POV-tenant-breakfast-07242014-webThe Port of Vancouver USA held its annual tenant breakfast on Thursday, July 24, at the port’s administrative offices on Northwest Lower River Road. The breakfast offered an opportunity to share information on port activities as well as connect our tenants with local resources.

Port CEO Todd Coleman opened the breakfast with an informal question and answer session on various topics related to the port, including a possible crude oil handling facility. In between questions Coleman reviewed the business case for the project, community benefits of the project, the port’s commitment to safety, and the rigorous environmental review currently underway by the state Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council.

Following Coleman’s presentation, port staff updated the group on the largest capital project in the port’s history: The $275 million West Vancouver Freight Access project. The project creates a new rail entrance into the port and is expected to decrease congestion on the regional rail system by as much as 40 percent when complete in 2017.

In addition, the group learned about the port’s Advantaged Supply Chain (ASC) — which provides a direct route for shipping from the port to the Midcontinent. The ASC’s proven ability to save tenants and customers both time and money is bringing more cargo through the port, which benefits our community.

Finally, the group heard from representatives with the Clark County Green Business Program and Clark Public Utilities. The county’s Green Business Program offers assessments, resources and assistance to businesses wanting to implement green initiatives while also measuring results. Participants know it’s good for the environment and the business’s bottom line. Several tenants at the port already participate in the program including NuStar, Cadet Manufacturing and IMS Electronics Recycling. Clark Public Utilities offers free energy audits and incentives to businesses to update their lighting (internal and external), heating and cooling which means businesses can save money and operate more efficiently. For more information, view the presentations given by Clark County Green Business Program and Clark Public Utilities.

The Port of Vancouver is home to approximately 50 businesses and enjoys a 99 percent lease rate. Tenants attending the breakfast included Cadet Manufacturing, Trimac Panel Products, Great Western Malting, ABC Plastics, Red Lion, Trobella Cabinetry, and many more.