The Containerization & Intermodal Institute (CII) presented the 2015 Connie Award to Wolfgang Freese, President of Hapag-Lloyd, Region Americas, for his contribution to the container shipping industry over the last four decades at Hapag-Lloyd. Joanne F. (Joni) Casey, President and CEO of IANA, received the Lifetime Achievement Award. The sold-out Connie Award Luncheon took place on Monday, December 7th at the Metropolitan Room at the Newark Club. Since 1974, Connie recipients have been individuals recognized for their noteworthy contributions to containerization in the world trade and transportation industry. This prestigious award honors their innovative spirit and the positive impact they have made during their careers. Wolfgang Freese has been the President of Hapag-Lloyd, Region Americas since his appointment in September of 2009. For 40 years, he has assumed leadership roles at Hapag-Lloyd, investing his time and energy into the company. In the span of his career he has received recognition for his professional expertise and experience. This recognition includes his induction into the International Maritime Hall of Fame founded by the Maritime Association of the Ports of NY and NJ. During Mr. Freese's acceptance speech, he looked ahead to what is next in containerization, pointing to mega consortia and large container vessels as well as the Panama Canal expansion. He highlighted that when considering the financial investment from all stakeholders, "success can be achieved if all parties work closely together, not against each other, including carriers, ports, terminals, labor and, of course, the ultimate customer, the shipper and consignee of goods." Casey, President and CEO of the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA), received a Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions to the freight transportation industry. She began her career working for the American Trucking Associations as an economist for some 30 years before becoming the first Executive Director of the Intermodal Conference of ATA. Prior to her appointment as the President and CEO of IANA in 1997, she was the CEO of the Transportation Intermediaries Association. Ms. Casey takes an active role in many professional organizations and has served on numerous industry committees and boards such as the Executive Committee of the Transportation Research Board and the Global Maritime and Transportation School of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. "Freese and Ms. Casey are true examples of the superb leadership we have in this multi-faceted industry," said Michael DiVirgilio, CII President. "We are proud to honor them with these prestigious awards."