Port Log Fall 2020

CONTENTS

P O R T S TA F F

executive director

deputy director

c h i e f

Roy Quezaire Dale Hymel, Jr.

o p e r at i n g o f f i c e r

Cindy Martin

director of a d m i n i s t r at i o n

Paul Aucoin

airport director

Lisa Braud Linda Prudhomme

director of business development

executive counsel

director of finance

Melissa Folse Grant Faucheux Tamara Kennedy

director of human resources

director of m a r i n e o p e r at i o n s

Brian Cox

special projects officer

Joel T. Chaisson

port of south louisiana 171 Belle Terre Blvd., P.O. Box 909 LaPlace, LA 70069-0909 www.portsl.com Phone: (985) 652-9278 | Fax: (504) 568-6270 globalplex intermodal terminal Phone: (985) 652-9278 port of south louisiana executive regional airport Phone: (985) 652-9278 ext 8512 a s s o c i at e d t e r m i n a l s Phone: (985) 233-8545

Cover photo taken by Rusty Costanza for Associated Terminals

The Port of South Louisiana is a member of the Ports Association of Louisiana. To become an associate member of PAL and to help further the maritime industry in Louisiana, please visit PAL’s website at www.portsoflouisiana.org or call the PAL office at (225) 334-9040.

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director ’ s log

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overview

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airport news A NOBRA River Pilot enrolls in flight school at Executive Regional Airport.

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what ’ s new River Parishes Community College focuses on workforce training with the help of community partners.

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what ’ s new Port Log magazine earns top honors from AAPA what ’ s new

Tammy Little named General Manager of Shell’s Norco site.

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port BRIEFS

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what ’ s new

Port provides pandemic assistance to local charities.

company profile Associated Terminals celebrates three decades of business.

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port raits

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port owned facilities

whats new Deepening of lower Mississippi

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port map

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final frame

River Channel begins.

PUBLISHED BY RENAISSANCE PUBLISHING LLC

editor

Topher Balfer

Ali Sullivan

art director

production manager

Emily Andras

production designer

Rosa Balaguer

account executives

Shelby Harper

To advertise call Shelby Harper at (504) 830-7246 or email Shelby@myneworleans.com.

110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Ste. 123, Metairie, LA 70005 (504) 828-1380 • www.myneworleans.com Copyright 2020 The Port Log, Port of South Louisiana, and Renaissance Publishing LLC. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Port of South Louisiana, Post Office Box 909, LaPlace, LA 700690909. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the consent of the owner or Publisher. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the magazine’s managers, owners or publisher. The Port Log is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photos and artwork even if accompanied by a self addressed stamped envelope.

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DIRECTOR’S LOG

2020 has been a year of challenges for everyone, including the Port of South Louisiana, thanks to the world-wide Covid-19 pandemic. In March, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards declared a statewide public health emergency, leading to a temporary lockdown of state agencies. Nonessential Port of South Louisiana staff began working from home. This mandated social distancing required us to transform our traditional hands-on approach to developing our business; our relationship-driven, community-focused atmosphere had to change, just as the world had to adapt to the new circumstances brought about by the pandemic.

While our essential personnel (Security and Marine Operations) remained on-site 24/7 during the lockdown, the rest of the Port of South Louisiana staff overcame the challenge of distance in an impressive fashion. We expanded our digital presence to become more visible, which included a new Port promotional video, created in partnership with Neon Cloud Productions, that showcases the many benefits of our Port and facilities. Our monthly commission meetings went virtual thanks to the Zoom platform. Our employees have participated in virtual networking events and professional development meetings along with online conferences in various formats. We are utilizing and exploring new advertising opportunities in different arenas as a result of the social distancing challenge as well. I am very proud of the Port of South Louisiana’s team and their resiliency and adaptability to this new evolving way of life. We have a strong group of employees and it is no surprise that they have flourished during these uncertain times. Our Port continues to serve as a powerhouse on the Mississippi River thanks to our team.

In addition to effectively surmounting the distancing

d. paul robichaux

judy b. songy

p. joey murray, iii

stanley bazile

chairman

vice chairwoman

treasurer

s e c r e ta r y

whitney hickerson vice president

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challenges presented to us by Covid-19, I am pleased to report the Port of South Louisiana has not felt the devastating effects of the pandemic regarding economic impact. The nature of our Port allows us to fully utilize the strengths of the Mississippi River to continue serving our nation with importing and exporting vital goods and amenities through the various phases mandated by local and state governments. The River Region is an epicenter for commodities meaning we are still seeing a healthy stream of traffic and revenue. We have continued to progress with ongoing projects, including plans for our new administrative facility, as well as assist our Port partners with growth leading to mutual success. This continuation in the face of the pandemic’s many adversities is an important achievement in today’s world.

Though the pandemic has proven to not be as short-lived as we would have liked it to be, we have accepted that this may be the new normal for some time. Pre-pandemic, plans were in place for the Port of South Louisiana to celebrate its 60th anniversary via a celebration on the Mississippi River that would have included the hallmarks of Louisiana: fellowship, food, and live music. While we will have to celebrate the birthday of our Port more creatively this year, we hope to gather together sometime in the future to mark this significant milestone.

Everyone has been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic in some form, either personally or professionally. On behalf of the Port of South Louisiana, I send good wishes to our fellow ports, partners and clients within the maritime industry.

