The award will be presented at the upcoming Annual General Meeting and Conference in Prince Rupert, August 24-26, 2009, at the Chances Convention Centre. The Medal of Merit will be presented at the luncheon on Wednesday, August 26, 2009. The Medal of Merit is, "Made in recognition of outstanding works or service, preferably of national impact, by an individual, institution or organization in the port, shipping and maritime transportation fields." Dr. Hicks has been intimately immersed in the port and marine related businesses for many years and exemplifies the importance of local commitment and involvement in local port development initiatives. “Dr. Hicks is the kind of individual every community needs and he has shown his strong belief in how ports can help develop towns and regional economies in Canada,” said Gaetan Boivin, President and CEO of the Trois-Rivieres Port Authority and this year’s Chair of the Association.
The Association has awarded the Medal of Merit annually since 1975. Past recipients have included Madeleine Paquin, CEO of Logistec Corporation; the Hon. David Collenette, former Minister of Transport; Michel Pouliot, President of the Canadian Marine Pilots Association; and Jack Leitch, Chair of the Upper Lakes Group. (ACPA)