0287-PORT_Lapel-Pin_brown_partnershipVANCOUVER, Wash. – During today’s board meeting (January 14, 2014), port commissioners approved an interlocal agreement with Washington State University Vancouver to provide executive training to leaders within the port.

“As we work to fulfill our mission to provide economic benefit through leadership, stewardship and partnership, it’s essential that we offer professional development opportunities to our staff,” said Todd Coleman, port CEO. “WSU Vancouver is a tremendous educational resource within our region, and we are truly grateful that they’ve agreed to partner with us on this effort.”

The training sessions will be broken into six modules that will be spaced four to six weeks apart and include 10 to 15 members of the port’s management team. Each session will focus on various executive and business skills tailored to the port’s specific environment and needs. The estimated annual cost of training is $48,300.00, which is included in the port’s 2014 budget.

This partnership was created with the goal of mutual benefit to the Port of Vancouver and Washington State University Vancouver, as well as to the communities in which these organizations serve. Port participants will receive professional guidance in areas aimed to grow and sustain business opportunities, and Washington State University Vancouver will develop a curriculum that could one day be brought to the classroom or other organizations. Meanwhile, the Vancouver community can hope to benefit in the areas of job creation, economic gain and a more educated workforce.

The six training modules in which the port will participate are as follows:

• “Managing Organizational Congruence and Change” taught by Jerry Goodstein;

• “Stakeholder Management and Engagement” taught by Joseph Cote;

• “Balanced Score Card” taught by Jane Cote;

• “Professional Sales” taught by Ron Pimentel;

• “Negotiations” taught by Thomas Trip; and

• “Supply Chain Strategy” taught by Scott Swenson.

“We are trying something new in this partnership between the port and WSU Vancouver, but it’s something we believe is going to have real value for the port, for the university and for the community — and we appreciate the opportunity,” said Jane Cote, academic director for Washington State University Vancouver’s College of Business.

– 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.