During these ever-changing times, it is our hope that everyone sees the value of kindness and reaches out to support each other. We are all stronger when we are strong together. •

patrick c. sellars vice president

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ryan burks

robbie leblanc

louis joseph

vice president

vice president

vice president

OVERVIEW

T R A N S P O R TAT I O N C E N T E R OF THE AMERICAS The state legislature established the Port of South Louisiana in

ANIMAL FEED 4.1 (3%) WHEAT 1.7 (1%)

26.9

30.9 30.4

28.5 2020

2019

28.1

33.9 35.3

37.8 2018

2016

NUMBER OF BARGE MOVEMENTS: 26,546

34.5

NUMBER OF VESSEL CALLS: 1,841

2017

36.94

SOYBEAN 16.8 (14%)

(IN MILLION SHORT TONS)

28.7

TOTAL TONNAGE: 121,879,148

36.0

32.25

2020 PORT OF SOUTH LOUISIANA FIRST + SECOND QUARTER

PETROCHEMICALS 24.4 (20%)

37.9

CHEMICALS / FERTILIZERS 9.2 (8%)

38.4

38.8

39.62

MAIZE 23.9 (19%)

43.9

ORES / PHOSPHATE ROCK 6.2 (5%)

121.9

127.7

EDIBLE OILS / SUGAR / MOLASSES / OTHER 1.4 (<1%)

43.4

COAL / LIGNITE / COKE 2.1 (2%) STEEL PRODUCTS 2.5 (2%)

137.51

the St. Charles, St. John and St. James tri-parish regions.

27.9

the 54-mile stretch of the Mississippi River that runs through

149.1

153.6

1960 to promote commerce and industrial development along

PORT OF SOUTH LOUISIANA TOTAL TONNAGE JANUARY–JUNE COMPARISON (IN MILLIONS OF SHORT TONS)

SORGHUM (MILO) + RICE 0.8 (<1%)

CRUDE OIL 28.7 (24%)

EXPORTS

DOMESTIC SHIPPED

IMPORTS

DOMESTIC RECEIVED

PHILOSOPHY

FACILITIES

MISSION

The Port’s philosophy of development is to entice companies to set up regional operations within its boundaries. The Port serves primarily as a “landlord” port to more than 30 grain, petroleum and chemical companies. The exception to this is the port-owned world-class intermodal Globalplex facility SoLaPort, and the St. James Westbank property.

Within the Port’s jurisdiction, there are seven grain elevators, multiple midstreaming operations, more than 40 liquid and dry-bulk terminals, the Globalplex Intermodal Terminal and the Port’s Executive Regional Airport.

The Port is charged with a mission to promote maritime commerce, trade and development, and to establish public and private partnerships for the creation of intermodal terminals and industrial facilities.

WORLD’S LARGEST PORT DISTRICT

The ports of South Louisiana, New Orleans, Baton Rouge, St. Bernard and Plaquemines make up the world’s largest continuous port district. They are responsible for moving one-fifth of all U.S. foreign waterborne commerce.

PORT AREA

The Port covers a 54-mile stretch of the lower Mississippi River between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. The Port begins at river mile 114.9AHP near the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and winds through St. Charles, St. John the Baptist and St. James parishes. It continues north to river mile 168.5AHP just north of the Sunshine Bridge.

GOVERNANCE

The Port is under the jurisdiction of the state of Louisiana and authorized by the state constitution. A nine-member board of commissioners directs the Port; all of them are unsalaried. •

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AIRPORT NEWS

Cody Heitmeier on the job as a NOBRA River Pilot.

PILOTING THE RIVERS AND SKIES NOBRA River Pilot Cody Heitmeier Turns His Sights Skyward

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hen it comes to working the Mississippi River, Captain Cody Heitmeier has done it all.

Starting from his first venture as a deckhand when he was just 14 years old, Heitmeier’s passion for the maritime industry has inf luenced his every move, guiding him through an education at SUNY Maritime College, a role as a fireboat captain, and an apprenticeship program that ultimately qualified him to become a river pilot. In his current role with New OrleansBaton Rouge Steamship Pilots Association (NOBR A), Heitmeier

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is one of the pilots entrusted with ensuring the safety and efficient navigation of vessels traveling along the Mississippi River.

Recently, though, Heitmeier has found another outlet for his passion for all things navigation and piloting: aviation. It all began when he drove by the Port of South Louisiana one day and, quite literally, saw the sign he’d been waiting for.

“Just being in navigation, I think it’s just natural to have an interest in aviation,” Heitmeier says. “So, I’ve been looking at going to f light school and kept putting it off. Finally, one day

I was on my way home from work and saw a sign that said ‘LetsGo-Fly.com.’ I called and spoke with Jabour. He invited me to his office, we talked, and he said, ‘Want to go f ly today?’”

Mufid Jabour, a certified f light instructor, opened Let’s Go Fly Academy out of the Port of South Louisiana’s Executive Regional Airport earlier this year.

Along with two other certified instructors, Jabour offers several certification options, including Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot, Multi-Engine Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot and Certified Flight Instructor.

Heitmeier says he instantly felt a connection with Jabour and has been overwhelmingly impressed by the training and certification process--so much that he’s even begun recommending Let’s Go Fly to other river pilots who may be looking to acquire a new skill.

“Jabour teaches really well.

It’s been useful having the navigational skills I already possess, like an understanding of terrestrial navigation, headings, courses, etc., but this is a brand new skill set,” Heitmeier says.

“A lot of it is learning how to use the instruments and the different types of forces acting on the plane and how they’ll affect your movements.”

Considering his primary field of work, safety is Heitmeier’s number one concern — and since he hopes to be able to f ly with his family, he appreciates that Jabour always puts safety at the forefront of training sessions.

