The Exchange July / August 2023

WELCOME TO THE EXCHANGE

LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

2023 Welcome to the July/August edition of The Exchange!

This edition will be my last as I say good-bye to my 27-year career as Executive Director of the Exchange. It has been rewarding, challenging, fun – and an immense honor to lead an organization that supports our maritime industry. Above all, it is the people I’ve met and the friends I’ve made over the years that have made this a rewarding time in my life.

Thank you all for your business and personal support over the years – the support has meant everything to me.

And as always…looking to the horizon:

Please join the Exchange staff at our Open House and 5th Annual Bocce Tournament on September 7th. Registration is live and we look forward to seeing you there!

Liz Wainwright, Executive Director Merchants Exchange

NOTE FROM THE EDITORIAL TEAM

The Exchange is the bi-monthly newsletter of the Merchants Exchange.

Members: If you have an article or an announcement that you would like to be included in future issues of The Exchange, please contact us: newsletter@ pdxmex.com.

Mary Wiley, Editor

Todd Krout (2026) President Port of Vancouver USA

Chris Cummins (2024) Vice President

General Steamship Corp

Geoff Doerfler (2024) Tidewater Barge Lines

Earl Dixon (2024) United Grain Corp

Gary Hodson (2026) ACGI Shipping

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Roger Hsieh (2024) Treasurer BNSF Railway Company

Alex Scott (2026) Secretary Anchorage Launch Co.

Adrian Burkard (2025) Jones Stevedoring Company

Eric Kastner (2025) Cascade Marine Agencies

Ryan Statz (2025) Columbia Grain, Inc.

MEMBERSHIP

Our membership makes up the core of the local marine shipping community. Our members include, but are not limited to: vessel agents and operators, admiralty attorneys, customs brokers, tug and barge companies, freight forwarders, stevedores, ship repair service facilities and port authorities.

The Exchange is a provider of vessel and cargo information. It serves as a hub for local industry education as well as association management and networking activities. Our members enjoy a direct relationship with the Merchants Exchange and its services. Each member company is able to vote for Merchants Exchange board of director nominees and is eligible for board membership. All of our services and activities are member focused.

Jeff Hibner (Ex Officio) Board President, Clean Rivers Cooperative NuStar Energy

Kent Cash (Ex Officio) Board President, Maritime Fire & Safety Association Port of Vancouver

Capt. Jeremy Nielsen (Ex Officio) Columbia River Pilots

Legal Counsel: Tyson Calvert, Esq. Lindsay Hart LLP

Vessel and cargo information services that are currently offered include:

• Vessel Reporting

• Communication Support Service

• Vessel and Cargo Statistics

• Daily Grain Bulletin

• Grain Committee Membership

• Answering Service

• Special Reports and Services

The Merchants Exchange caters its services to the ever-changing needs of local industry. We are constantly working to develop new ways to help our members do business. If the service you need is not listed, ask us and we can work to develop it for you.

For more information about membership, visit our website at: www.pdxmex.com

Celebrating 27 Years of Leadership

A Fond Farewell & Bon Voyage to Retiring Executive Director Liz Wainwright

On July 1st, 1996, Elizabeth “Liz” Wainwright became the Executive Director of the Merchants Exchange. As only the 5th Executive Director in Merchants Exchange history – she brought her maritime business experience and vision to the role. For 27 years, Liz has been dedicated to leading the staff and organization, actively engaging with members and industry stakeholders, and building the reputation of the Merchants Exchange into the widely-respected cornerstone of the Columbia River maritime community that it is today.

As we prepare to bid farewell to a truly exceptional leader, we take this moment to celebrate the remarkable legacy of Liz Wainwright. Her guidance and dedication have profoundly shaped the trajectory of our organization. Throughout her tenure, Merchants Exchange has experienced an era of growth, innovation, and expanded service within our membership and the broader maritime community. All driven by her unwavering commitment to this organization.

Navigating Towards Excellence

Liz’s commitment to strategic growth and innovation has been key to the Merchants Exchange’s success. She has been instrumental in applying standardized business practices to the organization, while stressing the importance of continual growth and continuous improvement to respond to our members’ needs.

Liz initiated and guided the organization through two successful five-year strategic planning cycles, both of which achieved 90-100% completion of action items. The Exchange is currently in the midst of a third five-year cycle, ending in 2024.

Under her leadership, the Merchants Exchange has continually evolved with the ever-changing technology so we can better serve our members. We established the VITALS (Vessel Information Tracking) database in 1998, which evolved from an earlier database. The initial VITALS database’s major motivation was to provide a smooth approach for vessel operators to easily and cost-effectively

2003 Open House

2012 Open House

2007 Open House

Thank you, Liz Wainwright

meet state standards. Our next significant redesign occurred in 2022, with the launch of our online database. The Marine Activity Reporting & Vessel Information Network (MARVIN) combined the online MFSA Vessel Enrollment Form with the VITALS database to produce a unified database. We continue to monitor, develop, and extend our database and technical tools.

