Rochford, Himber to receive Spirit of the Port Awards

PHILADELPHIA (Jan. 11, 2010) -- The Seamen’s Church Institute of Philadelphia and South Jersey announced today that Dennis Rochford and Lisa B. Himber will be honored at its annual “Spirit of the Port” luncheon March 30.

Rochford is president and Himber is vice president of the Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River and Bay, a nonprofit trade association.

This is the first time two people have been honored in the same year, said the Rev. James D. Von Dreele, SCI’s executive director and chaplain to the port. “Our selection committee wanted to honor both Dennis and Lisa for their individual work in the maritime community -- Dennis for his long contributions to port development and Lisa for her important role in enhancing port security,” Von Dreele said.

The award luncheon activities will begin with a reception at 11:30 a.m. at the Sheet Metal Workers’ Hall, 1301 South Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19147.

The luncheon will be preceded by a 9 a.m. high-profile forum, also at the Sheet Metal Workers’ Hall. It will focus on critical growth opportunities and security issues in the local maritime industry, which includes 31 seaport terminals in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

The Seamen’s Church Institute of Philadelphia and South Jersey, founded in 1843, is an ecumenical ministry to the 40,000 seafarers who visit Philadelphia each year aboard 1,700 cargo and tanker ships. It provides valuable services to keep commerce flowing, enhance security and promote goodwill on the Delaware River.