“He’s very professional and makes sure we always go through our pre-f light check, and he guides me through everything from taking off to putting the

AIRPORT NEWS

plane away at the end of the f light,” Heitmeier says. “We’re checking each box to make sure everything is done in a safe and efficient manner.”

On top of acquiring a skill he’s always wanted to learn, Heitmeier sees another attractive benefit in obtaining his pilot’s license during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Academy has opened up so many more options for travel,” Heitmeier says. “Pre-COVID, my family and I were frequent travelers, but now, we haven’t been on a plane since March.

Once I finish my certification and acquire my own plane, I’ll be able to get back to traveling again.

There has been a rapid growth in private travel, and especially with COVID changing the way people travel, I don’t know if I’ll ever get on a commercial plane again.”

Heitmeier is well on his way toward achieving that certification, too. When he’s not in lessons with Jabour, and when he’s not working toward his PhD in Maritime Affairs

at World Maritime University, Heitmeier further hones his aviation skills with a f light simulator software on his computer. This allows him to practice every step of the f light process, and he even has the software set to mimic the conditions at the Port’s Executive Regional Airport.

“I’m learning the analytical aspects from Jabour, and then the training books have step-by-step procedures that I can do on the simulator over and over. I’m getting the sequence down pat, and the simulator is very close to real life.”

Once Heitmeier completes the required amount of training and

tests for his license, he hopes to get his son involved, too, as he’s already shown an interest in f lying. When that time comes, there’s no doubt about who Heitmeier will call for top-notch, hands-on training.

“Jabour is with you every step of the way, and I feel confidence in aviation because of him,” Heitmeier says.

Let’s Go Fly Academy welcomes students of all ages and experience levels, with safety precautions in place to ensure everyone feels comfortable taking lessons during the pandemic. For more information on the Academy’s services and scheduling, visit letsgo-f ly.com. •

PHOTO ABOVE: Cody Heitmeier and flight

instructor Mufid Jabour prepare for a training session at the Port of South Louisiana’s Executive Regional Airport.

PHOTO LEFT: Heitmeier gets a hands-on

flight education and runs through the preflight safety checklist with Jabour.

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PHOTO LEFT: Students at River Parishes

Community College are being trained to fulfill workforce needs through both curriculum and experiential learning, including a recent RiverWorks Discovery event.

B U I L D ING A SKI LLED W O R K FOR CE River Parishes Community College and community partners are focused on matching students with regional career opportunities

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t the heart of every successful industry are relationships: employers and their workers, buyers and suppliers, distributors and manufacturers, and hundreds of connections both big and small that amount to a moving and thriving economy. At the Port of South Louisiana, those relationships are critical to serving the tri-parish region where industries like agriculture,

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maritime, construction and petrochemical make up a substantial portion of the area’s jobs and revenue.

However, there’s one relationship the Port is focused on strengthening, one that will ensure longevity and prosperity for years to come: education and opportunity. After all, what good is a region so diverse in career offerings if the next-gen workforce doesn’t know what’s available in their own backyard?

“The biggest challenge is awareness,” says Bruce Waguespack, Vice Chancellor of Workforce Development at River Parishes Community College (RPCC). “As a college, we need to make sure we are aligned with the region’s industries and are providing as much training as we can. We need to be unified in a way that we pique students’ interests and show that we have something to offer them.”

To that end, the Port of South Louisiana and RPCC have a longstanding relationship of mutual support, and together, they’re working to ensure that every student is aware of — and prepared for — an industry career as soon as they graduate. The Port is already a financial benefactor for RPCC, having donated $10,000 to the college for two years in a row, but the collaboration runs much deeper than that. Port Executive Director Paul Aucoin and Chief Operating Officer Dale Hymel, Jr. both sit on RPCC’s Foundation Board, with Hymel currently serving as chairman.

“Right now, we’re all working together to figure out ways to serve all the ports along the River from Baton Rouge to New Orleans,” Waguespack says. “I really look forward to continuing to help out the industry along the river, so we’re interested in doing what we can to train the workforce and be aligned with that economic driver in our region. We have a significant role in making sure we offer programs that get people the skills they need.”

RPCC has pooled the financial contributions from the Port with other donations in order to expand STEM educational offerings for their students.

In addition to teaching technical skills like welding, industrial maintenance and process technology, RPCC is tailoring new courses to directly fulfill the needs of industries along the river.

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The recent Who Works the River event in Reserve was the first to engage college-age students. RPCC leaders hope it will be the first of many handson learning opportunities.

Later this year, the Reserve campus will offer a new heavy equipment operator course, hopefully providing skilled workers for key industry players like Associated Terminals.

The institution will also be opening a new St. Charles Parish campus in 2021 in partnership with United Way, who purchased the new facility.

“We’re not just a resource for the students; we’re for employees, too,” says Mark Savoie, Director of Industry Workforce Solutions at RPCC. “We can begin growing the people our region needs. We’re really looking forward to our St. Charles campus coming online because the more we can offer, that will give us an opportunity for greater exploration in the industrial corridor.”

Earlier this year, Savoie worked with the Port of South Louisiana to host RPCC’s first Who Works the River event with RiverWorks Discovery, an event he says had profound effects on the students.

“When they saw how much was going on and the various instruction types and presentations there were, our students got energized. Some instructors even stopped their classes and brought students outside so they could participate,” Savoie says.

Overseeing interactive and

educational programming was the very reason Savoie joined the RPCC team, and he now works in tandem with industry partners to ensure they’re training the kinds of employees companies are looking for right here, right now. That he has decades of experience serving various roles in the maritime industry allows Savoie to share firsthand knowledge of the skills and interests that can be utilized in our region.

