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Port Welcomes New Veterans Fellows
Pictured from Left: Ralph Graves, Port Capital Development Division; Michael Hawryluk, U.S. Navy; Tay Yoshitani, Port CEO; Alfredo Medina, U.S. Navy. Not pictured: Col. Richard Jenkins, U.S. Army.
The OSR Summer 2010 Newsletter is available online now.
Office of Social Responsibility Welcomes New Director
Luis Navarro recently joined the Office of Social Responsibility as its new director. Prior to this position, he served as manager of Aviation Properties. Luis has worked for over 25 years in international commerce, finance, real estate and procurement. He also has worked for airlines based in Central America and the U.S. Navarro has been active in the community promoting economic opportunities for small businesses, and as an advocate for social justice. Read the Director's Message here.
2nd Annual Small Business Champions Awards
These awards recognize a Port employee or team who has championed increased Small Business participation at the Port during calendar year 2009. This year’s Small Business Champions Award honorees are:
Westgro Corporation and the Aviation Maintenance Small Works Team.
We also extend special recognition to all nominees:
Internal:
Kathy Bahnick and Roy Kuroiwa, Kenny Lyles and Karlina Smith, Paul Meyer and Erik Knowles.
External:
United Reprographics LLC, Shen Consulting, Inc., Brian Davis – Yoga Instructor, Perez Move Management, Keeney's Office Supplies, Total Creative Incorporated, Burgess Consulting, Herbert Engineering Corp and Pacific NW Shredding.
Cascade Sierra Solutions is a non-profit organization comprised of public and private partners working together to put clean diesel technologies to work on trucks working around the ports and throughout the State of Washington.
The Green Truck Center features a clean diesel technology showroom offering new and late model truck fuel efficient equipment options and will act as a clearing house for trucking businesses when upgrading their fleet of trucks.
The Port of Seattle established its Office of Social Responsibility to engage the community and to assure that all Port business is conducted within a framework of fairness, inclusion, openness and economic development.
To learn more, download the OSR Fact Sheet.
Veterans Fellowship Program
The Office of Social Responsibility has teamed with the Port's Human Resources and Development department to create the Veterans Fellowship Program. This program is designed to assist military veterans transition from military service to civilian employment.
Small Business InitiativeTo advance the Port of Seattle’s mission to create economic vitality in the region, Port commissioners adopted the Small Business Initiative in May 2003. The initiative ensures equal access and opportunity to all firms that wish to provide products or services to the Port. Join the Small Business Roster here.
Port JobsPort Jobs is not-for-profit action tank that develops practical programs and supports public policies that increase access to living wage jobs, fostering a more vibrant and equitable economy for residents of and businesses in Seattle and King County.
As a small business owner it was difficult to navigate the many processes, regulations and procedures for securing a contract with a complex government agency as the Port. After attending the “How to do business with the Port of Seattle” and researching similar outreach programs, we devised a long-term strategy for building a successful relationship with Port representatives. The result of these efforts, combined with the support of the Office of Social Responsibility, helped us secure our first contract with the Aviation Maintenance for Training Program Services. Thank you for all the assistance.
Farayi Chiro, Founder/CEO, Masikateck
GLFord Consulting provides organizational development consulting, soft skills training, and leadership coaching for state agencies, for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. “Maintaining a thriving business in the midst of a down economy can be daunting,” says Gary Ford. “The Port’s support of my small business, both in hiring my firm and in promoting my services to other local businesses has been very valuable.” Ford has worked for the Port as an OD consultant, trainer, and leadership coach since 2008.
Gary Ford, Principal, GLFord Consulting
Got a Question? Contact the Small Business Administrator.