Empowering Through Education

A longtime member of the Women’s Shipping Club (WSC), Liz continued the WSC’s educational legacy by establishing the Merchants Exchange Scholarship Fund in 2004. Since then, the Scholarship Fund has awarded more than $80,000 in scholarships to students seeking higher education in maritime-related disciplines.

A champion of education, Liz has been instrumental in the development of our Shipping Education Series. In 2015, the Merchants Exchange launched “Shipping 101” in conjunction with our five-year strategic plan and in response to the maritime community’s need to improve their understanding of the Columbia River Marine Transportation System. Our objectives are to produce high-quality informational content that explains industry resources, to identify area maritime and intermodal stakeholders, and to raise community awareness. The program has since expanded to four courses, with almost 400 students enrolled.

A Leader Within the Community

Liz is a well-respected leader, not only in the Columbia River maritime and harbor community, but at the national level as well.

Throughout her tenure, she has actively engaged with various committees, boards, regional workgroups, and organizations focused on marine transportation system issues and government regulations including the USCG Sector Columbia River Area Maritime Security Advisory Committee, the Lower Columbia Region Harbor Safety Committee, the National Harbor Safety Committee Conference Planning Committee, the Maritime Information Services of North America (MISNA), Cascade Employers Association, Oregon Maritime Museum, Merchants Exchange Scholarship Fund, and the Women’s Shipping Club.

2017 Annual Meeting

2018 Annual Meeting

Shipping Education Series

Additionally, Liz has served as the Executive Director of the Maritime Fire & Safety Association (MFSA) for 27 years.

She led a multi-year project that resulted in physical improvements in the MFSA VHF Radio Communications System used to support safe navigation on the lower Columbia and Willamette Rivers. Liz was committed to the Fire Program training and logistics objectives, obtaining federal funding over successive years to ensure the Program’s growth. At the time she became the MFSA Executive Director, the MFSA Oil Program was in its infancy. Working with stakeholders and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and the Washington Department of Ecology, Liz addressed compliance issues, oversaw multiple Master Vessel Oil Spill Response Plan updates, and in partnership with Clean Rivers, the acquisition of a substantial cache of response equipment. Additionally, Liz was instrumental in identifying the need and securing funding to develop the MFSA first generation Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Trailer program in a joint effort between MFSA, Clean Rivers Cooperative, International Bird Rescue, and Oregon agencies. With her leadership, the MFSA is recognized as the leading provider and advocate of safe, environmentally responsible, and cost-effective response services to the commercial vessels in our region.

MFSA is a unique organization, recognized nationally, including having been awarded the Vice President’s “Hammer Award” for its effective partnership between Federal, state, local agencies, and private business to significantly improve safety along the Lower Columbia and Willamette Rivers.

An Unwavering Commitment to Service

As part of the Merchants Exchange’s commitment to service to our members, Liz has cultivated a diverse and versatile team of staff that are known to be knowledgeable and wellrespected within the industry.

She has led with a desire for openness and transparency in communication with our membership. This includes launching yearly membership meetings and developing an annual report to provide a full update on operational and financial results and actions completed over the previous year, as well as the creation of our bi-monthly industry e-magazine The Exchange, electronic notifications & alerts, and daily news summary.

Liz was integral in the decision of Merchants Exchange to expand our service offerings to include Grant Management and Administration for our members in 2007. Merchants Exchange was the designated Fiduciary Agent and Direct Recipient for the Port Security Grant Program monies for the Columbia-Willamette-Snake River Port Area from 2007 Supplemental to 2011. Since 2012, our processes have been demonstrated by the successful application and award of PSGP candidates. Our expertise in grant management and administration is further demonstrated by our FEMA Region X

2002 Clean Rivers

2004 Annual Meeting

2001 Clean Rivers/MFSA

140th Anniversary Gala

Financial Monitoring Reports, which resulted in zero findings.

Through a Port Security Grant Program, we built a Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Program (BCDRP) in 2013. Our goal was to protect and enable employees’ and stakeholders’ lives, safety, and well-being while continuing to provide missioncritical, time-sensitive services and communications-related activities to our maritime community.

In response to COVID-19, we implemented our BCDRP Plan in March 2020. We prioritized the safety of our employees while maintaining crucial services under Liz’s leadership. Her top priority was keeping employees employed and safe amid the global pandemic. We had zero interruptions of service.