“When I talk to students, I don’t just talk about general jobs on the river,” Savoie says. “I talk about actual plants and the various types of equipment and instrumentation these companies need people to work on.

Our students had never seen an event like Who Works the River, but when it came to us, they were amazed and flabbergasted by the types of products and services going along the industrial corridor. Most people really don’t know that there’s another world on the other side of that levee, and that’s what the Port was showing them.”

Successful as the event was, Savoie and Waguespack hope this is just the beginning of elevated partnerships not just with the Port and RiverWorks Discovery, but with any industry employers who are hoping to recruit

local talent. Their vision for the future includes even more STEM-centered courses at RPCC’s campuses and additional interactive programming events, and they have even discussed a camp-style retreat in St. James Parish where attendees would be trained for critical offshore skills, like swimming in emergency situations.

RPCC is also part of the Reboot Your Career program, which uses CARES Act funding to support workers who may have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program trains and positions workers on highincome pathways by providing reduced tuition and short-term training at technical and community colleges throughout the state. Funding from this program will directly support RPCC’s expanding course offerings.

All that and more, Savoie says, would not be possible without the contributions and support of their regional partners.

“We want to be able to touch a broader group of students so we can get more people coming to the campus,” Savoie says. “It’s a feeder program for us and for the industry. We exist to serve our community. If we can do more to get students enlightened, aware and interested, it will be better for all of us.” •

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C O M PA N Y P R O F I L E

Photo by Rusty Costanza

THIRT Y YEARS OF ASSOCIATED TERMINALS Company President Todd Fuller reflects on three decades of success and looks toward the future

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n a year that has presented so many challenges to businesses and corporations worldwide, one local company is delivering a much-needed dose of good news by celebrating a momentous milestone.

Associated Terminals, a stevedoring terminal and logistics operator, headquartered in Convent, Louisiana,

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is this year celebrating their 30-year anniversary. Founded in 1990 by David Fennelly, the company originally served as a broker of stevedoring services, and it remained that way until 1997, when Fennelly decided he would invest in his own equipment.

Todd Fuller, President of Associated Terminals, said that decision was the

first of many organic growth opportunities which ushered in three decades of prosperity and expansion for the company.

“We’ve had an impressive growth story,” Fuller says.

“We went from just a couple of floating cranes in 1998 with about 40 or 50 team members, to now owning and operating 14 Gottwald cranes, a floating grain elevator, and owning and operating many tugboats with our partnership with Turn Services. Across both companies, we employ close to 1,000 team members.”

Fuller says the growth strategy that started with Fennelly still remains the same: it’s all based on opportunity, collaborative decision making, and fulfilling

C O M PA N Y P R O F I L E

ABOVE: Associated Terminals President Todd Fuller Photo by Rusty Costanza

the ever-changing needs of clients.

“We’ve grown by being risk averse and strategically growing in places that made sense,” Fuller says. “It was almost all organic growth; these were opportunities presented by clients who had a need, and we started packaging services together.”

These principles have brought Associated Terminals a long way, effectively expanding the company’s footprint along the Gulf Coast.

The company boasts 16 midstream vessel berths, 25 deep draft berths, exclusive operation of the Port of St. Bernard and the Port of South Louisiana’s Globalplex, numerous private land-based terminal operations, and earlier this year the company acquired New Orleans Bulk Terminal, a privately owned 50-acre facility off the Intracoastal Waterway.

Of course, Fuller and his team have no intention of slowing down, even considering the ongoing pandemic and related economic hurdles. They’ve weathered both literal and figurative storms before and intend to do the same this time around. Fuller says the key to accomplishing this is simple — it all comes down to the unification and dedication of their employees.

“I can say I’m so proud of our

team for how they’ve pushed through this,” Fuller says. “We’ve had a lot of challenges over 30 years, like Hurricane Katrina and the 2008 economic downturn. But we’re like a family and have continued to be, no matter how large we’ve grown.

It’s because of the perseverance of our team members. The team is unwavering in how they’ve presented opportunities to become better when we’re facing an obstacle.”

In fact, when David Fennelly founded the company, he did so with an emphasis on putting people first. That means not just prioritizing care and consideration of clients, but also extending those same core values to every Associated Terminals team member who contributes to the company’s overall success. That hasn’t changed, and Fuller is certain it never will.

“We’ve always tried to take care of our people, and they’ve taken care of the company,” he says.

“They’ve got a vested interest in this organization. When we talked at the beginning of this pandemic, we all agreed that this was just another chance to become a better team. We’ve had a few challenges in how we operate every day and have had to work remotely in some regards, but all in all, we

feel like we’re a stronger, more cohesive team going forward.”

The next 30 years, Fuller hopes, will bring even more growth and an even closer team. Fuller is excited about the two Konecranes Gottwald Model 6 Portal Harbor Cranes, which the Port of South Louisiana ordered and are to be commissioned in 2021. The cranes will increase capacity for bulk materials and add f lexibility for future handling of containers and project cargo.

Looking ahead, Fuller is staying watchful for additional expansion opportunities, a mission made easier with partners like the Port of South Louisiana.

“The Port of South Louisiana has been a large part of our growth, and the support and faith the commission has put in us by leasing their facility to us for many years has contributed an enormous amount to our success,” Fuller says. “The Port having the confidence in us all these years and giving us the opportunity to find business for the Globalplex facility has been invaluable to our organization. We have an incredible team and incredible partners we’ve been able to work for and with, and every day I’m impressed with the successes we have been able to achieve together.” •

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W O R K B E GINS TO DEEPEN THE M I S S ISSIP P I RI VER CHAN N EL Dredging efforts will increase capacity for waterborne commerce

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ollowing ongoing conversations about the need for increased maritime infrastructure in South Louisiana, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has officially begun the process of deepening the lower Mississippi River Channel.

