Topics include port marine operations, the U.S. Coast Guard, regional tourism and Port Report

VANCOUVER, Wash. – The Port of Vancouver USA kicks off its annual Lecture Series in March with presentations on the port’s marine division, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Columbia River operations, growing local tourism and river cruise industries, and the annual State of the Port presentation. 

Lectures are free and open to the public and are held at the Warehouse ’23 Event Space, 100 Columbia Street, Vancouver.

 

“Doing Business with the World”
Alex Strogen, Chief Commercial Officer, Port of Vancouver

Monday, March 16, 6:30 to 8 p.m.

The Port of Vancouver is a global trade gateway and moved 8.23 million metric tons across the docks in 2019. Nearly 400 vessels called on the port last year, to either export U.S. cargo to the world or import commodities to the Northwest, the Midwest and Canada. For this lecture, Alex Strogen will provide insight on the port’s marine division, how they go about pursuing a diverse mix of cargo opportunities, and the value of maintaining navigation on the Columbia River.  He’ll also discuss the importance of building relationships overseas and look into his crystal ball on the future of U.S./China relations.

 

“The Challenging and Complex Maritime Environment of Sector Columbia River”
Capt. Jeremy Smith, Commander Sector Columbia River, U.S. Coast Guard

Wednesday, April 15, 6:30-8 p.m.

The U.S. Coast Guard is the nation’s oldest continuous seagoing service, with responsibilities that include search and rescue operations, environmental protection, marine inspections, port security and more. Capt. Smith oversees Sector Columbia River which includes 420 miles of coast, 465 miles of inland waters and 33 ports along the Snake and Columbia Rivers. Their stakeholders include deep-draft shipping, ports and terminals, charter and commercial fishing vessels, towboat and barge companies, recreational boaters and all who benefit from, utilize and enjoy our waters.

 

“We’ve Been Discovered (Again)!  The Growing Interest in Tourism on our River and in our Region”
Gary Frommelt, VP of Port Development, American Queen Steamboat Company
Cliff Myers, President and CEO, Visit Vancouver USA

Tuesday, May 5, 6:30-8 p.m.

Just like the original Corps of Discovery, the Vancouver area is being discovered by a growing number of visitors and tourism is an increasingly important part of our regional economy. In this talk, Gary Frommelt from the American Queen Steamboat Company will discuss their investment in river tourism on the Columbia River. Visit Vancouver USA’s Cliff Myers will also join the discussion to talk about the impact of visitor spending on our region and how his organization markets Vancouver as the preferred destination in the Northwest.

 

Port Report—”State of the Port” Presentation

Wednesday, May 20, 5:30-6:30 p.m., 6:30-7 p.m. option tour of Terminal 1

Join your port commissioners and CEO Julianna Marler for our fourth and final lecture of 2020:  Port Report. This “State of the Port” presentation features a review of 2019 activities, an update on current activities and projects, and a look ahead to the future of the port. Following the program, staff will lead an optional tour of redevelopment progress on the port’s 10 acres of waterfront property, known as Terminal 1.

 

Space at each lecture is limited and pre-registration is required. To register, call 360-693-3611 or email RSVP@portvanusa.com with your name and the number of attendees in your party.

 

– 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.