NEW ORLEANS — The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), the unified and recognized voice of seaports in the Americas, recognized the Port of New Orleans today with five communications awards. Winning entrants in AAPA’s 48th annual Communications Awards Program will be recognized at a Nov. 4 awards luncheon in conjunction with AAPA’s 104th Annual Convention and Expo in Miami, which runs Nov. 2-4. “When port authorities communicate strategically with their many audiences, including their communities, business leaders and policymakers, they’re better able to show their tremendous value as drivers of economic development, environmental enhancement and job creation,” said Kurt Nagle, AAPA’s president and CEO.  “This competition helps our member ports by rewarding effective communications and highlighting best practices and lessons learned.” The 2015 AAPA Communications Awards Program utilized 46 professional public relations practitioners from the Washington, D.C. area who cumulatively spent about 180 hours over a period of two-and-a-half weeks judging the 15 classifications of entries, ranging from advertisements and periodicals to videos and websites.  “The Board of Commissioners is proud to be recognized for our communications efforts within the community and within the industry as a whole,” said Gary LaGrange, Port President and CEO. “In the coming years our goal is to enhance our presence within our jurisdiction, the State of Louisiana and all of the regions the Port services on a daily basis. I applaud our communications team for their hard work and dedication.” The Port’s winning entries included: Award of Excellence – Periodicals: Port Record Magazine – The Official Magazine of the Port of New Orleans. Award of Excellence – Special Events: Port of New Orleans Maritime Workforce Summit. Award of Distinction – Special Events: Port of New Orleans French Quarter Fest Booth. Award of Merit – Advertisements: “Our Connections Run Deep” Ad Campaign. Award of Merit – Directories: The Official Directory of the Port of New Orleans.