Governor John Bel Edwards authorized an agreement for the project with USACE in late July, alongside Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Secretary Shawn D. Wilson.

More than 256 miles of the lower Mississippi River between the Gulf of Mexico and the Port of Baton Rouge will be deepened to approximately 50 feet, allowing deep draft access to more ports along the River and increasing cargo capacity by allowing heavier loads and passage for larger vessels.

Phase 1 of the deepening project, which is currently underway, will encompass the jurisdictions of the Port of New Orleans, St. Bernard Port, Harbor and Terminal District, the Plaquemines Port, Harbor and Terminal District and the majority of the Port of South Louisiana.

Three dredges will create a 50-foot channel from the Gulf of Mexico through Southwest Pass to Belmont Crossing during this initial phase.

Efforts to approve the deepening of the Mississippi River have been ongoing for years, but in light of the repercussions of COVID-19, enhancing the River’s capacity for commerce stands to play a critical role in reinvigorating the economy at state and national

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levels. Paul Aucoin, Port of South Louisiana Executive Director, and Sean Duffy, Executive Director of the Big River Coalition, authored a joint op-ed in June in which they called upon Congress and the Trump Administration to prioritize advancement of maritime infrastructure as part of any national relief strategies.

Gov. Edwards’ announcement and the commencement of the project serve as crucial first steps to expanding global markets for the farming, industrial and maritime industries that depend on the efficiency of the Mississippi’s waterways.

“The Big River Coalition revitalized efforts to deepen the Mississippi River Ship Channel to 50 feet in August 2012,” said Sean Duffy in a press release. “The project will promote the economic advantages of waterborne commerce to shippers by extending the draw area for shipping down this economic superhighway. The deepened channel will offer increased cost savings to shippers and help the U.S. compete in world markets, enhance the system’s water carrying capacity

and increase the flood protection of businesses, farms and homes. A deeper channel will create thousands of jobs and restore 1,500 acres of wetlands in the environmentally sensitive birds’-foot delta.”

Paul Aucoin says that it was important for the Port of South Louisiana to help position the Mississippi River as an economic powerhouse on a national level, as commerce along the River has an annual impact of approximately $735 billion on the nation’s economy.

“The Port of South Louisiana and Big River Coalition lobbied constantly with congressional leaders and at every opportunity mentioned the need for the deepening of the Mississippi River as a USA project, not just a Louisiana project,” he says. “Maritime investment means more cargo, and more cargo means more jobs.

As a result of being more reliable and more competitive with the deepening of the Mississippi River, we look forward to more industry locating in our Port district.” •

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‘ EX C ELLE NCE ’ AT T HE P OR T Port Log Magazine Earns Top Honors from the American Association of Port Authorities

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fter taking home an Award of Distinction from the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) Communications Awards Program for three years, Port Log magazine earned its first Award of Excellence in the 2020 competition.

The publication, produced in partnership between the Port of South Louisiana and Renaissance Publishing, earned an overall score of 91. Entries receiving more than 90 points earn an Award of Excellence, while entries receiving between 80 and 90 points qualify for an Award of Distinction. In 2019, the publication barely missed the Award of Excellence with an overall score of 89.37.

However, that near-miss only motivated both the Port staff and publisher’s editorial team to continue increasing the value of Port Log

for businesses and residents in the Port’s tri-parish jurisdiction.

The application process for the award evaluates a number of criteria for such publications, including the Port’s mission, how the magazine helps to fulfill that mission, planning and programming, actions and communication outputs, and overall quality of communication.

This year’s application emphasized the Port’s efforts to create name and brand recognition within the region, and Port Log earned top marks for its blend of news and human interest pieces.

“This magazine is an excellent example of a periodical used as a vehicle to communicate with target audiences,” said one of the five AAPA judges who evaluated and scored the publication. “The articles

PSL’s Port Log Team accepts the AAPA Award virtually. Top to bottom/Left to Right: Rachel Swords, Administrative Assistant; Paul Aucoin, Executive Director; Lisa Braud, KAPS Director; Alex Hernandez, PIO; Linda Prudhomme, Director of Business Development; and Julia Fisher-Perrier, Asst. Director of Business Development.

are well-written and the magazine is visually appealing. Overall, it’s an effective tool to extend the mission.”

The relationship between the Port and Renaissance, publisher of regional magazines including New Orleans Magazine, Biz New Orleans, Louisiana Life and more than a dozen custom titles, dates back several years. The publication was originally produced annually but shifted to its quarterly format to expand the range of subjects included in the editorial features.

“Renaissance Publishing is proud to be the publisher for the Port of South Louisiana’s magazine Port Log,” says Todd Matherne, CEO. “We are honored to work with them and to strive for national awards, and to receive this award is a testament of their great work and the work of our custom publishing division.”

Both teams hope to earn another Award of Excellence next year with even higher point values, especially after a year that has presented so many challenges.

“That we’ve continued to publish our Port Log magazine on schedule during the ongoing pandemic will hopefully serve as a reminder of the Port’s commitment to our region, no matter what obstacles may arise,” says Port Executive Director Paul Aucoin. “We’re proud of the work we’ve done and will continue serving as a beacon of information for our friends, families and neighbors.” • W W W. P O R T S L . C O M | FA L L 2 0 2 0

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NE W GENER AL MANAGER TAMM Y LIT TLE GUIDES NORCO MANUFAC TURING COMPLE X

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ammy Little counted down the days and hours until she could head east from Texas and open the door to a new address and new office in Louisiana. For Little, living in Louisiana is all about coming home to family and friends. The new Norco Manufacturing Complex General Manager not only returns to the site for her third assignment but also to the place she began her Shell career.

