Port Re:Port 2012: A Century of Possibilities

This year’s Port Re:Port was themed “A Century of Possibilities,” and what a century it’s been! The sold out event boasted 320 attendees, and was held – to the date – on the port’s 100-year anniversary, commemorating the establishment of the Port of Vancouver USA on April 6, 1912.

Unique to this year’s gathering were an improvisation group from local Magenta Theatre acting out “port history” and a video presentation of elected officials wishing the port a happy birthday, including a song by Mayor Timothy Leavitt. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell was present, and offered thoughtful comments to the packed audience. Other speakers included port Commission President Nancy Baker, Executive Director Larry Paulson, and Deputy Executive Director Todd Coleman.

Commissioner Baker focused on the port’s recent and long-term achievements, as well as stressed the importance of making decisions now that benefit future generations.  Executive Director Paulson presented the state-of-the-port address, which included an overview of the port’s 2011 performance. In terms of cargo movement, the port held steady at 5.6 million metric tons, down only 1.8 percent from 2010. Cargos such as wind energy, pulp, scrap metal and project cargo saw growth in 2011, while other cargos including automobiles, wheat, and bulk minerals dipped. Larry also mentioned the addition of two new businesses, Sapa Profiles and Puget Sound Pipe & Supply, contributing to the port’s 94 percent occupancy rate.

Another impressive accomplishment and one that illustrates the port’s commitment to environmental stewardship is the successful clean up of approximately 3.5 billion gallons of water as part of the Fruit Valley Groundwater Cleanup, among other significant sustainability initiatives.

This was Larry’s final state-of-the-port address, after twenty years of service to the port, as he will be retiring later this month. Todd Coleman will assume port leadership beginning May 1.

Closing the program was the annual presentation of tenant and customer awards. Special congratulations goes to Natural Recovery for the Environmental Stewardship Award, Siemens Energy, Inc. for the Marine Customer of the Year Award, United Grain Corporation for the Facilities Improvement Award, and Sapa Profiles for the Tenant of the Year Award.

Thank you to all who celebrated with us as we look forward to our next 100 years!

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