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The Office of Social Responsibility (OSR) commemorated its first year with our first annual Open House in February, and what a great year it has been.
The OSR staff has worked hard to help make the Port a ‘beacon of social responsibility’. Often though, there is confusion by the public that our office should be involved in every social equity and justice issue relating to the Port. CEO Yoshitani gave OSR a priority to focus on the Port’s Small Business/supplier diversity efforts, and special projects such as the Veterans Fellowship, Ship to Shelter, and liaison with PortJobs. As the office develops, we hope to expand our interests and program areas.
In our e-newsletter, you will find updates on these projects. We are proud of our first annual Small Business Champion award winners: Kenney’s Office Plus, and Port employees Tina Hemingway, Susan Sherbina, and Garrett Terwilliger. There were many nominees (see article) who all are deserving of recognition. As we read the nominee write-ups, it was truly gratifying to know how many champions we have in our community and within our Port organization.
We are also very proud of the Port’s leadership in veteran’s employment efforts led by Gary Buchanan, Port employee and active military Army captain. Gary recently completed the selection process for our third group of Veteran Fellowship employees at the Port.
Congratulations to our OSR team member, Lilyian Caswell-Isley, who was recently presented with the prestigious Port of Seattle Charles Blood Champion of Diversity award. As part of the award, she was able to provide a financial contribution to Nativity House in Tacoma, WA.
The economic downturn has affected everyone and we in the Port are committed to working in partnerships with you to continue our important work. We encourage all small businesses to register on our Consultant, and Small Business, and Small Works Rosters so that you can be informed of Port contracting opportunities as they arise. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to call Tina Boyd at 206. 728.3455.
If you have ideas or input that you would like to share, we look forward to hearing from you. Contact us at osr@portseattle.org, (206) 728-3187.
Sincerely,
Elaine I. Ko