A 28-year Shell employee, Little has nothing but fond memories of her time at Norco. “The can-do spirit and care for each other have always been a strong component of the culture that sets Norco apart from other locations,” she says. “And of course, who wouldn’t want to be in south Louisiana? When I first arrived in Norco, my husband Jim and infant son Harrison felt welcomed immediately. A few years later, our daughter Victoria was born, a true Louisiana native. Our family quickly adopted crawfish boils, king cake, the New Orleans Saints and the LSU Tigers into our list of favorites along with the warm hospitality that is so unique to this area.”

It took longer than expected for the new Norco Manufacturing Complex GM to relocate thanks to COVID-19’s disruptions in life and added challenges for the chemical industry. As General Manager of Shell Operations Americas, Chemicals before her Norco appointment, Little had a few more things to do as the demand for chemicals increased.

“My former role involved supply chain activities for all of Shell Chemicals business in the Americas,” Little explains.

“From the beginning of the pandemic, we recognized that many of the chemicals products we produce, and especially in Louisiana, go into personal hygiene and detergents to help guard against the Coronavirus. Shell took action to flex operations more than ever to respond to

where the markets are moving – so we can meet our community and customer needs as quickly and capably as possible. At the same time, we are looking forward to turn up the production of other products once markets and people movement open up more and more.”

The new site GM is well prepared to lead the site in challenging and changing economic times. “In recent years, I have developed a much deeper understanding of our customers and what they expect from Shell,” Little says. “Now, I can bring that awareness to the site to help the Norco team better understand our connection to customers through the chemicals and refining products we make. We have such potential, at Norco, to integrate our supply chains between refining and chemicals to bring improved options for our customers along with new ways to unlock value in the energy transition. “ As a refining and chemical complex, Norco maintains a strong position in contributing to Shell’s overall success.

“We make, sell, and move the basic building blocks of modern life and the fuels that power mobility for the people in our communities and provide the energy to enable every business on this planet to move their products to market,” Little explains. “That’s one of the reasons I love the manufacturing aspect of our business.

My core love has always been manufacturing because it builds off a foundation of amazing, talented, and determined people – every day brings new opportunities to pursue and connect to our customers.”

A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Little holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from Christian Brothers University in Memphis, Tennessee and an MBA from Tulane University. She began her career at Shell Norco as a Control Systems Engineer in support of one of the olefins unit, and later moved to Houston in business and commercial roles. She returned to

Norco as the Chemicals and Technology and Engineering Manager and six years later was named Production Manager for Shell’s Deer Park facility. She next served as Shell’s Mobile Refinery General Manager before her most recent role in Chemical Operations for the Americas.

“I am excited to be the General Manager of the site where I started my career,” she says. “I still remember how I felt after meeting the plant manager when I first started at Norco and thinking that I would one day love to have the cool job he had. My days at Norco have always been a highlight of my career.

The group of operators, craft workers, and day staff I worked within the Olefins Unit, for example, were gracious to teach me what you don’t learn in a classroom. In turn, I worked hard to help bring forward their improvement ideas that required engineering support. Those memories will always be with me.”

“I always tell people that Norco has a great family and can-do culture,” she continues. “It is a great place to work with such a wonderful community of neighbors. One of the things I look forward to in my new role, in addition to supporting the site, is participating in community activities especially those that support youth, diversity, and education.”

The global pandemic may interfere with the pace of activity; however, Little

emphasizes. “The biggest step change for me with the pandemic restrictions and precautions is the use of technology to keep us connected and productive even when we can’t meet together as we have been accustomed to,” she says. “This will continue – as it unlocks the need for people to be ‘in transit’ for engagements while giving them more time to take on higher level analysis and planning for the future.

Although telecommuting was possible and eliminated my drive through the crazy traffic in Texas, I am going to have to learn new ways to bridge new connections versus the traditional and proven ways that are reliant on face to face connectivity. As Norco GM, I want to connect with the Norco team onsite as well as the community.”

She is optimistic about Norco’s strength as a business despite COVID’s impact.

As global Shell strengthens its focus on Care, Continuity and Cash, she sees Norco stepping up as well in all areas. “I think anyone who knows Norco recognizes the huge emphasis on care for our people and our community,” she says.

“Continuity exists in our stable operations and continued support from those

working at home. The focus on cash is coming through with the sharp decisions and execution to move our operations to where the market and customers are.”

An avid supporter of educational and diversity issues along with advocacy for women, Little serves as a national sponsor for Shell WAVE (Women Adding Value Everywhere). It is one of Shell’s many employee resource groups which support diversity and inclusion across the company. She takes special pride in establishing the first WAVE group in Norco years ago. “I am energized by our ability to reach out and help all women understand the opportunities in our industry.”

Her advice to women, which applies to all young people, is encouraging. “Don’t let people tell you all the things you can’t do or shouldn’t do,” she says. “Follow your dreams and build yourself up to not fear failure, build yourself to learn quickly from it and get better. STEM careers give you real earning power to be able to care for yourself and your family – from operator or craft, to engineer – they can be positive, life-altering jobs for people.”

