Port executives Alex Strogen, Ryan Hart and CEO Julianna Marler accepted the Overall Communications Excellence Award from AAPA’s Chris Connor and AAPA Board Chair Mario Cordero.

VANCOUVER, Wash. – The Port of Vancouver USA received communications “Lighthouse” awards from the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) at the organization’s recent annual convention in Austin, Texas—including an award in Overall Communications Excellence. The awards received were:

This is the first time the port has received an award for Overall Communications Excellence – the top award in the annual competition. This award is given in roughly three categories: small, medium and large-sized ports. The Port of Vancouver garnered more points than any other medium-sized port for its entries.

“It is a great honor for our port to be recognized for our communication efforts,” said CEO Julianna Marler.  “It is always our goal to communicate clearly, concisely and creatively.  Being recognized by our peers within AAPA makes it even more meaningful,” she added.

The port’s submitted two entries for work completed in 2020. A digital holiday card is completed each year that is sent to neighbors, port tenants and customers. The 2020 entry featured a digital holiday-themed pop-up book that highlighted the port’s river, road and rail infrastructure used to move cargo. The port’s popular annual public tours were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so staff recorded a video version that was put online for all to see.

Nearly 100 entries made up this year’s Lighthouse Awards competition. The Port of Vancouver competed with entries from ports across the western hemisphere. Judges reviewed entries in 14 classifications ranging from advertisements, periodicals, videos and websites to social media and special events. Entries were judged using criteria such as quality/clarity of content and style; skillful use of copy, photography, design and layout; analysis and research.