Port of Vancouver USA lecture series

The Port of Vancouver USA offers a series of free public lectures from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Feb. 15, March 15 and 29 at the Kiggins Theater, 1011 Main Street, Vancouver. Pizza, popcorn and other concessions will be available to buy, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. A percentage of food sales benefits the Fort Vancouver Seafarers Center.  Parking is free downtown after 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.portvanusa.com.

• Feb. 15: “Navigating the Graveyard of the Pacific: The Amazing and Challenging Work of the Columbia River Bar Pilots.” Capt. Dan Jordan has been piloting large ships across the Columbia River Bar for 18 years. Jordan will describe how unique conditions at the mouth of the Columbia River make it one of the most challenging navigated stretches of water in the world. He will also share the fascinating world of Columbia River Bar Pilots, whose efforts ensure international access to Pacific Northwest ports, which move about 51 million tons of cargo valued at $22 billion each year.
• March 15: “Washington State – International Trade Juggernaut.” Lori Otto Punke is president of the Washington Council on International Trade (WCIT). With more than one-third of Washington state jobs tied to international trade, WCIT is the state’s premier organization advocating for smart trade policy for industries ranging from manufacturing, food and retail to technology and science. Punke will review the northwest’s trade-reliant region,  analyze how current trade and geopolitical tensions impact our economy, and what we can do to increase trade and its associated jobs.
• March 29: “Marine and Commercial Outlook at the Port of Vancouver USA.” Alex Strogen is the port’s chief commercial officer, overseeing the port’s marine division as well as the commercial team managing port real estate and tenants. Strogen will look back at challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic and preview the port’s new initiatives. He’ll discuss the importance of a diverse cargo mix, how the port develops new business, describe the port’s role in moving wind components to points east and into Canada. Strogen will also discuss the port’s 50+ tenants with opportunities for expansion and job creation.