The 2008 Connie Awards were presented by the Containerization & Intermodal Institute (CII) to Douglas A. Tilden, Chairman of Ports America Group, and Ken Bloom, Executive Chief Officer of INTTRA, at an industry award luncheon at The Newark Club. Some 300 industry representatives attended the annual luncheon event.

Each recipient received a plaque and traditional Waterford crystal decanter.

The Connie has been awarded since 1972 to honor those who have significantly contributed to world trade and transportation.

Brendan McCahill, CII Chairman, presented Douglas A. Tilden his award. Mr. Tilden heads Ports America, which is the largest stevedoring and terminal operating company in the Americas.

Mr. Tilden was recently appointed senior strategic advisor for the Advisory Board of Ports America. In June 2008, Mr. Tilden was promoted to Chairman of Ports America Group from his previous position as president of Ports America and CEO of Marine Terminals Corp. Douglas Tilden's career in international transportation began in 1969, working for United States Lines in New York as an assistant pier superintendent.

Joe Cervenak, CII President, presented the award to Ken Bloom. Mr. Bloom was the first person honored with the Connie Award from the international technology field.

Mr. Bloom has overseen a period of tremendous growth and organizational development for the company. During his tenure, INTTRA has grown from its 'start up' phase in 2001 to become the largest business-to-business e-commerce portal in the ocean container industry, now processing more than 10 percent of all global containerized trade.

"Both recipients were so honored to be awarded the same recognition of legendary industry executives," said Mr. McCahill. "The Connie Award recipients represent great leadership and advancements the logistics and world trade industry," he added.