News Release
FOR RELEASE - November 9, 2011
Contact: Aaron Ellis / Andy Fobes,
(703) 706-4714 / (813) 905-5132

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

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 1½-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 Carlton, president, National Industrial Transportation League
• Bruce E. Cashon, senior vice president & COO, Ceres Terminals Inc.
• Alejandro Chacón, Mexico’s general coordinator for ports and merchant marine, and secretary of communications and transportation
• 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
• Robert West, principal strategist – ports, coastal & maritime, Latin America & the Caribbean, WorleyParsons Group Inc.
• Dean Wise, vice president, network development, BNSF Railway Co.
• Steven A. Evans, assistant vice president of ports and international, Norfolk Southern Railway Company
• Rick Gabrielson, director, International Transportation, Target
• Anne Kappel, vice president, World Shipping Council
• William L. Ralph, president, R. K. Johns & Associates, Inc.
• Thomas C. Scorsune, vice president, business development, Yusen Logistics (Americas), Inc.
• Chris Smith, intermodal policy and program manager, American Association of State and Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO)
• Kevin F. Smith, president and CEO, Sustainable Supply Chain Consulting
• Richard H. Thompson, executive vice president, Jones Lang LaSalle

Confirmed port industry speakers include:

• Omar R. Benjamin, executive director, Port of Oakland 
• Jerry Bridges, executive director, Virginia Port Authority
• Paulo André Holanda, Brazil’s diretor presidente, Companhia Docas do Ceará (Port of Fortaleza)
• Don Krusel, president & CEO, Prince Rupert Port Authority (Canada)
• Gary LaGrange, PPM^®, president and CEO, Port of New Orleans
• Carlos Urriola, general manager, Manzanillo International Terminal – Panama, and president, Caribbean Shipping Association
• 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
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