News Release
FOR RELEASE - May 4, 2011
Contact: Aaron Ellis, aellis@aapa-ports.org
703-706-4714

American Association of Port Authorities
Phone: (202) 792-4033
www.aapa-ports.org

Maritime Economic Development Seminar to Focus on Partnerships, Infrastructure, Trade Opportunities

AAPA Program Targets Port Authority, Logistics, Land Development & Export Professionals

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 112^th 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 /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.