A Fond Farewell

“The Merchants Exchange Board of Directors would like to thank Liz for 27 years of dedicated service to the Merchants Exchange. Her leadership has set the Exchange on a course for success well into the future. Congratulations Liz, we wish you the best in this next chapter.” – The Merchants Exchange Board of Directors

2018 Old Salt

2007 Golf

2013 Open House

2016 Golf

2010 TPC Lyttleton

WELCOME CURTIS CANNIZZARO, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Merchants Exchange Board of Directors is pleased to announce the selection of Mr. Curtis Cannizzaro as the new Executive Director of the Merchants Exchange.

“Curtis brings with him a wealth of Exchange and Association Management experience to the role.” Todd Krout, Merchants Exchange Board President says.

Cannizzaro’s maritime background in spill response along the Columbia River, as well as his experience in leadership, business administration, partnership development and strategic planning are valuable assets to the organization. This experience, combined with a deep understanding of the Merchants Exchange’s core values, operations, and strategic goals, will be instrumental in driving the progress, growth, and success of the Merchants Exchange, while fulfilling the needs of its members and stakeholders.

Mr. Cannizzaro’s transition into the role of Executive Director began July 10, 2023. As Executive Director, he will assume a broad range of responsibilities including the day-to-day operations responsibility for the organization, strategic leadership, team management, financial oversight, service development and association management.

“I am truly grateful to support the Merchants Exchange, and the Maritime Industry as a whole, as the Executive Director. With the incredible team of staff at the Merchants Exchange I know that we can continue to deliver that same valued contribution to the Maritime Community. I look forward to developing new ways to improve how we are able to meet those goals and continue to build on the relationships that make this region so unique and special,” says Cannizzaro.

Cannizzaro currently serves as the General Manager of Clean Rivers Cooperative and will continue to assume General Manager responsibilities during this transition until recruitment for a suitable replacement can be finalized.

An integral member of Merchants Exchange staff since 2015, he has previously held the roles of: Assistant Manager, Maritime Fire & Safety Association (MFSA), Business Manager, Clean Rivers Cooperative, Program Manager, Fire Protection Agencies Advisory Council (FPAAC), and Administrative Coordinator, Clean Rivers Cooperative. In each of these roles, he focused on ensuring effective business operations, engaging with members, addressing regulatory issues, and fostering partnerships with regional associations and federal agencies including the United States Coast Guard, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Washington Department of Ecology, and Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.

Mr. Cannizzaro holds a B.A. in Business Administration from Bethany College with extensive additional coursework completed in FEMA ICS (Incident Command System), and federal grants management. He is actively engaged in numerous committees, boards, associations, and workgroups focused on the maritime industry. He is currently serving as Board Treasurer, Assoc. of Petroleum Industry Co-op Managers (APICOM), Board Member, Lower Columbia Region Harbor Safety Committee (LCRHSC), and Future Environmental Leaders Council Committee, Spill Control Association of America (SCAA).

“The successful leadership and guidance that Liz Wainwright has provided to the organization cannot be understated and I recognize the high level of service that has been provided by her and the staff to this point,” Cannizzaro says.

The Merchants Exchange Board of Directors expresses gratitude to Liz for her many years of service. Her leadership has set the Exchange on a course for success well into the future.

Join us Thursday, September 7th, when we open our doors for an after-work evening of networking, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and bocce ball. We welcome all Merchants Exchange members and our industry partners.

The 5th Annual Bocce Tournament is a fundraiser for the Merchants Exchange Scholarship Fund. Spots are limited, so register your Bocce team (2 players) to compete for the trophy and bragging rights all year long.

STATISTICS

Each Friday, The Merchants Exchange Daily presents a Ship Traffic Report for the previous week. If you are interested in signing up for our Daily News Bulletin, than click here to sign up.

Weekly Inbound Vessles Crossed the Columbia River Bar

THE PORT REPORT

The Columbia River Maritime Transportation System has 23 Ports over the course of 3 waterways. We are pleased to provide an outlet for local ports to share their news with our membership.

Will Isom Executive Director Port of Astoria

Curtis Robinhold Executive Director Port of Portland

Juliana Marler Chief Executive Officer Port of Vancouver USA

Dan Stahl Chief Executive Officer Port of Longview

Mark Wilson Executive Director Port of Kalama

Sean Clark Executive Director Port of Columbia County

PORT ADOPTS 2023-2024 BUDGET, KEEPS PROPERTY TAX LEVY AT ZERO

Port of Columbia County Commissioners voted unanimously at their June 14 meeting to adopt the 2023-2024 fiscal year budget and to continue assessing the port’s annual property tax levy at a rate of zero dollars.

The Port Commission has the authority to impose a property tax levy of $0.0886 per thousand upon the assessed value of all taxable property within the district but has instead voted to keep the levy at zero for the past four years. By assessing the tax rate at zero since 2020, the port has saved local taxpayers approximately $1.9 million.

