public advocacy and professional development.
The job of chairman is an uncompensated position.
The American Association of Port Authorities’ Board of Directors has elected Port of Hueneme CEO Kristin Decas as its incoming chair for AAPA’s 2014-2015 activity year. Decas takes office at the conclusion of the association’s annual convention in Houston later this year.
Decas will succeed Tay Yoshitani, CEO of the Port of Seattle, whose tenure as AAPA chair expires in November. Yoshitani, who announced in January that he would retire from the port in June, recently agreed to stay on until at least the end of September.
Decas took over as the Port of Hueneme’s CEO in February 2012 and previously spent five years as CEO and port director for the Port of New Bedford, Mass. In that position, she helped orchestrate a fiscal turnaround for the port and played a role in the development of a new terminal to support the nation’s first offshore wind energy project.
The Port of New Bedford also realized growth in its cruise and recreational boating activity during her tenure. “Kristin is a proven leader and will be a great asset to AAPA, and to the port industry,” AAPA President and CEO Kurt Nagle said.
Decas was recently awarded a high-profile appointment by the US Department of Transportation to both the National Freight Advisory Committee (NFAC) and the US Marine Transportation System National Advisory Council (MTSNAC).
“I feel very privileged to serve as AAPA’s next chairman of the board and am thankful for the opportunity,” Decas said in a statement. “I very much look forward to working with all of my maritime colleagues on important and timely initiatives, including the reauthorization of the nation’s transportation act, advancement of maritime policy, infrastructure and economic development initiatives, and outreach and communication strategies.”
The AAPA, which is headquartered outside Washington, DC, is a trade group representing about 160 Western Hemisphere ports. It advances its members’ interests through public advocacy and professional development.
The job of chairman is an uncompensated position.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
POSD to Host Port Authorities Workshop
By Mark Edward Nero
The Port of San Diego will host the American Association of Port Authorities 2014 Maritime Economic Development Workshop, taking place Feb. 20-21 at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront hotel.
The workshop is geared toward port development, marketing and logistics executives. Among the key topics is how to implement and fund transportation infrastructure projects for the growing volumes of imports and exports and cruise ship passengers that flow through their facilities.
The event is scheduled to feature a host of business and logistics experts, shipping company executives, infrastructure development case studies and a three-hour “facilitated dialogue” session to bring the collective knowledge of the entire audience to bear in solving some of the port industry’s economic challenges.
“Seaports in the Americas are investing billions of dollars to improve their infrastructure, expand their services, enhance their cargo- and passenger-handling capabilities, create jobs and assist businesses looking to tap into the increasing global demand for both raw materials and domestically-manufactured products,” AAPA President and CEO Kurt Nagle said. “In order to effectively compete, seaports must deal with issues ranging from finding investment partners and passing effective freight policy legislation at the federal level, to convincing their local and regional stakeholders the investments they are proposing are necessary and worthwhile.”
He added that the US needs to invest in its port facilities if it wants to compete as a maritime nation.
“Focusing on port infrastructure as a separate aspect of international trade obscures the dependence of seaports on a robust domestic surface transportation system,” he said.
More information about the 2014 Maritime Economic Development Workshop, including registration costs, is available at the AAPA website, http://www.aapa-ports.org/Programs/seminarschedule.cfm?itemnumber=19231, or by calling the AAPA’s Ed O’Connell at (703) 684-5700.
The Port of San Diego will host the American Association of Port Authorities 2014 Maritime Economic Development Workshop, taking place Feb. 20-21 at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront hotel.
The workshop is geared toward port development, marketing and logistics executives. Among the key topics is how to implement and fund transportation infrastructure projects for the growing volumes of imports and exports and cruise ship passengers that flow through their facilities.
The event is scheduled to feature a host of business and logistics experts, shipping company executives, infrastructure development case studies and a three-hour “facilitated dialogue” session to bring the collective knowledge of the entire audience to bear in solving some of the port industry’s economic challenges.
