Ports United

?? ?????????????? ?????? ???????? ?????????????????? ???????? ???????????????????????? ???????????? ?? As we prepare to gather in gratitude, we invite our members and partners to consider a meaningful way to give back through the AAPA Emergency Relief Fund (ERF). This fund is not just about responding to natural disasters—it is about being prepared to lift up port employees and their families facing unexpected hardships of all kinds. Each donation helps us stand ready to support those who keep our ports running strong, reinforcing the resilience of our community in times of need. As Thad Angelloz, Director of Grants & Communications at Greater Lafourche Port Commission/Port Fourchon, shared: "???? ?????? ?????? ???? ?????? ??????, ?????? ???????? ???? ???? ???? ???????? ?????????????? ???? ???????????????????? ???? ?????? ??????????????. ?????? ???? ?????? ???????? ???????????????? ???????????????????? ???? ???????? ??????????, ???? ???????????? ?? ???????? ???????? ???????? ???? ?? ???????????? ?????? ???????????? ???????????????? ???????? ???????????????? ???????????? ???????????????? ???????????????? ????????????????????." You can read more about Thad's story and other ERF recipient experiences on the AAPA Foundation page: https://lnkd.in/eRsHatqU. Together, let’s honor the spirit of Thanksgiving by being prepared to help those who need it most. ?? ???????? ???????? ??????-???????????????????? ???????????????? ????????: bit.ly/GiveToERF Wishing everyone a joyful and meaningful Thanksgiving season! #AAPA #EmergencyReliefFund #GivingSeason #PortResilience #GivingBack

AAPA congratulates Sean Duffy on his nomination by President-Elect Trump to serve as the next U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary. Based on his experience in Congress and solid record of collaboration with his local ports, we are optimistic that Duffy understands how integral ports are to a strong and healthy national supply chain. https://lnkd.in/eEehYDYn

It was a joy to spend this week at the AAPA Annual Convention with friends and colleagues from over 90 ports around the country. The Convention just happened to coincide with the announcement of $3 billion in Clean Ports Program grants to ports in 27 states. I got to hear from AAPA's members how they plan to use these massive grants to purchase cargo-handling equipment, shore power systems, and charging infrastructure. It is somewhat surreal to look back at the 3 years I have spent advocating for this program in Congress, working with EPA to set up the program efficiently, and communicating with our ports to make sure they were prepared to submit applications. It has been such an educational and empowering experience to watch advocacy and hard work translate into $3 billion worth of transformative projects that will mitigate emissions and clean the air in ports around the country. Next step: document the amazing success of these projects and take it back to Congress to make the case that the Clean Ports Program deserves permanent, annual funding! As a bonus, we finished the Convention with a reception and tour at Fenway Park, one of my favorite places in the world, which helped to dull the pain of the Red Sox's terrible season! Thanks go out to port staff around the country and amazing public servants in government for your hard work: Karl Simon Michael Moltzen Sarah Froman Harold J. Rickenbacker, Ph.D. Adam Fischer Alycia Gilde and many more! AAPA Press Release on the Clean Ports Program: https://lnkd.in/exHMyHEF

This year’s Annual Convention marks a pivotal moment as AAPA’s Board of Directors welcomed new leadership. We want to extend our deepest gratitude to Paul Anderson, President & CEO of Port Tampa Bay, and AAPA’s outgoing Chair of the Board, for his remarkable leadership, dedication, and many contributions over his term. Paul’s commitment has been instrumental in advancing AAPA’s mission and supporting the successful growth of our industry. Thank you, Paul, for your tireless efforts and outstanding service! We are equally excited to welcome Chett Chiasson, Executive Director of Port Fourchon, as our incoming Chair of the Board. Chett has served as Vice Chair of the AAPA Board since 2022, demonstrating his dedication and strong leadership throughout. His deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the port industry sets a strong foundation for what’s ahead. Here’s to a promising new chapter for AAPA and the port industry! Greater Lafourche Port Commission

"There is no question that our industry and AAPA’s brand recognition in our nation’s capital are increasingly recognizable and respected when it matters most. I like the old political adage that sums up Washington, DC nicely: 'If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.' We are not just at the table; we are helping key decision-makers realize that we provide the food on the menu, as well as the table itself and the chairs." Cary S. Davis delivered these powerful opening remarks earlier today, setting a bold and energizing tone for the day’s events. He was followed by Rear Admiral ANN PHILLIPS, US Navy (Ret.), who captivated a full house with her keynote address. #AAPAEXPO #AAPAEVENTS

Smiles all around at last night's New England Port Welcome Reception, which officially kicked off our Annual Convention! A huge thank you to our reception sponsors — Connecticut Port Authority, New Bedford Port Authority, Port of Boston, Quonset Development Corporation, and Waterson Terminal Services, LLC — as well as all our exhibitors. Your presence and support are instrumental in making this event a success and fostering meaningful connections across the port and maritime industry.

This morning, we were honored to premiere our latest video at AAPA’s 113th Annual Convention, just before AAPA President & CEO Cary S. Davis took the stage. The video spotlights the vital impact of the South Jersey Port Corporation in the Camden community and the collaborative efforts of local leaders to drive economic growth and opportunity. It also underscores AAPA’s commitment to advocating for local communities, creating port jobs, and bolstering regional economies—a testament to the critical role ports play nationwide. A special thank you to Andy Saporito, Executive Director and CEO of South Jersey Port Corporation, for being an essential part of this story.

Yesterday, the American Association of Port Authorities met with Acting U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Troy Miller and his team to discuss issues critical to our industry. Our ports work closely with local CBP officers daily to keep cargo moving!

Kicking Day 2 off of #VMA24 with USTR Ambassador Doug McKalip and American Association of Port Authorities President & CEO Cary S. Davis talking international trade! #vamaritime #USTR

A brief update from American Association of Port Authorities CEO, Cary S. Davis, on the current state of our nation’s ports: