Submitted by Port of Grays Harbor
Life-long Montesano resident and local business owner, Phil Papac was sworn in to fill the Port of Grays Harbor District 1 Commission seat at Tuesday’s Commission meeting at the Satsop Business Park. Papac was selected by Commissioners Pinnick and Thompson in June to fill the position vacated by the retirement of Commissioner Chuck Caldwell on July 31.
Mr. Papac, a father of two grown sons, has operated a successful restaurant with his wife, Danya, for the past 37 years. With an extensive history of involvement and commitment in the community, he also served on the Montesano Parks Board for 20 years, co-chaired two successful school levies, coached and served on several boards for youth sports, and had a 20-year career refereeing basketball throughout Grays Harbor.
“I look forward to serving the citizens of District 1, and all of Grays Harbor,” stated Commissioner Phil Papac. “The Port has been a vital economic driver for our community and I am honored and excited to be a part of the team.”
Commissioner Papac will serve the remainder of the District 1 Commissioner term which will be up for election in November 2019, at which time Mr. Papac and any District 1 registered voter seeking to run for the position may stand for election for the following 6-year term. The Port Commission Board was also re-organized to reflect the recent appointment. The Board for the remainder of 2018 will be Jack Thompson as President, Stan Pinnick as Vice President, and Phil Papac as Secretary.
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. Strategically located midway between Seattle and Portland and only 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.
