Business through Port of Houston Authority facilities remains strong for 2014, Executive Director Roger Guenther announced in his report to the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority at its regular monthly meeting. "September cargo at the Port facilities continued the positive trend for the year and the outlook continues to be good through the remainder of 2014," Mr. Guenther reported. Year to date, more than 28 million tons of cargo has been handled, up 5 percent, he said. Operating revenue is up 12 percent and exceeds $195 million. Operating and G&A expenses total $155 million, up 3 percent, and operating cash flows are up 6 percent, exceeding $89 million. Strong financial performance is important to continue to prepare for growth and reinvestment, Mr. Guenther said. It was also announced that the Port Authority has received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association for PHA's 2013 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). Mr. Guenther congratulated the Accounting and Financial Reporting teams for their hard work and commitment in maintaining this prestigious award for "40 years and counting." In a brief report, Jeff Davis, Managing Director of Operations, provided an update on tariff rates and recommended to the Commission that there be no tariff increase for 2015. That recommendation will be considered by the Port Commission during its December meeting. Mr. Davis said PHA continues to listen to its stakeholders to strategically plan for the future. To address the challenges of the trucking industry to meet growing demand, PHA will expand the hours at its container terminals, effective Nov. 17. "To continue to maintain an environment that is competitive for all our customers and supports the job growth and economic prosperity in our community, we are recommending no increase to our tariff rates," Mr. Davis told Port Commissioners. Port Commission Chairman Janiece Longoria noted October has been another event-filled month. The Port of Houston served as the host port earlier in the month for the most successful Breakbulk Americas conference in its 15-year history, with a record 5,140 people and an estimated $3.7 million of economic impact to the city. In other Trade Development news, Ms. Longoria announced a new breakbulk service from Houston to two ports in Mexico by Argosy Transportation Group's Campeche Line that has begun calling Woodhouse Terminal.