AAPA 'Trade Routes' Workshop in Tampa to Feature Key Supply Chain Players

The fifth annual American Association of Port Authorities’ (AAPA) Shifting International Trade Routes workshop in Tampa, Fla., Jan. 19-20, 2012, will examine the effect of the world economic outlook on investment decisions and cargo movements in relation to international trade.

The 11Ž2-day program, cosponsored by the U.S. Maritime Administration and hosted by the Tampa Port Authority, will survey evolving hemispheric and global considerations affecting all the players in the goods movement supply chain. Specific workshop sessions will assess the international economic outlook and shifts in global trade; present the views of cargo owners, ocean carriers, ports, terminal operators, warehouse and distribution centers, and rail interests on trade; give an update on the planned expansion of the Panama Canal; and provide international perspectives on shifting trade routes in the Western Hemisphere.

“As we seek ways to stimulate our economic recovery and future growth, we must not forget the importance of implementing policies and funding that will sustain and improve our critical gateways for global trade,” said Kurt Nagle, AAPA president and CEO. “For nations throughout the Western Hemisphere, raising the priority of their ports and connecting infrastructure in the national agenda can help make them more internationally competitive in an increasingly fierce global trading environment.”

Mr. Nagle further noted that the discussion during AAPA’s fifth Shifting International Trade Routes workshop “will add layers of information and insight to help the seaport industry better position itself for future growth and success.”

Concurring with Mr. Nagle's assessment, Richard Wainio, Tampa Port Authority's port director and chief executive, added: “We're very pleased to again host this meaningful, informative workshop in Tampa, and it’s exciting to see strong interest and participation in these important discussions each year.”

Confirmed freight industry speakers include:

• Terry L. Bunch, director, logistics & customer service, Rayonier
• Bruce E. Cashon, senior vice president & COO, Ceres Terminals Inc.
• Robert E. Martinez, Ph.D., vice president, business development, Norfolk Southern Corp.
• Rodolfo Sabonge, vice president, market research & analysis, Panama Canal Authority
• Julian Villalba, ejecutivo principal, dirección de analisis y programación sectorial, CAF Banco de Desarrollo de América Latina
• Bob West, principal strategist – ports, coastal & maritime, Latin America & the Caribbean, WorleyParsons Group Inc.
• Dean Wise, vice president, network development, BNSF Railway Co.

Confirmed port industry speakers include:

• Jerry Bridges, executive director, Virginia Port Authority
• Don Krusel, president & CEO, Prince Rupert Port Authority (Canada)
• Gary LaGrange, PPM®, president and CEO, Port of New Orleans
• Tay Yoshitani, chief executive officer, Port of Seattle

Serving as rapporteur will be Bill Ralph, president, R. K. Johns & Associates, Inc.

WHO: American Association of Port Authorities, cosponsored by the U.S. Maritime Administration and hosted by the Tampa Port Authority

WHAT: Workshop examining the effect of the world economic outlook on investment decisions and cargo movements in relation to international trade

WHEN: Jan. 19-20, 2012 (Day 1, 8:30 a.m. -5:00 p.m.; Day 2, 8:30 a.m.-12:00 noon)

WHERE: Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay, 2900 Bayport Drive, Tampa, FL 33607; (813) 874-1234

INFO: More information about AAPA’s Shifting International Trade Routes workshop is available at www.aapa-ports.org (click on the “Programs & Events” tab) or by calling AAPA’s Ed O’Connell at (703) 684-5700

About AAPA

Founded in 1912, AAPA today represents 160 of the leading seaport authorities in the United States, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean and more than 300 sustaining and associate members, firms and individuals with an interest in seaports. As a critical link for access to the global marketplace, each year, Western Hemisphere seaports generate trillions of dollars of economic activity, support the employment of millions of people and, in 2008, imported and exported more than 7.8 billion tons of cargo, valued at $8.6 trillion, including food, clothing, medicine, fuel and building materials, as well as consumer electronics and toys. The volume of cargo shipped by water is expected to dramatically increase by 2020 and the number of passengers traveling through our seaports will continue to grow. To meet these demands, the AAPA and its members are committed to keeping seaports navigable, secure and sustainable.