If you are looking to connect with Little

in the community, you are sure to see her at a performance when the Lafon Center for the Arts re-opens. “I love the balance that arts bring to my life,” she smiles. “I connect it to my creativity and curiosity. I danced competitively for many years and it taught me not only new ways to express myself through physical movement but also how to compete with my fellow dancers as one team – focused on dedicating us to winning.”

Today, Little’s family has expanded to include her daughter’s husband, Brandon, and granddaughter Harper, who also call Louisiana home. “One common thread that binds our growing family is our love for rescue dogs,” she says. “Among all of us, we love and care for six of them, Gunner, Chloe, Bella, Wilson, Kona, and Nala.”

“It is such a pleasure to return to Louisiana,” she adds. “The Rhythm of Louisiana campaign that our local sites introduced says it all, to me. Louisiana’s creative energy will move us all forward to a great future.

“Shell is a great place to work – with great people – where I have had the opportunity to be part of great teams and activities that make a difference in our communities. •

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NEWS

PORT POINTS Brief News Updates from the Port of South Louisiana

Occidental Turns 100 International energy company Occidental Petroleum Corporation, commonly referred to as Oxy, celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.

Founded in 1920, Oxy is one of the largest oil producers in the country.

As the company crosses this milestone, leaders are redoubling their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by supporting programs like the World Bank’s “Zero Routine Flaring by 2030” initiative. “Success over Oxy’s first century was driven by technical expertise, the ability to adapt quickly and our ceaseless drive to lead our industry forward through innovative problem solving,” said Vicki Hollub, President and Chief Executive Officer, during a Q4 2019 earnings call. “The same attributes, combined with our unique and defining approach to sustainability in a low-carbon world, will be integral to ensuring our leadership and success over the next 100 years.”

New Officers Elected to Port Association of Louisiana The Port Association of Louisiana (PAL) welcomed new members to its Board of Directors following an election in July. The Board is comprised of 29 members representing ports across Louisiana, along with 100 associate members. PAL serves to facilitate good, collaborative relationships between port authorities in the state, to encourage the exchange of information, and several other key missions designed to foster economic development in Louisiana. The newly elected officials are Lynn Hohensee, Port Director of West Calcasieu Port, as PAL President; Paul Aucoin, Executive Director of the Port of South Louisiana, as PAL Vice President; Jay Hardman, P.E., Executive Director of the Port of Greater Baton Rouge, as PAL Secretary; and David Rabalais, Executive Director of Terrebonne Port, as PAL Treasurer.

Port of South Louisiana Launches Video Campaign As part of an ongoing effort to increase name recognition among residents of its tri-parish jurisdiction, the Port of South Louisiana released a marketing video highlighting industrial development at the port. Made in partnership with Neon Cloud Productions, “We Are the Port of South Louisiana 2020” will be shown to visitors of Port facilities, as well as distributed digitally. “This video shows the strengths of our Port,” said Executive Director Paul Aucoin in a press release. “We offer many attractive amenities to prospective companies within our district, including intermodality, Port of South Louisiana’s Executive Regional Airport, and the availability of acreage on both sides of the Mississippi River for industrial development. Our new video serves as an invaluable showcase of our Port to clientele state- and world-wide.”

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Crystal Hot Sauce Wins Blind Taste Test Editors at Southern Living magazine conducted a blind taste test of popular hot sauce brands to determine the best combination of flavor and heat. From a sampling including Frank’s Red Hot Sauce, Texas Pete Hot Sauce, Louisiana Hot Sauce, Crystal Hot Sauce and Cholula Hot Sauce, the editors all agreed that Crystal was the superior choice to keep in one’s desk, purse or car for flavor emergencies. “While it wasn’t as hot as many of the other sauces, the heat seemed to linger long after the test was over,” the Southern Living team said. “Interestingly, many folks said this hot sauce was a bit sweeter than what they were used to; it was a refreshing surprise.”

PORT PROVIDES PANDEMIC ASSISTANCE TO LOCAL CHARITIES

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here’s an age-old proverb stating, “Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” With this in mind, the Port of South Louisiana recently offered COVID-19 assistance to all three River Parishes to respond to the direct need for food in our communities.

“We have all been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in various ways,” says Paul Aucoin, Executive Director of the Port of South Louisiana. “The Port of South Louisiana services the three River Region parishes, so we thought it appropriate to assist groups from each parish. When we contacted these local organizations, we wanted to know what help they needed most. Each organization is running food pantries within their respective parishes, and donations were needed most of all to help meet the demands from the pandemic.”

Each of the three charities received a

$1,500 donation from the Port of South Louisiana to assist with the continuation of the food pantry distribution programs for public assistance. Rather than donate prepared meals for a single day to each group, it was decided long-term assistance via grocery and ingredient purchases to be distributed to families would be more beneficial.

St. John United Way is based in Reserve and is governed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors. Their mission statement is, “Uniting people and resources to create lasting changes in St. John the Baptist Parish by focusing on the building blocks for a better life — health, education and financial stability.”

Matthew 25:35 Ministries is a sister agency to The United Way of St. Charles. Their name corresponds with a Bible verse which states: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink,

I was a stranger and you invited me in.” The program offers food distribution to locals on Wednesdays and Sundays on a weekly basis.

St. James Parish President Peter Dufresne received the donation on behalf of St. James Parish and distributed food to pantry assistance.

The donations were presented to each organization during the summer and fall months. Various Port of South Louisiana Commissioners, Port Staff and PSL Executive Director Paul Aucoin were on-hand for the various presentations.

