FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PORTLAND, ORE. (May 11, 2009) –
Two National Conferences Introduce Industry Professionals to Portland
What do reefers and
running shoes have in common? They represent two major industry events being
hosted right here in the City of Roses this week and next.
“Reefers” is short
for refrigerated shipping containers, and “Linking Up the Cold Chain” is the
theme of the first-ever Cool Cargoes Conference. Starting Tuesday morning and
continuing through Wednesday at The Nines Hotel, the event will focus on the
major issues driving the refrigerated and frozen cargo industries.
The Port took an
active interest in hosting this national conference in Portland, given that its
share of refrigerated containerized exports, has increased dramatically in
recent years. Port of Portland Commissioner Mary Olson, and Sam Ruda, the
Port’s director of marine and industrial development, will be on hand to
provide welcoming remarks.
Panels of experts
will examine trends and significant developments in the transport of such
temperature-controlled cargoes as perishable foods, pharmaceuticals and medical
supplies. Guest speakers will discuss how the supply chain for
temperature-controlled cargoes is evolving, the expanded role of public
refrigerated warehouses, the latest in technology advancements, and what ports
and carriers are doing to improve transportation efficiencies.
Portland also takes
center stage for the national American Apparel and Footwear Association annual
Sustainability Conference on May 18 and 19 at the Doubletree Hotel Portland.
The city serves as the perfect backdrop for the event, given the clusters of
major footwear and apparel companies based here.
With the theme of
“Sustainability: Turning Responsibility into Opportunity,” the seminar will
give attendees the opportunity to learn how companies put sustainability into
practice, how they effectively communicate their accomplishments, and how
companies are adapting to the volatile and unpredictable economy to gain a
competitive advantage.
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