A Dynamic Look at Growth, Innovation, and the Future Shared at the 2024 “State of the Port”
West Ventura County Business Alliance Hosts Annual Port Update
Contact: Letitia Austin
Public & Government Relations Manager
[PORT HUENEME, CA] – The Residence Inn by Marriott in Oxnard was the location of a packed room consisting of elected officials, port customers, labor union representatives, businesses, and community groups eager to listen to an update presented by the Port of Hueneme and hosted by the West Ventura County Business Alliance. Celina Zacarias, President of the Oxnard Harbor District Board of Commissioners welcomed attendees to the “State of the Port” presentation with an inspirational story about her childhood in Oxnard and thanked the community for its support of the port.
“The Port of Hueneme is the heartbeat of our local economy by driving trade, creating jobs, and connecting our communities to vital opportunities,” President Zacarias said. “The Port continues to ‘keep cargo moving’ which helps our region thrive.”
Celina Zacarias, President of the Oxnard Harbor District Board of Commissioners speaking at the Port of Hueneme’s annual State of the Port Luncheon.
Kristin Decas, CEO & Port Director, kicked off the presentation by providing a “Port 101” that included impressive milestones, fun facts, and an interactive quiz about the port that kept attendees engaged while being informed.
“The Port of Hueneme is charging forward on its journey towards becoming a zero-emission port by 2030,” Decas said. “Sustainability and innovation are keys to our economic growth and environmental stewardship.”
(Left to right) Miguel Rodriguez, Community Relations and Workforce Development Director; Christina Birdsey, Chief Operations Officer; Stacy Lange, Chief Commercial & Public Affairs Officer; Kristin Decas, CEO & Port Director; Celina Zacarias, President of the Oxnard Harbor District Board of Commissioners; Jess Ramirez, Vice President of the Oxnard Harbor District Board of Commissioners; and Austin Yang, Chief Financial and Chief Administration Officer.
The Port’s senior leadership team of Austin Yang, Chief Financial and Chief Administration Officer; Christina Birdsey, Chief Operations Officer; and Stacy Lange, Chief Commercial & Public Affairs Officer provided updates regarding the port’s economic impact in the region, cargo and revenue performance, infrastructure, innovation, environment, business operations, and community outreach. Miguel Rodriguez, Community Relations and Workforce Development Director, rounded out the presentation by making a strong case for cultivating solid partnerships between the Port of Hueneme, businesses, community organizations, and local leaders.
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About the Port of Hueneme: The Port of Hueneme is one of the most productive and efficient commercial trade gateways for niche cargo on the West Coast. Five locally elected Port Commissioners govern the Port. The Port consistently ranks among the top ten U.S. Ports for automobiles and fresh produce. Port operations support the community by bringing $2.8 billion in economic activity and creating 24,997 trade-related jobs. Trade through the Port of Hueneme generates more than $236 million in direct and related state and local taxes, which fund vital community services. In 2017, the Port of Hueneme became the first Port in California to become Green Marine certified and was voted the Greenest Port in the U.S. at the Green Shipping Summit.
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