US Coast Guard, US Customs & Border Protection, US Dept. of Agriculture and Nation Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration presented 2019 “Port Champion” awards.
Virginia’s ports are an economic engine that relies daily on the hundreds of Federal partners that ensure the safety and security of our ports. The men and women of the U.S Coast Guard, U.S. Customs & Border Patrol, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration routinely work behind the scenes to ensure that our maritime & transportation-related businesses can continue to grow and flourish.
During the longest government shutdown in history, these servicemembers, officers, inspectors, and scientists worked tirelessly and without pay from December 22nd, 2018, to January 25th, 2019, ensuring the uninterrupted flow of commerce through our ports for 35 days.
As the Virginia Maritime Association’s 2019 Port Champions, our selfless partners faithfully go to work each day to support trade, ensure safe navigation, and stand vigilant watch over our ports, despite the challenges they may face, allowing Virginia’s maritime supply chain to remain strong.
Hundreds of U.S. Coast Guard personnel at the Fifth District and Sector Hampton Roads readily stand watch over Virginia’s portions of the Atlantic Coast, Chesapeake Bay and tributaries, Intracoastal Waterway, and the busy waterfront terminals that comprise Virginia’s regional port.
Over 100 personnel at U.S. Customs & Border Protection’s Norfolk-Newport News Area Port Office safeguard Virginia’s borders by ensuring that the cargo, vessels, and crews coming to our ports are vetted and secure.
Local U.S. Department of Agriculture personnel ensure our imported and exported agricultural and food products are properly documented and free from invasive pests and diseases.
Over 130 personnel at the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration’s Atlantic Marine Operations Center and regional fleet provide critical survey and charting data for navigational safety. Additionally, the National Weather Service Forecast Office Wakefield, Virginia, provides meteorological and ocean data, weather forecasts, and warnings for mariners and port stakeholders.
While much is said about our advanced port infrastructure, the widening and deepening of our channels, and the volume of cargo flowing in and out of our port, none of it would be possible without the women and men of our federal partners, our 2019 Port Champions.
The VMA presented its “Distinguished Service Award” to two recipients for 2019
In 1977, Tom and David both join T. Parker Host, Inc. serving as the third generation of family leadership.
Award Tom Host 8449The Virginia Maritime Association presented its “2019 Distinguished Service Award” to Thomas P Host, III.
Mr. Host helped lead an already successful and venerated Virginia shipping agency through many years of expansive and strategic growth in Virginia as well as multiple ports across the United States.
Mr. Host, played an instrumental role in establishing Norfolk as a port for cruise ships, increasing the demand for the services needed to support cruise ships and the economic benefits associated with many thousands of passengers sailing from Norfolk annually.
A tireless promoter of Virginia’s ports at home and abroad, and as the Honorary Consul of Brazil he has been a valuable representative to one of the Port of Virginia’s major trade partners. Additionally, his service on numerous boards of business and community organizations and his political engagement has been a valued and proving Mr. Host as an effective ambassador for Virginia’s ports and maritime industry.
Award David Host 8483David F. Host presented the Virginia Maritime Association’s “2019 Distinguished Service Award”.
Mr. Host led an already successful and venerated Virginia shipping agency through many years of expansive and strategic growth in Virginia as well as multiple ports across the United States.
As a result of his tireless efforts to promote and increase coal exports through Virginia’s ports became a globally recognized authority on the international trade and shipping of coal.
Mr. Host, through his promotion of bulk cargos established himself as a Champion for navigational improvements in Virginia’s ports, particularly the James River and Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River. His service on numerous boards of business and community organizations and his political engagement has been a valued and proving Mr. Host as an effective ambassador for Virginia’s ports and maritime industry.
The VMA is a trade association of nearly 500 companies, employing over 70,000 Virginians. Promoting, Protecting and Encouraging commerce through Virginia’s ports, since 1920. “The Voice of Port Industries”
