TX: Port Houston to Honor Int'l. Longshoremen’s Assoc.–South Atlantic and Gulf Coast District

Port Houston, ranked as a top five container port in the U.S., announces that the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) - South Atlantic and Gulf Coast District will be presented with the first Port Houston Lone Star Award at the 2nd Annual Houston International Maritime Conference (HIMC23). Port Houston is the marine terminal operator of Barbours Cut and Bayport Container Terminals, where the ILA has been providing service for 46 years. Port Houston is one of the largest employers of ILA labor in the area.

Recognizing partnership excellence, the Lone Star Award is given to organizations that demonstrate a commitment to providing outstanding service to the region's maritime supply chain. Port Houston staff members select a recipient they feel exemplifies these traits.  This year’s awardee, the ILA - South Atlantic and Gulf Coast District, is being honored for decades of dedication and commitment to the region. Members of the ILA – South Atlantic and Gulf Coast District displayed tireless efforts during the pandemic as well as played a critical role during Port Houston’s record-breaking volume in 2022.

"At Port Houston, we place a high value on our close working relationships, and the ILA has supported us at every turn. Cargo volumes were up 16% in 2022 and have continued strong through 2023, and the ILA continues to be crucial to our success and the overall success of the supply chain in our region,” said Roger Guenther, Executive Director at Port Houston. “We are proud to present them with our inaugural Lone Star Award, as they represent the very best in terms of partnership excellence and dedication to the industry and region. We look forward to honoring them with this prestigious distinction at the conference,” Guenther said.

Receiving the award will be Alan Robb, President of the ILA, South Atlantic and Gulf Coast District. “It is an honor to be recognized with Port Houston’s first Lone Star Award, which recognizes the value of partnership. The mutual respect and collaborative relationship the ILA has with the Port Houston team has played a critical role in the port’s growth,” said Robb. “We are proud of what we have collectively accomplished and share with Port Houston a continued commitment to serve our region.”

Hosted by Port Houston, HIMC23 is a three-day conference that will take place from October 30 to November 1. It will include networking and insightful panel discussions on a variety of subjects, such as import and export container trade, breakbulk cargo, terminal fluidity, sustainability, and the next generation of the logistics workforce. The conference will provide attendees with critical insights and learnings as well as a platform for industry leaders to share expertise, ideas, and concerns with their peers.  

Tickets to HIMC23 are on sale now for $475. Shippers/BCOs receive special pricing of $300 per ticket and should contact June Chin at june@bsya.com to register. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit https://porthouston.com/himc/.