AAPA 2016 Spring Conference Highlights

AAPA’s 2016 Spring Conference, April 4-6 in Washington, D.C., kicked off with a welcome reception at the Canadian Embassy and a celebration of Western Hemisphere Ports Day, with the theme Ports: United for the Future.

The Ports Day event was the brainchild of AAPA Chairman Jim Quinn of Port Saint John. It provided a unique opportunity for AAPA members to collaboratively recognize and celebrate the industry’s role in job creation and economic prosperity, and its commitment to education, training and environmental stewardship initiatives on behalf of the communities they serve throughout the Americas.

Spring Conference highlights included insights on the 2016 U.S. Presidential race from well-known political expert Charlie Cook, of The Cook Political Report, and a keynote address from U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx.

Representatives from Conoco Phillips, Cheniere and TOTE discussed changing energy types, sources, demands and policies, while concurrent sessions addressed key issues identified as priorities by AAPA member ports. These included community concerns about port environmental impacts, prioritizing security needs, customizing economic impact and jobs messaging to a port’s community, and IMO container weight verification requirements.

After the presentation by Secretary Foxx, panelists representing state departments of transportation and the U.S. federal government discussed the financing and funding opportunities created for ports under the FAST Act, as well as how to improve planning and coordination to meet freight needs.

Congratulations are in order to:

• Mark McAndrews, Port Director of the Port of Pascagoula since March 2001, who was elected as AAPA Chairman of the Board for the 2016-17 activity year beginning in October.

• Ralph Quesada, Trade Development Director at the Port of Pascagoula, who received his Port Professional Manager (PPM®) certification as the second candidate from his port and the 110th overall to complete the AAPA/PPM® program since its inception in 1995, and;

• The Port of Valparaiso, Chile, which was selected by the Board of Directors as the host of the 2018 AAPA Annual Convention.

Thanks to all AAPA members who were able to attend the Spring Conference and who helped to make Western Hemisphere Ports Day a success. Additional materials are available for members to promote the industry’s role in job creation and economic development.

Conference presentations are available for download on the AAPA website.


Monday night welcome reception at the Canadian Embassy


AAPA President Kurt Nagle presents Ralph Quesada with the Port Professional Manager (PPM®) certification


AAPA Chair-Elect Mark McAndrews