The Canaveral Port Authority’s environmental education program received top honors from the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) in the 2002 awards competition. The Port also received several communications awards for its community outreach efforts.
The AAPA Environmental Excellence Award was given for the Port’s community program, which includes educational videos, classroom education; coloring and activity books for children; and Port tours on the endangered manatee and beach protection. In addition, the environmental brochure received an AAPA Communications Award of Excellence.
“We consider it a high priority to educate the community on the importance of protecting our natural resources,” says Malcolm “Mac” McLouth, Executive Director of the Canaveral Port Authority. “It’s an honor for our peers to recognize that we are doing a good job.“
The Government Relations and Public Affairs Department also received AAPA awards for “Harboring a Dream,” a PBS documentary produced in partnership with Channel 24/WMFE-TV and the Annual Report, a financial publication produced in partnership with Wolf Jessee Paquin Communications. The documentary gives insight into the historical development of Port Canaveral and the Annual Report is a comprehensive document on the Port’s financial status.
Other recognition for the Government Relations and Public Affairs Department includes awards from the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA), both at the local and state levels. The Space Coast chapter recognized the department’s work for involving the community in the arrival of the Carnival Pride cruise ship and the Freedom Celebration patriotic parade and rally. The state award was given for the “Harboring a Dream” documentary.
“It is an honor for our peers and industry professionals to recognize what a good job our staff is doing in reaching out to the community and developing projects that raise public awareness about the Port and its contribution to Central Florida,” McLouth says.
The American Association of Port Authorities represents more than 150 public port authorities in the United States, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean. The Florida Public Relations Association is comprised of 14 professional and 7 student chapters throughout the state.