“This will be the fourth year the Port of Columbia County has opted not to tax property owners, saving taxpayers more than one million dollars,” said Port Commission President Robert Keyser. “We are pleased to be able to fully fund our economic development activities without levying property taxes.”

The port’s 2023-24 budget totals $16.2 million, a $1.3 million increase from the previous fiscal year that is attributed to a growth in capital expenditures. The budget assumes that the port’s 42 commercial and industrial tenants will continue with their building and property leases. Combined budgeted revenues for all port tenant leases, permits, and licenses add up to more than $6 million.

Port Westward remains the port’s most profitable

property site, accounting for almost half of total revenue at over $3 million. One of the port’s largest tenants, Columbia Pacific Bio-Refinery, also known as Global Partners, is projected to continue transloading renewable diesel at Port Westward at the same volume of approximately one to two vessels per month.

Other Port Westward tenants include Portland General Electric with their Beaver Power Plant and the Port Westward 1 and 2 Generation Plants, and Next Renewable Fuels, who intends to build a $2.5 billion renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel production facility on their 90-acre ground lease.

The port intends to spend an estimated $7.2 million in capital projects in 202324. Significant projects include a new maintenance building at Multnomah Industrial Park in St. Helens, improvements to the Beaver Dock at Port Westward, and dredging at Scappoose Bay Marine Park. Over the last ten fiscal years the port has invested over $40 million in capital improvements throughout the district.

The budget committee consists of the Port Commissioners and an equal number of community members who oversee and approve the annual budget process. A copy of the port’s 2023-2024 adopted budget is available online at https://www. portofcolumbiacounty.org/finance/page/ budget-and-audit-reports.

LELOOSKA TOTEM POLE MOVED INTO MOUNTAIN TIMBER MARKET

Decades old Lelooska totem journeys to its new home after a year-long restoration process.

Last spring, a small army of contract workers (with FORMA Construction and Ness Campbell Crane) carefully lifted the restored Lelooska totem pole onto a custom platform base, drove it across the park on a trailer and hung it from the ceiling of the Port’s new Mountain Timber Market.

The totem, believed to be the largest ever carved from a single cedar tree, underwent a year-long restoration process by contractors and the family of original carver, Chief Lelooska. The process involved drying out the decaying pole for months before it was filled with epoxy. Members at the Lelooska Foundation in Ariel, Washington, then spent months making small repairs and applying fresh paint to the 140’ long monument.

“The Lelooska totem pole has become synonymous with the Port’s waterfront, and we’re thrilled to have preserved it for future generations,“ said Port Commissioner Patrick Harbison. The fully restored totem will receive a proper dedication ceremony when the Mountain Timber Market opens later this year, giving the public its first up close look at the finished product. The park’s four remaining totems are slated to receive similar makeovers, ensuring they will be around for decades to come.

HOW THE PORT OF VANCOUVER USA HELPS SAFEGUARD SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON’S WATERWAYS

Man in hi-visibility jacket takes a photo of the ground and a stormwater cover on construction site. Port Environmental Specialist, Mark Tauscher, inspects a job site for stormwater management after recent rain.

Northwesterners are no stranger to rain. In fact, we are so accustomed to “liquid sunshine” that when we see someone with an umbrella, we automatically assume they are from out of town. But the term stormwater may be less familiar, at least in the environmental protection sense. Stormwater is water produced by rain that, as it runs over surfaces, can pick up pollutants and can get into streams, lakes, and rivers.

For instance, construction sites often involve the disruption of dirt, and therefore can be a risk for stormwater runoff. The potential for soil to leave a construction area via this runoff means that the Port of Vancouver USA must actively manage stormwater from its construction sites to keep our region’s waterways clean. That’s where the port’s CESCL team comes in.

The Port of Vancouver USA has several staff members who are Certified Erosion Sediment Control Leads (CESCL). Certified port employees inspect our current port construction job sites weekly or more often if there have been heavy rainfalls. They are making sure that sediment isn’t leaving the site and verifying that protective measures are installed and working properly.

The Port of Vancouver USA takes stormwater maintenance very seriously. The CESCL team will collect and sample stormwater to measure its clarity to confirm sediment is not leaving the site. But what exactly is our CESCL team looking for? The key measures below are things the CESCL team looks for during inspections to prevent sediment from leaving construction job sites:

Controlled Pollutants: Remember when your dad would say that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”? We do. In other words, we pay a lot of attention to making sure outside pollutants are kept off the ground in the first place. That means we ensure construction equipment

is well-maintained and leakfree, and chemicals or fuel are kept in properly sealed containers.

Marked Clearing Limits: We make sure there’s a clearly marked perimeter around the site. This can be done with fencing, tape, silt fencing to name a few.

Established Construction

Entrance: We use a specialized rock pad – typically, a designated area made with large stones — at the entrance/exit of the site. Pads allow the construction team to shake dirt, rock, and other sediment off a vehicle’s tires prior to it exiting the site.

