Orris, who retired in 2001 as Chairman and CEO of Pacer International, which he founded in 1997, will be unable to travel from his Colorado retirement location but is "excited to be so recognized," he said. He spent his 45-year career paralleling the development of containerization and in positions at American President Lines, Southern Pacific, Denver and Rio Grande Western Railway and, finally, Pacer. While others doubted the veracity of double railcars stacked on each other and then moving around the country delivering cargo, Orris realized the economy of scale on a heavily capitalized industry.
"CII and its board are pleased that Mr. Orris will accept his much-deserved award, although in-absentia," said Allen Clifford, President. "It is greatly deserved and will be delivered to his home following the event."
Connie recipients are acknowledged with this prominent award for their significant influence on containerization in world trade and transportation. CII, founded in 1960, has been presenting the Connie Award since 1972 and it has become the most coveted honor in the field of containerization and its ancillary industries. Matt Cox is the second Matson executive to receive this honor, following the late Robert J. Pfeiffer, former Chairman and President, who received a Connie in 1980.
In addition to the Connie Awards, CII will carry out its industry education mission by presenting scholarships to students studying logistics. Any company can sponsor a named scholarship through CII, which has had more than half a million dollars given for higher education under its auspices since 1992.
