University of Delaware
Office of Public Relations
UpDate - Vol. 16, No. 34, June 12

     Port's future in global market focus of policy forum
program

     Apolicy forum on "The Port of Wilmington: Its Future in
the Global Market Place" will be held from 8 a.m.-7:30 p.m.,
Monday, June 23. Morning sessions will be held at the Hotel
du Pont, Wilmington, followed by a series of afternoon
activities, including port tours, panel discussions and a
reception aboard the M/V Twin Capes.
     An array of local and international speakers will lead
discussions on such topics as the port's management and
operations, strategic issues for the future and the port's
economic impact and growth potential. Distinguished guests
of honor at the forum will include Delaware Gov. Thomas R.
Carper, U.S. Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr. and John Biehl,
Chilean ambassador to the U.S.
     The Port of Wilmington, with trading partners in over
20 nations, has long played a key role in Delaware's
economic picture. It is a leading "niche port" for
refrigerated and perishable cargoes, import/export
automobiles, bulk cargoes and other specialty trades.
     Approximately 700 vessels call at the port annually. It
generates over $566 million in revenues and supports 2,800
regional jobs each year.
     This event will provide an ideal opportunity to examine
the port's many strengths and will facilitate a critical
dialog among business leaders, legislators, public
officials, organized labor and international trade
representatives interested in the port's future.
     The forum is being held in conjunction with the
International Refrigerated Transportation Association's
(IRTA) annual convention. IRTA, a trade association with
more than 300 members worldwide, will present its Executive
of the Year Award to Gov. Carper at the forum luncheon to be
held in the Hotel du Pont's Gold Ballroom.
     Registration fee is $75 and due by June 18. The fee
includes continental breakfast, lunch and post-conference
reception.
     For more information, contact Gloria Wilkins at the
Institute for Public Administration at 831-8971 or sent e-
mail to Gloria.Wilkins@ mvs.udel.edu
                                                -Beth Thomas