US Commerce Dept. Signs Supply Chain Partnership

By Mark Edward Nero

A strategic partnership with the USC Marshall Center for Global Supply Chain Management aimed at improving the global competitiveness of the nation’s supply chains was signed by US Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker in Los Angeles on Oct. 14.

“Through this new partnership, we hope to encourage ports around the country to increase efficiency by adopting new technologies that will provide more information on the flow of goods to port users and stakeholders,” Secretary Pritzker explained. “The ability to move cargo quickly through our ports is critical to national and regional trade, economic growth, and our nation’s overall competitiveness.”

The partnership with USC Marshall will allow for collaboration on digitalization of the nation’s supply chains. “The Port of Los Angeles isn't just the nation's leading cargo port—it’s a laboratory for ideas and technologies that show how ports across America can thrive in the global marketplace for generations to come,” LA Mayor Eric Garcetti said. “Los Angeles is the perfect home for this innovative partnership, and I’m proud of the critical role our port has played in making it possible.”

The first formal event of the partnership will be the Port Community IT Systems Exhibition and Technology Challenge at USC on Nov. 18-20. The gathering will open with a symposium offering leaders from ports communities and supply chain owner organizations, as well as public policy and academic experts a chance to explore how digital innovations can increase port operating efficiencies and reduce overall supply chain congestion.

“The alliance between the Dept. of Commerce, USC Marshall and the CGSCM will facilitate the crucial first step of dissecting this problem so we can move forward with modernizing global supply chain using digital technology,” Nick Vyas, executive director of USC Marshall’s Center for Global Supply Chain Management (CGSCM) and assistant professor of clinical data sciences and operations at USC Marshall, said in a statement.

Washington Gov. Appoints Maritime Development Director

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee on Oct. 11 announced maritime industry veteran Stephen Sewell has been appointed to the state Department of Commerce as economic development director for the state’s maritime industry sector.

Inslee introduced Sewell while participating in a roundtable at Crowley Maritime and tour of the Harbor Island Training Center at Vigor Industries, along with Commerce Director Brian Bonlender and other officials.

“Steve Sewell is a dynamic and well-respected leader who has developed strong local, national and international relationships over more than 25 years in the maritime industry,” Inslee said. “He will be an outstanding asset in our efforts to expand our working waterfront as a job creation engine for Washington’s economy.”

Between 1994 and 2002, Sewell served in senior leadership roles at the Port of Seattle, including Managing Director of the Seaport Division, Corporate Secretary and General Counsel. Since 2011, he had been a founding executive and senior vice president at LoadStar, a subsidiary of port operator Hutchison Port Holdings.

Between 2002 and 2010, he held upper management positions with PB Ports & Marine and cargo tracking company Savi Networks.

“I’m enthusiastic about being in a position to help address some of the big issues facing our state – education, jobs and transportation. Positive change in all of these areas is possible through the growth and health of the maritime industry,” Sewell said.

Commerce Director Brian Bonlender said the new position is modeled after the state’s Office of Aerospace.

“Washington has one of the most vibrant maritime sectors in the country, producing some of the best family-wage jobs in the region, but its importance to our economy is often overlooked or taken for granted,” Bonlender said. “This position will help drive policies important to the continued growth of the maritime sector.”