Four free public lectures on maritime industry, international trade planned for 2019

VANCOUVER, Wash. – The Port of Vancouver USA kicks off its annual Lecture Series in March with presentations about maintaining our federal marine highway, the Columbia-Snake River System, and Washington state’s wheat and barley industry, a key economic driver for the most trade-dependent state in the nation.

Lectures are free and open to the public and are held at Warehouse ’23 Event Space, 100 Columbia Street, Vancouver.

“Maintaining our Dams and Waterways” – The work of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District
March 6, 6:30 to 8 p.m.

The work of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is critical for the movement of more than 50 million tons of trade on the Columbia-Snake River System each year. Kevin Brice is Deputy District Engineer for Project Management in the Portland District, which covers Northern Oregon and Southern Washington. Brice will detail the Corps’ work to maintain multi-purpose dams on the Columbia River for flood risk management, water supply, navigation, recreation and more. He’ll also discuss the Corps’ $257 million rehabilitation of jetties at the mouth of the Columbia River and maintenance of shipping channels that keep commerce and trade flowing.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was established by the Continental Congress in 1775 and officially created as a separate corps in 1779. Its enduring work to secure and strengthen our nation is foundational, sweeping and key to our way of life in the Pacific Northwest.

“From Seed to Table: How Washington Grains Feed the World” – The Washington Grain Commission
April 9, 6:30-8 p.m.

Located in Spokane, the Washington Grain Commission is a state agency charged with strengthening and developing markets for Washington wheat and barley. Hear from Program Director Joe Bippert as he describes the 3,700-plus wheat and barley farmers that represent the largest economic driver in Eastern Washington. He’ll talk about the types of wheat and barley grown in our state and how these grains travel by rail and vessel to feed the world.

The Columbia-Snake River System is the primary wheat gateway in the U.S., moving 50 percent of wheat from farmers across the Plains and Pacific Northwest to tables as far away as Asia and Latin America. This lecture is a great opportunity to learn about the people and businesses of Washington’s bread basket and our state’s valuable wheat crop, assessed at $691 million in value in 2017.

Space at each lecture is limited and pre-registration is required. To register, call 360-693-3611 or email RSVP@portvanusa.com with name and the number in your party.

About the 2019 Lecture Series
This year’s Port of Vancouver Lecture Series features four free presentations about the maritime industry and international trade in our region. A lecture planned for May 1 features Eric Johnson, Executive Director of the Washington Public Ports Association. The last lecture of 2019 – Port Report – is planned for May 22. A “State of the Port” presentation, Port Report features the port commission president and CEO, and provides an overview of current and upcoming port projects and activities.

More details will be released as the port finalizes its May lectures.

– POV –

The Port of Vancouver USA is one of the major ports on the Pacific Coast, and its competitive strengths include available land, versatile cargo handling capabilities, vast transportation networks, a skilled labor force and an exceptional level of service to its customers and community. For more information, please visit us at www.portvanusa.com.