The produce you buy in the supermarket; the steel that's girding new buildings in town; the automobiles you see on the road: These are everyday things we take for granted, but they wouldn't be here if it weren't for ports. In fact, your local port, the Port of Vancouver, USA, creates an economic ripple effect that is surprisingly far reaching.

At the hub of it all

First of all, the Port of Vancouver, USA, is a pipeline for goods and raw materials headed to domestic and foreign markets. Wood pulp and grain destined for Asia departs from our Port by cargo ship. The clothing you wear, the VCRs you buy, the Subaru automobiles you see on the road - many of these things come to our country on ships that call on U.S. ports. Once the goods arrive here, they are transported by freight trains, trucks or airplanes to manufacturers and distribution centers around the country.

It takes a lot of workers to keep all of that cargo moving, and industry thriving

Click here to find out more about the types of jobs generated by the Port of Vancouver (98kb PDF)

Over 15,500 jobs are generated by the maritime and industrial activities at the Port. One in three jobs in the state of Washington are trade related. Some jobs are created by manufacturers whose plants are sited on the Port's industrial property. Other jobs are created to support shipping activities. The types of skilled career fields at the Port of Vancouver, include: Longshore, Engineers, Construction, Technicians, Business Management and Administration, Production and Manufacturing.

These workers live and shop in Clark County

It's estimated that Port activities inject $940 million in business revenue in Clark County annually. But many people who work at the Port of Vancouver, USA, also live and spend money here. Port activities generate $764 million in annual personal income, including payroll, re-spending and consumption –much of which happens right here in our community.

They help support our local services as well

Port workers and businesses contribute about $82 million in state and local taxes, helping improve local services, like police, fire, buses, and schools. Tax money also supports our local parks and recreation facilities.

Part of a healthy community

The ripple effects of the Port of Vancouver, USA, are felt all across our community, and will continue to be far into the future. The Port's land resources, facilities and access to transportation will be a major source of new jobs for Clark County in the years to come.