Submitted by Port of Grays Harbor
The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) has awarded the Port of Grays Harbor the 2016 Overall Award of Excellence for its 4th Grade Tour Program entry into the 50th Annual AAPA Communications Awards Program.
The Port’s 4th Grade Tour Program was initiated in 2011 as a Centennial project and has evolved ever since. The popular program includes a port-based curriculum that is sent out to students approximately one month prior to their tour. Transportation is provided at no cost to participating schools thanks to the Gladys Philips Cultural Tours Grant administered by the Grays Harbor Community Foundation. The tour includes a port overview presentation, a full bus tour of the marine terminals and industrial properties, followed by a map activity and a quiz for prizes before students return to school with a goodie bag featuring Port-customer donated items.
“We are incredibly proud of our staff and partners that have made the 4th Grade Tour Program such a success,” said Port Commission President Jack Thompson. “It is exciting to be recognized by AAPA. The tour program has been extremely effective in educating the youth of Grays Harbor about the role their Port plays in connecting our customers and the goods they grow and produce with markets around the globe.”
The Port of Grays Harbor will receive an Overall Award of Excellence trophy at AAPA’s 105th Annual Convention and Expo in New Orleans on October 26. The Port of Grays Harbor takes home the prestigious award in the Category 1 division. St. John’s Port Authority in Newfoundland, Canada took the honors for Category 2 ports, and Port Everglades, Florida was the overall winner amongst Category 3 ports. The three categories are based on the size of the port’s public relations/advertising/marketing budget.
The Port of Grays Harbor’s Annual Results Brochure also won an Award of Distinction in the Annual Reports category. Port staff has partnered with local graphics designer, Amy Ostwald, for the last two years in developing the annual brochure that captures the previous year’s highlights and successes in a quick, easy-to-read format.
Founded in 1911, the Port of Grays Harbor is one of Washington State’s oldest port districts and Washington’s only deep-water port located directly on the Pacific Ocean. The Port of Grays Harbor operates 4 deep-water marine terminals, the Westport Marina, Bowerman Airport, Grays Harbor ship assist services, numerous public waterfront access facilities, in addition to industrial and business parks throughout the County. The addition of Satsop Business Park increased the Port’s properties to more than 1,000 acres of industrial properties and an additional 1,200 acres of sustainably managed forestland. Strategically located midway between Seattle and Portland and less than 1 ½ hours from open sea, the Port of Grays Harbor provides businesses a diverse portfolio of facilities. More information on the Port of Grays Harbor’s facilities and operations is available at portofgraysharbor.com or satsop.com.
