Kudos: Indiana Burns Harbor
Indiana’s Burns Harbor Wins Pacesetter Award for Cargo Growth
Award honors increase in shipping at Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor
U.S. Seaway Administrator Betty Sutton presented Indiana Governor Mike Pence with its flagship award in recognition of an increase in international shipping at the Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor during a ceremony November 4 in the state capital of Indianapolis.
The "Robert J. Lewis Pacesetter Award" honors the port’s increase in international shipments through the Seaway during the 2014 navigation season.
"The Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor plays a critical role in the Great Lakes Seaway System, and its strong performance reflects the increasing strength of the overall regional economy," said Ms. Sutton. "Marine transportation remains a catalyst for jobs and productivity for the state of Indiana and throughout the entire Great Lakes region, North America's 'Opportunity Belt'."
Maritime operations at the Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor generate $4.3 billion per year in economic activity and support 32,000 total jobs. The port previously earned the Pacesetter award in 1992, 1993, 1994, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2006, 2010 and 2011.
In 2014, the Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor handled more cargo than any year since its opening in 1970. Tonnage jumped nearly 30 percent compared to 2013, thanks to strong shipments of steel, grain and salt. The port also experienced a 35 percent increase in ocean vessel traffics.
"Indiana's maritime success is directly attributable to our location at the 'Crossroads of America,' our vast infrastructure for multiple transportation modes and the world-class companies that operate at our ports," said Rich Cooper, CEO for the Ports of Indiana. "This has been a winning combination that we will continue to build upon to ensure future growth and prosperity for our state and the regions where we operate."
The Robert J. Lewis Pacesetter Award was instituted in 1992 to honor the achievements of U.S. Great Lakes ports in aggressively marketing international exports and imports. Among this year’s other Pacesetter recipients were the AAPA member ports of Duluth-Superior, Milwaukee, Cleveland, Toledo, Chicago and Oswego.
Pacemaker award ceremony: From left, Ports of Indiana CEO Rich Cooper, Port of Indiana Burns Harbor Port Director Rick Heimann, Governor Mike Pence, and U.S. Seaway Administrator Betty Sutton.
Photo Copyright Ports of Indiana