Breakbulk Transpo is a tradeshow for agencies such as ports and other intermodal interests that maintain breakbulk operations. The annual event is a venue for education and the exchange of ideas regarding topics of vital concern to the industries represented. MSPA staffers Amy Miller, Andy Fobes, Dee Simmons and Pat Hudson tended the MSPA agency exhibit during the show, where they greeted patrons, supplied giveaways and educated visitors through descriptions of port activities and by playing a continuous-loop video of port operations. Four ports also won awards for their innovative environmental programs during the awards luncheon held at the AAPA's 89th Annual Convention, taking place October 16-19 in Veracruz, Mexico. AAPA's Communications Competition recognizes excellence in the products and services which ports produce to meet their public relations and marketing goals.
Entries range from advertising to brochures to videotapes.
Fifty ports submitted 175 entries in the 2000 competition. Thirty-four communications professionals from the Washington, D.C., area devoted more than 40 hours judging the entries. Jacksonville Port Authority won the 2000 Award of Overall Excellence in communications. Frank DiGeorge assists a National Guard serviceman in placing equipment onto a Dole container for shipment to Central America. Dole Fresh Fruit and units with the Mississippi and Louisiana National Guard.