Baker, Paulson deliver “A Century of Possibilities” at 2012 Port Re:Port

VANCOUVER, Wash. – The Port of Vancouver has reason to celebrate, and that’s the message that was delivered at today’s sold-out Port Re:Port. With the theme, “A Century of Possibilities,” the port looked back on a healthy 2011, reporting steady cargo volumes, new port tenants, increased operating income – and a bright future.

The annual state-of-the-port breakfast 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. The port’s rich history was highlighted throughout the morning’s program as more than 300 community members joined in the special centennial event, which was taped for later cablecast by CVTV, and will be available online at www.cvtv.org later in the day.

Beginning with a welcome from Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kelly Parker and a performance by the Magenta Improv Theater, the program included remarks by Port Commission President Nancy Baker, Port Executive Director Larry Paulson, Port Deputy Executive Director Todd Coleman, and brief comments by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell.

Baker delivered the commission’s perspective on how the port has been a job creator and community partner from its inception. According to Baker,

“Our story began with courageous men and women advocating for the benefits that come from public ownership of our waterfronts – and we still take that responsibility seriously. We strive to do our part in keeping this community strong and healthy, home to businesses large and small.”

Following Baker were congratulations messages on video from Governor Chris Gregoire, U.S. Senator Patty Murray, U.S. Representative Jaime Hererra Beulter, Clark County Commissioner Marc Boldt and Vancouver Mayor Timothy D. Leavitt. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell joined the festivities and offered her best wishes in person.

“Since its creation 100 years ago today, the Port of Vancouver has been vital to Washington’s thriving trade economy,” said U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell. “Port activities, from shipping grain to importing wind turbines, support 16,000 jobs and growing. I am proud to support the West Vancouver Freight Access Project, which will triple the port’s rail capacity and create 1,000 jobs by 2017. And I will continue to fight in the Senate for provisions that help strengthen the local economy – from the New Markets Tax Credit to opening up new access to foreign markets and improving freight mobility.”

Presenting the state-of-the-port address, Paulson focused on the port’s role as caretaker of the public’s interest in industrial development and maritime trade, and emphasized that investments in transportation infrastructure, such as the port’s West Vancouver Freight Access rail project, are necessary, even in difficult economic times.

“The port’s current investments have not only helped us during the recession with some of our most successful years in terms of cargo, but we have also positioned the port to grow. This growth has already begun, and will be exponential in the coming years.”

Also included in Paulson’s remarks was an overview of the port’s 2011 performance in terms of cargo movement, which held steady at 5.6 million metric tons, down only slightly (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 due to the recession and global events.

On the port’s industrial side, Paulson called attention to the addition of two new businesses, Sapa Profiles and Puget Sound Pipe & Supply, to the port’s tenant roster of more than 50. Calling it a comeback year, he shared that the port ended 2011 with a 94 percent occupancy rate.

Illustrating the port’s commitment to environmental stewardship, Paulson shared that the port has successfully cleaned up approximately 3.5 billion gallons of water as part of the Fruit Valley Groundwater Cleanup, a nearly complete, multi-year effort to address contamination from a former land owner. Also mentioned were the port’s successful partnership with Clark County Wetland Mitigation Partners to establish a wetland mitigation bank on more than 150 acres of port property, and the port’s 2011 purchase of renewable energy credits, which now equal 100 percent of the port’s electrical consumption.

This was Paulson’s final state-of-the-port address as he will be retiring from the port at the end of this month, having served 20 years, 13 of those as executive director. Todd Coleman will assume leadership of the port beginning May 1, 2012.

Coleman concluded the remarks portion of the program with a look to the port’s next 100 years and offered a special message to his predecessor, “I want to add my thanks to Larry for positioning this port as a generator of jobs and a source of economic vitality to our community and the region for years to come.”

Closing the program was the annual presentation of awards to tenants and customers for their outstanding contributions to the port and the community. This year’s award winners included Natural Recovery, winner of the Environmental Stewardship Award; United Grain Corporation, winner of the Facilities Improvement Award; Sapa Profiles, winner of the Tenant of the Year Award; and Siemens Energy Inc., winner of the Marine Customer of the Year Award.

About the Port of Vancouver USA

The Port of Vancouver USA is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2012. It 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 dependable labor force and an exceptional level of service to its customers and community.