Dear WPPA Members and Port Colleagues,

This year WPPA’s Spring Meeting heads back to Eastern Washington and will be held at the beautiful and historic Davenport Hotel in Spokane.  Please join me May 16 through May 18 to discover successful strategies for managing your ports in Washington’s ever evolving economy.

Over two and a half days this spring, speakers will highlight developments in key sectors of our state’s economy and how they affect our ports.  Keynote addresses for Wednesday and Thursday will be given by Washington’s gubernatorial candidates former U.S. Representative Jay Inslee and Attorney General Rob McKenna.  We will hear from them about our state’s overall outlook, particularly as they relate to those topics crucial to ports: job creation, infrastructure investment, and vibrant and effective economic development.

The Spring Meeting program will also feature an update on the 2012 legislative session.  We also heard your feedback that you wanted more time for Roundtables – and we listened. Attendees will also be treated to the popular Port Reports.

Our association staff has once again put together a meeting that provides timely and important information on a host of issues pertinent to ports.  You will also have the opportunity to catch-up and network with your fellow members in an energetic atmosphere, while sharing ideas and exploring opportunities for a successful 2012.  

I look forward to visiting with each of you in Downtown Spokane!

J.C. Baldwin, Port of Chelan County
President