“The Port of South Louisiana is more than a tonnage port,” Aucoin says. “We care about our local communities and want them to know we’re here for them. The Port is proud to support our parishes, not only during this difficult time with the COVID19 pandemic, but year-round.” •

See photos from the donation on page 18

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P O R Tr a i t s

Mary Anne Schindler, director of the Matthew 25:35 Food Pantry in St. Charles Parish, accepts a $1,500 donation for COVID-19 relief.

Pictured with Mary Anne are: (L-R) Mary K. Clulee, volunteer and SCP Parish Councilmember; D. Paul Robichaux, PSL Commission President; Julia Fisher-Perrier, PSL Asst. Director of Business Development; Ryan Burks, PSL Commissioner; and Paul Aucoin, Executive Director of PSL. Artis Williams, Director of United Way of St. John, accepts a $1,500 donation for COVID Relief to be contributed to food banks.

Pictured with Artis are: PSL Commissioner Pat Sellars; Linda Prudhomme, Director of Business Development; Paul Aucoin, Executive Director of PSL.

Julia Fisher Perrier, Asst. Director of Business Development, virtually attended LIDEA’s Certified Louisiana Economic Developer’s Course on Marketing and Attraction.

Julia Fisher-Perrier participated in a panel led

by The River Region Chamber, titled Women’s Empowerment Conversations.

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Commissioner Joey Murray gets creative when leading the Pledge of Allegiance during the September Commission Meeting.

P O R Tr a i t s

CONGRATULATIONS TO 3 NEWLY SEATED COMMISSIONERS

Louis Joseph of St. John Parish, sworn in July 7, 2020.

Ryan Burks of St. Charles Parish, sworn in June 4, 2020.

Robbie LeBlanc of St. James Parish, sworn in July 1, 2020.

Commissioner Ryan Burks, Chairman of the Construction Projects Committee, leads a meeting virtually. Some of the attendees pictured are: Dale Hymel, CAO at PSL, Commissioner Joey Murray, President D. Paul Robichaux, Paul Aucoin, Executive Director PSL, Patti Crockett, Executive Assistant, Commissioner Louis Joseph and Commissioner Pat Sellars.

The Port Team has been working with Burns & McDonell on a Master Plan.

Picture are members of both teams meeting virtually

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P O R T O W N E D FA C I L I T I E S

GLO BALPLEX INT ERMO DAL T ERMINA L 155 West 10th Street, Reserve, La. 70084 P.O. Box 909, LaPlace, La. 70069 phone : 985-652-9278 fax : 985-653-0798 e - mail : info@portsl.com web : www.portsl.com contact ( s ): Paul Aucoin, Executive Director; Roy Quezaire, Deputy Director location : River mile 138.5 equipment : Two Manitowoc 2250 rail-mounted gantry cranes; 100,000-pound capacity weighing scale for trucks; 100,000 square foot warehouse; 72,000-sq. foot, and 40,000-sq. foot transit shed; and a 177,000 sq. foot paved open storage pad dock : 204 ft. x 660 ft. with upstream and downstream mooring dolphins. allow for dockage of panamax size vessels; 700 ft x 65 ft finger pier general cargo operators associated terminals ph : 985-536-4520 address :

mailing address :

GLO BALPLEX BULK DO CK P.O. Box 909, LaPlace, La. 70069 985-652-9278 fax : 985-653-0798 e - mail : info@portsl.com web : www.portsl.com contact ( s ): Paul Aucoin, Executive Director; Roy Quezaire, Deputy Director location : River mile 138.5 function : Transfer and store bulk, primarily cement fluorspar limestone and wood chips equipment : An 800 tons-per-hour continuous Carlsen ship unloader, a 1,800 tons-per-hour ship-loading system, 100,000 tons of cement storage in two storage domes, 70,000 tons of storage for flourspar in an A-frame building and approximately nine acres of paved open storage for wood chips and other products. dock : 507’ x 44’ with upstream and downstream mooring buoys to allow for panamax-size vessels mailing address : phone :

ADM RES ERVE 2032 La. Highway 44, Reserve, La. 70084 985-536-1151 fax : 985-536-1152 web : ADMWorld.com contact ( s ): Mike Landry, generale manager of commercial operations location : River mile 139.2 function : Grain export elevator. other : Fully automated address : phone :

PO RT O F S O UT H LO UIS IANA EX EC UT IVE REGIO NAL AIRPO RT mailing address : physical

P.O. Box 909, La Place, La. 70069-0909

A ddress : 355 Airport Road, Reserve, La. 70084

985-652-9278 portsl.com/airport-services email : psl-era@portsl.com contact : Lisa Braud, Airport Director location : N30° 05.25’, W30°34.97 phone : web :

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P O R T O W N E D FA C I L I T I E S

PLAINS MARKET ING L .P. 6410 Plains Terminal Road, St. James, La. 70086 Craig Ellinwood phone : 225-265-2353 fax : 225-265-3171 web : PAALP.com location : Mile marker 158.6 function : Storage of petroleum products. address :

terminal manager :

S O LAPO RT West Bank industrial site acquired for development into an industrial park located adjacent to Dow in St. Charles Parish.

Paul Aucoin (985) 652-9278

contact : phone :

MPLX L.P. (PIN O AK T ERMINAL S) 4006 Highway 44, Mt. Airy, La. 70076 Gregg Qualls phone : 504-533-8783 web : PinOakTerminals.com location : Mile marker 144.1 function : Storage of petroleum products. address :

contact :

PS L WES T BANK S T. J A M E S Paul Aucoin (985) 652-9278

contact : phone :

Property acquired for development.

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INDUSTRY MAP

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FINAL FRAME

Fall Sunset Cruise up the St. Charles portion of the Mighty Mississippi

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