DOT Secretary Mineta to Give Keynote Address at AAPA Convention

U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta will address port authority leaders from across the Western Hemisphere on Tuesday, September 24, 2002, at the Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida. Secretary Mineta will address delegates and guests at the 91st Annual Convention of the American Association of Port Authorities AAPA), from 12:45 to 2:15 p.m. on Tuesday's luncheon, in the Venetian Ballroom. "We're really pleased that the Secretary will join us to address some very important port issues," said Kurt J. Nagle, AAPA president. "With all the changes in port security regulations and legislation that have occurred in the past year, we look forward to Secretary Mineta's views on protecting America's ports and the future of the maritime industry." Secretary Mineta will likely talk about port security, the new Transportation Security Administration, reauthorization of the Transportation Efficiency Act of 2001 (TEA 21), and the need for SEA 21 legislation. The 91st AAPA Annual Convention is expected to attract up to 800 delegates and guests to Palm Beach. The Port of Palm Beach will serve as host and plans a number of social events to highlight the region. The business program, which begins with 8:45 a.m. Opening Ceremonies on Tuesday, September 24, will include speakers on topics such as trade in the Western Hemisphere, maritime security, cruise industry trends, media relations in a crisis environment, best practices in communications, environment and information technology, and funding requirements for ports. Also during the AAPA Annual Convention, members will install Agustin Díaz as Chairman of the Board. Mr. Díaz is currently deputy general manager of the Curaçao Ports Authority, Inc. He will succeed current Chairman of the Board Dick Steinke, Executive Director of the Port of Long Beach. Before joining the Curaçao Ports Authority, Mr. Díaz was the commissioner of the island government in charge of ports. He has served as a senator in the Parliament of the Netherlands Antilles and been a member of the Island Council of Curaçao. The Palm Beach Annual Convention will begin with a reception on Sunday evening, September 22. Technical and policy committees will meet on Monday, September 23. The business program will officially begin on Tuesday, September 24, and conclude following lunch on Thursday, September 26. The Annual Chairman's Gala Dinner will be the final Convention event on Thursday evening, September 26.