The City of Richmond and the Auto Warehousing Company recently agreed to terms with American Honda Motor Company on a contract that will pay the City $87.5 million over the next 15 years, with the possibility of two five-year extensions.
The Port of Richmond’s Point Potrero Marine Terminal has been a Northern California port of entry and automobile processing facility for more than 30 years. Photo courtesy of Richmond Redevelopment Agency
By Paul Duclos
Published: January, 2009
The Port of Richmond’s Point Potrero Marine Terminal has been a Northern California port of entry and automobile processing facility for more than 30 years. In addition to bringing a large amount of new money into the City, the new contract also means 200 construction jobs, as the City will invest $37.9 million into improvements at the Port of Richmond. The agreement creates a further 200 jobs during the term of the contract. In this very lean economic period, it is welcome news for the Bay Area that new jobs will be coming to the City of Richmond.
Port of Oakland Wins EPA Kudos
The Port of Oakland headquarters located at 530 Water Street was awarded the Energy Star label by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the United States Department of Energy for the third consecutive year.
Energy Star is a commonly recognized mark on products such as computers, refrigerators and other electronic equipment; however, buildings can earn this distinction as well. To achieve an Energy Star award, a facility must rank among the top 25 percent most energy-efficient buildings in the market. Factors that affect scoring include building systems, hours of operation, regional climate, equipment scheduling, and monitoring the equipment.
This award reflects our continued commitment to reduce the Port’s carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the amount of electricity that we use daily, said port executive director Omar Benjamin. The port is doing its part to conserve energy and utilize resources more efficiently.
The Port of Oakland is one of only sixteen buildings that have the Energy Star distinction within the City of Oakland. The other sixteen Energy Star properties are owned by the following: Shorenstein Realty Services (2 properties), Brandywine Realty Trust, CalSTERS, ACERA, Clorox Corporation, State of California, TKW, Oakland Property, Prentiss Properties, Ashford Hospitality Trust, General Services Administration, Rotunda Partners II, Grabhorn, and the University of California. The energy performance label—which shows a particular facility’s energy performance on a scale of 1 to 100—is a comparison of a facility’s energy performance to that of similar facilities around the United States. The Port of Oakland headquarters scored an 88 in the EPA benchmarking of facilities nationwide.
PTA Holds Past Presidents Lunch
Former leaders of the Pacific Transportation Association convened for their annual Past Presidents lunch last month to renew old ties and share industry anecdotes spanning generations. Newly-elected president Barbara O’Neill noted, It’s always a poignant event.
Founded in 1920, this remarkable association flourished in San Francisco when the city still had a major cargo seaport and was home to scores of steamship lines and agents. In those days, the PTA was made up of mostly shippers and intermediaries using ocean carriage. Its annual Steamship Night attracted more than a thousand professionals every fall, and was a genuine can’t miss social event.
Today, the association is smaller but continues to thrive, reflecting the complexity of the supply chain. There are still ocean carrier reps to be sure, but its membership is far more diverse, including members from the air cargo, warehousing and terminal, motor carrier and rail sectors as well. Freight forwarders and Customs brokers, insurance brokers, high-tech solutions providers, and container leasing experts also contribute to this mix.
Members note that this group also gives back a great deal to the larger community every year. Its annual donations provide scholarship monies to the California Maritime Academy in Vallejo, and in past years it has provided generous support for the Bay Area’s Seafarer’s Service in Oakland.
Stated outgoing president Dennis Bohm: In a world of mass communication and commoditization, it’s a relief to know that grass roots organizations like the PTA can still provide the needed human element so crucial to doing business on a regional level. The ultimate payoff is more than just receiving exclusive market intelligence. Rather, it’s knowing that shared values and interests are being nurtured to move the industry forward at a stately, refined, and sustainable pace.
