VANCOUVER, Wash. – The Port of Vancouver USA is celebrating “A Century of Possibilities,” which will be the theme for this year’s 2012 Port Re:Port. This year’s event will be held – to the date – on the port’s 100th anniversary, celebrating the establishment of the Port of Vancouver USA on April 6, 1912.

The annual state-of-the port event is scheduled to begin at 7:30 a.m., Friday, April 6, at the Red Lion Hotel Vancouver at the Quay (100 Columbia Street, Vancouver).

Speakers will include Port Commission President Nancy Baker, Port Executive Director Larry Paulson, Port Deputy Executive Director Todd Coleman, and brief comments from U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell. A near sell-out crowd is expected for the port’s annual report to the community, which will be tape-delayed on CVTV, and will be available online at www.cvtv.org later in the day.

Baker will deliver the commission’s perspective on the port’s role as an economic engine and community partner from its inception. Paulson’s address will focus on the port’s role as caretaker of the public’s interest in industrial development and maritime trade, as well as review the port’s 2011 performance in terms of cargo movement and vessel calls.

This will be Paulson’s final state-of-the-port address as he will be retiring from the port at the end of April 2012, having served twenty years, thirteen of those as executive director. Todd Coleman will assume leadership of the port beginning May 1, 2012. Coleman will conclude the morning’s remarks portion of the program with a look to the port’s next 100 years.

Port Re:Port 2012 will close with the presentation of annual awards to tenants and customers for their outstanding contributions to the port and the community.

Members of the public are welcome and encouraged to attend. Cost is $25 per person. To register, contact the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce at 360-694-2588 or www.vancouverusa.com.

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. For more information, please visit us at www.portvanusa.com.