Controlled Flow Rate: To control soil, we have a few tools. Sometimes we use specialized plastic mesh tubes filled with natural materials like straw called a straw wattle. We may also use posts and a permeable fabric called a silt fence. These allow water to flow through while keeping sediment in place. Both tools are especially important when the site is on a hill.

Stabilized Soil: Even without a slope, bare soil can be disturbed by heavy rain and

erode, causing large puddles and uneven ground. This can be addressed through strategic placement of gravel, straw, or erosion control blankets.

Controlled Dewatering: Some construction sites can have areas where a relatively large amount of water can “pond.” To address this, the surface water can be removed through a variety of measures including creating controlled channels and pumping. Our goals is to move the water in a way that keeps sediment onsite.

While construction sites are a big focus, the Port of Vancouver USA works to identify and actively address stormwater wherever it may enter nearby waterways. For instance, we have stormwater management tools like the Grattix which treats water runoff from metal roofs and biofiltration facilities throughout port property.

Not every project on port property is managed by the port. Many projects are constructed by port tenants and their contractors. The port is committed to regularly inspecting all projects – port-led or not – to ensure construction is meeting or exceeding construction permit guidelines. If any corrective action is needed, the port’s CESCL team works with contractors and port crews to get things back on track.

We believe that environmental stewardship and economic development can co-exist, and we’re committed to doing our part to keep our stormwater clean.

Learn more at: Port of Vancouver

AIRPORT OPEN HOUSE & FLY-IN ON AUGUST 19TH

The Port of Astoria and the Coast Guard Air Station Astoria are hosting an Open House and Fly-In event at the Astoria Regional Airport on August 19th, 2023 from 11am to 4pm. This fun and FREE event will feature a Coast Guard open house, aircraft demonstrations, and displays of military and general aviation aircraft as well as classic cars and motorcycles. Pilots will be flying in from all over the region to participate and display their planes. Food vendors will be serving up BBQ, hamburgers and hot dogs, southern comfort food, and tasty frozen treats. The Maritime Museum and Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) will both be offering kid-friendly activities and crafts. Young adults with an interest in flying may be able to sign up for an introductory flight with an experienced pilot. Lektro will be opening their manufacturing plant for tours and hosting a job fair. There will be no entry fee and all ages are welcome! We would like to invite the public behind the scenes to learn more about the world of aviation. Visit the Port of Astoria website at www.portofastoria.com/Airport_Open_House_2023

2023 Meeting Calendar

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January 11, 2023: Virtual Meeting

March 8, 2023: Virtual Meeting

May 10, 2023:

Hybrid Meeting

Port of Vancouver USA

July 12, 2023:

Columbia River Maritime Museum, Astoria

September 13, 2023: Hybrid Meeting

MSU Portland

November 8, 2023: Virtual Meeting

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Board of Directors : 1330-1405 hrs

General Membership: 1415-1530 hrs

ASSOCIATION UPDATES

Lower Columbia Region Harbor Safety Committee Merchants Exchange

Clean Rivers Cooperative

Maritime Fire & Safety Association Maritime Commerce Club

Thank you to all the attendees of our summer meeting in Astoria.

Wednesday, July 12, 2023 1005-1132hrs

Columbia River Maritime Museum, Astoria

Presentations

Harbor Safety Plan Subcommittee Update; Dead Ship Tow

BOEM Offshore Wind Energy Update, Jean Thurston-Keller

Interstate Bridge Replacement Program Update and Navigation Simulation Efforts, Brian Carrico & Bill Warncke

Columbia River Maritime Museum Update, Bruce Jones

Navigation Subcommittee, Dan Jordan

USCG Sector Columbia River Update, MSU Portland/ Sector Columbia River Representatives

For more information, please visit our website: www.lcrhsc.org Ashley Ros, Association Account Specialist: ros@pdxmex.com

MCC MEMBERSHIP NOTICE:

The MCC was pleased to host the 17th Annual Golf Tournament at Stone Creek Golf Course on June 29, 2023. Those in attendance participated in the Annual Membership Meeting, received a brief recap of 20222023 and voted on the incoming Board Members. (Click Here for Recap)

We are thankful to have the full return of in-person events this past year and look forward to connecting with you even more in 2023-2024. Thank you for your continued MCC membership. And thank you to our sponsors - we hope you will renew your much-appreciated support!

Please congratulate and welcome the new 2023-2024 MCC Officers and Board of Directors:

APPROVED 2023-2024 SLATE

Maritime Commerce Club (MCC)

BOARD OFFICERS

PRESIDENT: Melissa Wirthlin - Marsh

VICE-PRESIDENT: Alex Scott, Anchorage Launch Services

SEC/TREASURER: Adam Murray - Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt

BOARD MEMBERS

Bo McCall, Shaver Transportation

Sam Diedrick, Foss Maritime

Christi Dunham, Inchcape Shipping Services

Michael Richards, Port of Portland

Tereza Edwards, CRSOA

PLEASE

today!

