VANCOUVER, Wash. – The Port of Vancouver USA Board of Commissioners will participate in strategic planning during a special workshop Thursday, Dec. 14. The workshop begins at 8:30 a.m. and is open to the public.

During the workshop, consultant Maul Foster & Alongi (MFA) will present an overview of the strategic planning process before guiding the commissioners through a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis to inform the Port of Vancouver’s ongoing strategic plan update. MFA will also lead a discussion about the history and authorities of Washington state public ports.

The port updates portions of its strategic plan each year, but the entire plan has not gone through a comprehensive update in more than a decade. During that time, the port has grown and completed or made significant progress on many key initiatives, including the West Vancouver Freight Access project and Centennial Industrial Building. Work is now underway to develop and create a new strategic plan to guide port staff and resources for the next decade.

MFA was selected through a competitive process this summer to lead and facilitate the update. MFA’s tasks include gathering information from staff and stakeholders, analyzing data and best practices, assisting with public outreach and developing an updated plan for staff to implement in late 2018.

A public open house is planned for early next year to share progress, answer questions and hear additional input on the port’s plan for its future as an economic engine and community partner.

– 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.