Maritime Economic Development Seminar to Focus on Partnerships, Infrastructure, Trade Opportunities
The American Association of Port Authorities' (AAPA) Maritime Economic Development Seminar, to be held July 11-13, in Portland, Ore., will focus on cultivating operational and financing partnerships, infrastructure, and trade opportunities for seaports. The seminar-hosted by the Port of Portland-will target port authority, real estate, supply chain and international trade professionals interested in exploring compelling new economic development opportunities, practices and planning tools that are being implemented by Western Hemisphere seaports, municipalities, states and federal governments.
Conference speakers will address methods to connect with potential new customers and investment partners; developing client-focused infrastructure; and effectively managing property, equipment and infrastructure assets.
Investments in port infrastructure, port industrial properties and port-related intermodal connections-both land and waterside-help nations to prosper and provide an opportunity to enhance a country's economic and employment recovery, said AAPA President/CEO Kurt Nagle. This seminar will bring together experts in a variety of economic development disciplines to inspire, inform and educate participants about bolstering business.
Among the array of economic development professionals will be The Honorable Bob Hebert, a Texas county judge and president of The National Council for Public-Private Partnerships, who will address the topic of Attracting Private Sector Investment Partners; and Scott Goddin, director of the U.S. Export Assistance Center in Portland, whose presentation will address Unleashing America's Untapped Trade Potential.
Other seminar topics include:
- The Future of Shipping and How to Prepare Your Port
- Making Your Infrastructure Priorities Heard in the Frugal 112th Congress
- Lessons Learned in Port Real Estate Purchasing, Development and Leasing
- Using FTZs to Attract/Retain Business and Tenants
- Identifying Private Sector Business Partners
- Enhancing Your Port's Bond Rating
- Realizing the Benefits of a Maritime Industrial Zoning Overlay District (MIZOD)
- The Port's Role in Trade Promotion and Economic Development
- Interactive Workshop on Strategic Asset Management
WHO: American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), hosted by the Port of Portland (Ore.)
WHAT: Seminar covering seaport-related economic development, partnership and trade opportunities, including an interactive workshop on strategic asset management.
WHEN: July 11-13, 2011 (Day 1, 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; Day 2, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; Day 3, 9:00 a.m. - noon)
WHERE: The Nines Hotel, 525 S.W. Morrison St., Portland, OR 97204; Phone: 503-222-9996; Fax: 503-222-9997. (Note: $179/night rate available through AAPA room block if booked by June 17.)
INFO: More information about AAPA's Maritime Economic Development Seminar is available at http://www.aapa-ports.org/2011MED or by calling AAPA's Ed O'Connell at 703- 684-5700.
MEDIA: Credentialed media wishing to cover the business sessions of this event are asked to call or email AAPA's Aaron Ellis (tel: 703-706-4714 / email: aellis@aapa-ports.org) in advance to obtain a media badge.
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.