Annual Planning Meeting (for 2023-2024 season)

August 8th, 2023 – ALL MEMBERS

WELCOME

1st Place: Justin Valley, Eric Braden, Nolan Lohman, Karl Walrod

2nd Place: Kevin Dubke, Gary Hodson, Dustin Wilson, James Green

3rd Place: Bo McCall, Steve Shaver, Bill Hurst, Heather Stebbings

Last Place: Randy Fischer, Tina Lyons, Gabe Villanueva, Neil Maunu

Ladies Long Drive: Victoria Lane

Mens Long Drive: Brandon Hally

Ladies KP: Michelle Adams

Mens KP: Brad Warner

Putt for Dough: Kevin Dubke

Shoot For Dough: Brandon Hally

LOCAL FOCUS, NATIONAL INVOLVEMENT

Oil spill readiness and response in the Columbia River Region is a unique environment to plan and prepare for. Bordering two states with both United States Coast Guard and EPA jurisdiction, our region is comprised of multiple critical resources and stakeholders that are just a few of the many considerations taken into account when preparing for response. Thankfully, the response community is an international industry with a substantial amount of knowledge and experience to be shared. Access and participation in national and international groups through meetings, conferences and events is critical in ensuring the Cooperative is aware of best practices, emerging technologies, and upcoming requirements.

The first half of 2023 included a number of opportunities for the Cooperative to engage with various organizations through attending industry events. Below is a brief summary of the events that the Cooperative has participated in and their importance to our readiness:

SCAA: On April 5th and 6th, 2023, the Spill Control Association of America (SCAA) held its Annual Meeting and Conference in Jacksonville, FL. Over one hundred and twentyfive SCAA members, speakers, and guests were in attendance, including Clean Rivers Cooperative General Manager, Curtis Cannizzaro. The program was designed around SCAA’s three pillars: Advocacy, Education and Engagement, with an eye towards a number of emerging issues and market trends facing SCAA membership. The many presentations offered included topics on marine plastics and “nurdle” spills; EPA rulings and regulations on PFAS; employee and employer changes, trends and future outlook; special equipment and technology demonstrations; panels that covered topics such as marijuana in the workplace; battery challenges from collecting to effective recycling; and an update from the USCG. The conference incorporated a live survey to gather information from participants and poll their experiences from the meeting. At the request of SCAA, Clean Rivers was again able to support partner APICOM by delivering an update on APICOM Member activities throughout the US and Canada.

Clean Waterways: April 11th through the 13th, 2023 the Clean Waterways conference took place in Denver, Colorado. With a large focus on inland response, Clean Waterways presented an opportunity to hear from industry partners about response in inland environments. The conference offered presentations regarding a number of topics such as contingency planning; crisis leadership; ICS utilization in reality; and response case studies. Cooperative staff have been able to gain valuable insight from other “Clean Events” such as Clean Pacific and Clean Gulf in the past. However, Clean Waterways drew a group of professionals

that align more closely with the response environment that the Cooperative operates in. The networking and open discussions hosted at this event were extremely beneficial to confirm that the Cooperative is prepared for response in our Area of Interest.

APICOM Managers and Business Managers Meeting: Clean Rivers Cooperative General Manager, Curtis Cannizzaro serves as Treasurer for APCIOM (Association of Petroleum Industry Cooperative Managers) and participated in the Spring 2023 Member Meeting as well as the Business Managers Meeting held on May 9th and 10th, 2023. Topics included the importance of Cooperatives from the United States and Canada collaborating to share lessons learned, as well as discussions on upcoming regulations. Attendees received Regulator updates from the United States Coast Guard and from the Environmental Protection Agency. Further discussions included advancing the group to encompass Technology Committees, both from an electronic technology and an equipment technology standpoint. Technology Committees will further add benefit to the cooperatives who participate by ensuring awareness and evaluation of new offerings in the market. The meeting day concluded with a vessel tour of an Oil Spill Recovery Vessel (OSRV).

The Business Manager’s Meeting on the following day was comprised of general discussions regarding increasing regulatory oversight; requirements for training and certifications; member needs and requests; as well as discussions on transitioning from paper to digital management systems.

