Tenant-breakfast-052313_0052The Port of Vancouver’s annual Tenant Breakfast was held Thursday, May 23, from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. in the commission room and once again presented tenants with something new. While last year’s format consisted of breakfast aboard a bus while tenants received an in-depth tour of port operations, this year companies leasing space at the port were able to participate in seven different round table discussions, which focused on tenant resources and port updates.  

Following a welcome message from Port CEO, Todd Coleman, tenants were introduced to the seven speakers in a “speed dating” format, which lasted just over an hour. The tenant breakfast aims to offer a platform for tenants to network and get to know other companies that work close to them or in their same field. By promoting camaraderie within the port terminal, tenants are able to use each other as resources and in turn create a positive port-wide atmosphere. The organizations and speakers present were as follows:

·        Jason LaCarney and Christine Humphrey: Department of Veterans Affairs and Partners in Careers (PIC), talked about how their organizations work with companies to place clients who are on public assistance in jobs where both employee and employer can succeed.

·        Bonnie Moore: Columbia River Economic Development Council (CREDC), demonstrated the importance of job creation, economic vitality and capital investment in Clark County through business growth and innovation.

·        Mistie Josephson: Washington State University, introduced the Business Mentor and Analysis programs (MAP) that partners qualified graduating students with small businesses in the area.

·        Mary Mattix and Phillip Martello: Port of Vancouver environmental program manager and environmental specialist, presented information on the port’s Anti-Idling campaign, stormwater permitting and other environmental resources available to tenants.

·         Mike Williams: Port of Vancouver project manager, gave an update on the various West Vancouver Freight Access project construction milestones, including the trench project, Gateway Avenue overpass and the Terminal 5 loop track expansion.

·         Kathy Holtby: Port of Vancouver real estate manager, provided an in-depth update on the Centennial Industrial Park progress, which provides 108 acres for light industrial business.

·         Nick Haindl: Port of Vancouver marketing manager, provided insight on current the marine commodities and market outlook for future operations at the port.

·         Jan Wichert: Vancouver Housing Authority, urged tenants to use the organization as a resource for hiring qualified individuals in Vancouver to fill part and full-time and temporary positions.

Thank you to all those who participated in this year’s Tenant Breakfast, and see you again next year!