In anticipation of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) $3 billion Clean Ports Program, AAPA will convene a webinar on how ports can effectively design community-relations programs. With more federal funding available for port infrastructure than ever before, and with new initiatives to prioritize funding that will benefit historically disadvantaged communities, this webinar is designed to give port authorities guidance on how to approach new and existing port-community relationships.

The webinar will take place Tuesday, August 22, at 2:00 p.m. ET / 11:00 a.m. PT. Advance registration via Zoom is required to participate.

AAPA expects EPA to place a heavy emphasis on proven community relations efforts when it designs the Clean Ports Program. Several AAPA ports have already forged constructive relationships with their local communities. This webinar will highlight one, the Port of Hueneme, which has already set a high standard for its efforts. Miguel Rodriguez, Community Outreach Manager for the port, along with Carolina Gallardo Magana, resident of the Hueneme community, will share their insights, best practices, and answer questions.

The panel will also feature Harold Rickenbacker, EPA Ports Initiative staff, who will offer his perspective on how EPA thinks about community-relations programs as well as best practices they have observed in port authorities across the country. Terrance Bankston, Senior Ports and Freight Campaigner at Friends of the Earth, will also provide a community organizer’s perspective. Friends of the Earth works with communities across the nation to forge constructive relationships with port authorities and agencies in other infrastructure and economic sectors. Webinar attendees must be AAPA members, and all attendees will have a chance to ask questions and provide comments. Reach out to Ian Gansler, Manager of Energy, Resilience, and Sustainability Policy with any questions or input.

U.S. Ports Brace for Highest Import Cargo Volume in Almost a Year
Mike Schuler, GCaptain

Import cargo volume at major U.S. container ports is expected to reach its highest level in nearly a year this month as retailers prepare for the winter holidays, the National Retail Federation said Monday.

The resolution of critical labor negotiations means retailers can now focus on upcoming the holiday import season. West Coast ports and United Parcel Service have reached tentative contract agreements, while a Canadian port strike ended with a tentative agreement that was ratified on Friday. Ratification processes are ongoing for the other agreements. Read More...

The Era of Ultracheap Stuff Is Under Threat
Factories across Asia are struggling to attract young workers, which is bad news for Western consumers accustomed to inexpensive goods
Jon Emont, Wall Street Journal

The workplace features floor-to-ceiling windows and a cafe serving matcha tea, as well as free yoga and dance classes. Every month, workers gather at team-building sessions to drink beer, drive go-karts, and go bowling.

This isn’t Google. It’s a garment factory in Vietnam. 

Asia, the world’s factory floor and the source of much of the stuff Americans buy, is running into a big problem: Its young people, by and large, don’t want to work in factories.

That’s why the garment factory is trying to make its manufacturing floor more enticing, and why alarm bells are ringing at Western companies that rely on the region’s inexpensive labor to churn out affordable consumer goods. Read More...