HSET: The Health, Safety, Environment and Safety (HSET) Committee is a sub-committee of APICOM that consists of representatives from spill response organizations across North America. Currently the Committee is Co-Chaired by Clean Rivers Cooperative Operations Manager, Carl Boelter. Carl attended HSET’s annual in person meeting that was held on June 3rd and 4th in San Antonio, TX. The Committee operates upon the objective to establish a professional network of HSE personnel, to maintain lines of communication and to share information and resources between Committee Members. Some of the projects and meeting work sessions at the annual in-person meeting included safety management systems for Matrix Gap Analysis; experiences with Near Miss programs; new regulations and requirements for inspection and calibration of inflatable PFDs; and best practice for securing boom on vessels. With evolving technology and transforming regulations, it is essential that Clean Rivers Cooperative remains abreast of the best practices and shared knowledge gained by participating in committees such as HSET.

For more information, please visit our website: www.cleanriverscooperative.com

Curtis Cannizzaro, General Manager: cannizzaro@pdxmex.com

Carl Boelter, Operations Manager: boelter@pdxmex.com

Ben Robinson, Maintenance Mechanic - Marine: brobinson@pdxmex.com

Polly Hyke, Administrative Coordinator: hyke@pdxmex.com

BURNING PASSION: FPAAC’S SUMMER TRAINING WITH SEATTLE FIRE SPARKS EXCELLENCE

The Fire Protection Agencies Advisory Council (FPAAC) is dedicated to promoting safety and providing specialized training to its member agencies. Recently, FPAAC was given the opportunity to send its Technicians to The Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies (MITAGS) to train alongside members of the Seattle Fire Department and United States Coast Guard. Let’s take a closer look!

2Q Technician Level Training

On January 10th, Vancouver Fire Special Operations Division Chief and FPAAC Planning Section Chair Tom O’Connor began early discussions with representatives from Seattle Fire and USCG Base Seattle with the intent of personnel from each organization participating in joint training evolutions aboard the decommissioned USCG Cutter POLAR SEA, which is currently moored at Pier 36 in Seattle.

As planning efforts continued, the possibility of utilizing additional USCG vessels became more and more likely. This meant that in addition to the POLAR SEA, a second decommissioned cutter, the USCGC MELLON was able to be used as a venue for simultaneous training evolutions. We were then notified that the USCGC HEALY, an active-duty icebreaker, would have a small window on day two to host our group and participate in more complicated drill scenarios.

As echoed by Training Coordinator Don Doyle, the quality of this training was top-notch. Being able to stretch hoselines, use smoke machines and perform rescues into an actual vessel is a rare opportunity. Seattle Fire undertook a huge logistical lift not only in the execution of the training and working with the Coast Guard, but by also supplying portable radios, stretching water supply lines, attack lines, and the number of personnel needed to support operations.

Personnel from Seattle Fire, FPAAC and the USCG pose for a group photo aboard the POLAR SEA, in front of the HEALY

FPAAC personnel navigate the POLAR SEA during the poker run

Day One

Day one of training started in the MITAGS classrooms where participants were briefed on vessel stability, compartment numbering systems, and recent incidents before heading over to USCG Base Seattle where our hands-on components began with a scavenger hunt developed by Seattle Fire on the USCG Cutters MELLON and POLAR SEA. The participants were split into four groups on the two ships competing against each other in the timed event. Each group was assigned a branch director, an aide, a set of the ship’s fire control plans, and portable radios.

Using the radios and fire control plans, the branch director and aide needed to describe how their group would navigate through the ship and find poker playing cards left for them in different compartments on that ship. This format was very well received by our personnel, as it was very well thought out and challenging, and one of the more engaging activities we’ve performed in our trainings recently.

Day Two

The second day of training began with a quick briefing at MITAGS before returning to the Coast Guard base. On this occasion, we were greeted by the active-duty USCGC HEALY, the largest and most technologically advanced icebreaker in the United States, and the USCG’s largest vessel, which happens to be homeported in Seattle.

Due to the ship’s active-duty status, certain training aspects had limitations. However, this was not unfamiliar to us or Seattle Fire, and we successfully adapted and improvised as necessary, resulting in highly effective training. Thanks to the involvement of role players from each group, realistic decisionmaking scenarios were created for all participants, simultaneously achieving our training objectives outlined in the NFPA and DPSST task books.

On behalf of the entire MFSA/FPAAC team, I extend our sincerest gratitude to Seattle Fire, USCG Base Seattle, the crew of the USCG HEALY, and the instructors from MITAGS. We anticipate future collaborations of this nature becoming a more frequent occurrence.

Anyone interested in learning more about the FPAAC training program should contact Mason Sullivan, sullivan@pdxmex.com.

FPAAC and Seattle Fire crews debrief following an evolution aboard the MELLON

Interagency coordination between FPAAC and the USCG

(left) USCGC POLAR SEA (back) USCGC HEALY (right) USCGC MELLON

Seattle Fire personnel climbing a Jacob’s ladder to board the POLAR SEA

FRIENDS OF THE EXCHANGE

Highlighting organizations and companies that support Merchants Exchange and the maritime community. Click LOGOS to link to their websites and learn more about our Friends of the Exchange.