“Seaports in the Americas are investing billions of dollars to improve their infrastructure, expand their services, enhance their cargo- and passenger-handling capabilities, create jobs and assist businesses looking to tap into the increasing global demand for both raw materials and domestically-manufactured products,” AAPA President and CEO Kurt Nagle said. “In order to effectively compete, seaports must deal with issues ranging from finding investment partners and passing effective freight policy legislation at the federal level, to convincing their local and regional stakeholders the investments they are proposing are necessary and worthwhile.”
He added that the US needs to invest in its port facilities if it wants to compete as a maritime nation.
“Focusing on port infrastructure as a separate aspect of international trade obscures the dependence of seaports on a robust domestic surface transportation system,” he said.
More information about the 2014 Maritime Economic Development Workshop, including registration costs, is available at the AAPA website, http://www.aapa-ports.org/Programs/seminarschedule.cfm?itemnumber=19231, or by calling the AAPA’s Ed O’Connell at (703) 684-5700.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Seattle’s Yoshitani Elected AAPA Chair
Port of Seattle CEO Tay Yoshitani was named chairman-elect
of the American Association of Port Authorities during the group’s board of
directors meeting last week in Washington, DC. He assumes the role of chairman
at this fall’s AAPA convention in Orlando.
Yoshitani has been chief executive officer of the Port of
Seattle since March 2007. He’s the former chief executive of both the Maryland
Port Administration and the Port of Oakland and was also previously the deputy
executive director with the Port of Los Angeles.
Born in Japan, Yoshitani is a graduate of the US Military
Academy at West Point, a Vietnam veteran and holds a master’s in business
administration from Harvard University.
He said his nomination as chair is a reflection of the
efforts of the port as a whole.
“This appointment says volumes about the work our staff is
doing in Seattle,” Yoshitani said. “Our team has developed a reputation for
generating new ideas on environmental sustainability, strategic foresight and
financial stability of the port. I look forward to advancing the conversation
on trade promotion and other issues critical to the future of ports throughout
the Americas.”
Last fall, Yoshitani was the subject of an ethics probe by
Port of Seattle commissioners after he joined the board of a for-profit
logistics company, but an investigation found no conflict of interest or
violations of law because the logistics company doesn’t compete with, or
conduct business directly with, the port.
The AAPA, which is headquartered outside Washington, DC, is a
trade group representing about 160 ports in the Western Hemisphere. It advances
its members’ interests through public advocacy and professional development.
The job of chairman, an uncompensated position, is currently
held by Armando Duarte-Peláez, a longtime board member of Colombia’s Sociedad Portuaria
de Santa Marta.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Mass Port's Leone Named Chair of AAPA
The American Association of Port Authorities have appointed Michael A. Leone, port director of the Massachusetts Port Authority, as the 2009-2010 chair of the industry group's board. The AAPA represents over 150 port authorities in the Western Hemisphere.
Leone's formal installation occurred last week at the AAPA's 98th Annual Convention in Galveston, Texas. He succeeds 2008-2009 chair Geraldine Knatz, executive director of the Port of Los Angeles.
The new appointment distinguishes Leone as the first person to ever serve twice as chair of the AAPA board. He first held the chair position during the 2003-2004 term.
Named port director of the MPA in 1998, Leone previously served the MPA as legal counsel.
Prior to that, Leone served 22 years in the United States Coast Guard as both a legal counsel and military judge.
During his tenure at the AAPA, Leone will also serve as chair of the AAPA's U.S. delegation.
Leone's formal installation occurred last week at the AAPA's 98th Annual Convention in Galveston, Texas. He succeeds 2008-2009 chair Geraldine Knatz, executive director of the Port of Los Angeles.
The new appointment distinguishes Leone as the first person to ever serve twice as chair of the AAPA board. He first held the chair position during the 2003-2004 term.
Named port director of the MPA in 1998, Leone previously served the MPA as legal counsel.
Prior to that, Leone served 22 years in the United States Coast Guard as both a legal counsel and military judge.
During his tenure at the AAPA, Leone will also serve as chair of the AAPA's U.S. delegation.
