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May 8, 2012
In this issue:
On the agenda
Expanding capabilities of Port pier tops agenda
Commissioners are expected at their Thursday meeting to consider a $1.32 million contract increase to complete the final design phase to upgrade a Port pier.
This project would be the first step in upgrading Terminals 3 and 4 to serve the larger container vessels expected to call the Port in the future. These ships will require 100-gauge cranes with a 22- to 24-container wide reach. Making strategic investments in our infrastructure is one of the key areas of focus in our 10-year strategic development plan.
See the full agenda.
Commission meetings are in Room 104 of The Fabulich Center, 3600 Port of Tacoma Road. Meetings are available live and on demand from the Port's website.
In the community
New patrol boat improves safety, security in bay
Commission President Dick Marzano last week helped christen a new rapid response patrol and fire boat, the Destiny.
Owned jointly between the Port and the Tacoma Fire Department through a unique partnership aimed at meeting safety and security needs, the boat pooled money from the fire department, Port and a grant from the federal Department of Homeland Security. The vessel's smaller size allows it to better navigate our waterways.
Propeller Club awards local student $4,000 scholarship
The Tacoma Propeller Club last month awarded White River High School senior Hannah Miltimore with the $4,000 Lelli Memorial Scholarship.
The annual scholarship competition, named for longtime longshore leader Phil Lelli, includes a bus tour of the Port and dinner at the Club's monthly meeting. This year, scholarship applicants were asked to explain what port-related job they would choose and the difference they would make in that particular position.
Fallon Stanley from Spanaway High School received the second place $2,000 award, while the $1,500 third place award went to Jordyn Thompson of Sumner High School. Fifteen other applicants received a $200 cash award.
Around the industry
CEO highlights Tacoma-Alaska connection
CEO John Wolfe highlighted our deep trade connections with Alaska during a visit to Anchorage last week.
With an estimated $3 billion in trade with Alaska crossing our docks, the state ranks as our fourth-largest trading partner after China, Japan and Korea. The Port of Anchorage estimates 90 percent of merchandise goods used by Alaskans west of Cordova comes through Tacoma.
"Alaska is extremely important to the Port of Tacoma and the greater Tacoma area," Wolfe told the state's Resource Development Council. See a video of Wolfe's speech.
Toray Composites marks 20 years
Happy birthday, Toray Composites (America), Inc.! The manufacturer of high-quality advanced composite materials marks 20 years this month.
The subsidiary of Toray Industries employs more than 300 people at its site in our Frederickson Industrial Area. Initially established to ensure "just in time" delivery of Boeing 777 projects, the Washington facility has grown to provide materials to aerospace, sports and industrial customers worldwide.
Customs broker exam prep course available
Interested in port-related jobs? Check out a new, 10-week preparation course for the U.S. Custom Broker's License Examination at Highline Community College.
Taught by licensed broker John Soares, director of international trade at Microsoft, the comprehensive course runs from July 18 to Sept. 19. Soares is a leading trade expert with more than 20 years of experience in the industry. Learn more.