Columbia Riverfront Hotel

909 N. Hayden Island Drive (formerly Red Lion) www.ihg.com/holidayinn/

FRIENDS OF THE EXCHANGE

We invite our community partners along the River to join in our mission to support and promote the maritime industry with our “Friends of the Exchange” program.

Show your support to our maritime industry and raising awareness within our community. The following benefits are included with an annual support of $150:

• One (1) feature article or (3) three small advertisements in our newsletter and one (1) social post featuring your organization annually

• Invitations to our Member/Networking Events: Open House, Annual Bocce Tournament, Shipping Education Series, and other special events

• Discounted Member Rate for our Shipping Education Series *

• Subscription to “The Exchange,” bi-monthly newsletter, Daily News Bulletin, and industry email updates

• Service Directory Listing and Career Opportunity Post shared with our membership

* Please note: Friends of the Exchange are not members of the Merchants Exchange and therefore are not eligible to receive member rates for any services or reports associated with membership, with the exception of the member rate to the Shipping Education Series. For more information contact: Mary Wiley, Marketing and Membership Manager at wiley@ pdxmex.com or call (503) 220-2515 or online at www.pdxmex.com/about-member/friends.

MERCHANTS EXCHANGE

THANK YOU TO OUR MEMBERS

ACGI Shipping Company

Alexander Gow

Anchorage Launch Service Co.

B.R. Anderson

Blue Water Shipping

Cascade Marine Agencies Ltd.

Columbia Export Terminal

Columbia Grain

Columbia River Bar Pilots

Columbia River Launch Service

Columbia River Pilots

Columbia River Steamship Operators Association (CRSOA)

Crowley Maritime Corporation

Degesch America

Duncan Shoemaker & Associates, LLC

Durham & Bates Agencies

EGT LLC

Foss Maritime Company

Fujitrans USA

General Steamship Agencies

Geo. S. Bush & Company

Great Western Malting

Haglund, Kelley LLP

Inchcape Shipping Services

International Transport Workers Federation

Interport PNW

Jacob Engineering Group

John R Dudrey LLC

Jones Stevedoring Company

Kalama Export Company

Kinder Morgan Bulk Terminals

Kinder Morgan Energy

K-Line America

Lindsay Hart LLP

Marathon Petroleum/Tesoro

McCall Companies

Mid Columbia Producers

Monarch Inspection Services

National Cargo Bureau

North American Shipping Agencies

Norton Lilly International

Olympic Tug & Barge / Centerline Logistics

Oregon Dept. of Environmental Quality

Overseas Merchandising (OMIC)

Pacific Maritime Association

Port of Astoria

Port of Columbia County

Port of Kalama

Port of Longview

Port of Portland

Port of Vancouver USA

Portland Lines Bureau

San Pedro Harbor Ship Supply

Sause Bros. Ocean Towing

Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt

Seaport Marine Surveys

Shaver Transportation Company

Ship to Shore Water Taxi

Southport Agencies

Sphere MD

T. Parker Host

Talon Marine Services

Temco LLC

Terra Hydr

Tidal Transport & Trading USA

Tidewater Barge Lines

Tidewater Environmental Services

Tioga Group

Toyota Tsusho America

TradeWest Brokerage Company

Transmarine Navigation

Transversal International

United Grain

United States Customs & Border Service

Vanport Marine

Vigor Industrial

Volunteer Ship Ministry

Washington Department of Ecology

Wilhelmsen Ship Service

ContactUs@pdxmex.com

200 SW Market Street Suite 190 Portland, OR 97201

STAFF EMAIL

Anthony O’Reilly oreilly@pdxmex.com

Ashley Ros ros@pdxmex.com

Bekah Brinkmeier brinkmeier@pdxmex.com

Ben Robinson brobinson@pdxmex.com

Carl Bertapelle bertapelle@pdxmex.com

Carl Boelter boelter@pdxmex.com

Chann Noun noun@pdxmex.com

Curtis Cannizzaro cannizzaro@pdxmex.com

Ellen Wax wax@pdxmex.com

John Cordasco cordasco@pdxmex.com

Jonathan Nichol nichol@pdxmex.com

Jonathan JT Tuom tuom@pdxmex.com

Kara Estabrook estabrook@pdxmex.com

Liz Wainwright wainwright@pdxmex.com

Lisa Pomasl pomasl@pdxmex.com

Margerie Vis vis@pdxmex.com

Mary Wiley wiley@pdxmex.com

Mason Sullivan sullivan@pdxmex.com

Philip Miller miller@pdxmex.com

Polly Hyke hyke@pdxmex.com

Shawn Kubitza kubitza@pdxmex.com

Thomas Semrau semrau@pdxmex.com