John McLaurin to Receive 2013 Connie Award
John McLaurin, President of the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association (PMSA), a West Coast maritime trade association representing ocean carriers and marine terminal operators on a variety of local, state and federal issues, has been selected to receive the 2013 Connie Award to be presented on the West Coast by the Containerization and Intermodal Institute. The industry-wide dinner event honoring Mr. McLaurin will be held on Thursday, September 26, at the Renaissance Hotel in Long Beach, Calif.
Connie recipients are recognized with the prestigious award for significant influence on containerization in world trade and transportation and are honored for innovative spirit in their careers and at their respective companies, as well as for their positive influence on the industries they serve. Mr. McLaurin has been in his present position since 1995.
CII, founded in 1960, has been presenting the Connie Award since 1972 and it has become the most coveted honor in the field of containerization and its ancillary industries. Among some 40 recipients to date are Richard Steinke, Matthew Cox, Rick Gabrielson, James McKenna, Robert McEllrath, Ronald Widdows, Jon Hemingway, Thomas B. Crowley Sr., Malcom McLean and Evergreen Group Chairman Dr. Y. F. Chang.
"John McLaurin received many nominations and votes focused on his leadership and commitment of PMSA to the variety of issues with which all are involved," said Michael DiVirgilio, CII President and Senior Vice President of Ceres Terminals. "This includes the environment, the citizens, community, economic programs, the California transportation policies-which also impact national subjects-and the lobbying he has led in these areas."
On behalf of its members, PMSA, which has offices in San Francisco, Long Beach and Seattle, is involved in community affairs and legislative and regulatory issues in California and the state of Washington. The organization provides its membership with information services, including regular updates on shipping industry matters, as well as a clearinghouse for environmental practices across the industry.
In addition, the PMSA Foundation was established in 2004 as a part of its commitment to help member companies give back to their communities. The Foundation provides financial and in-kind support to educational, charitable, environmental and non-profit programs that benefit California and Washington State port communities and promote awareness of the maritime industry. The PMSA Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit charitable organization led by a Board of Directors. It is supported by individual and corporate gifts as well as proceeds from events such as the PMSA annual luncheon. The PMSA Foundation has raised much-needed funds for a diverse range of community needs including services for seafarers, the disabled, homeless and students.
Mr. McLaurin has a Bachelors Degree in Political Science from the University of California at Davis and a law degree from Southwestern University School of Law. In addition to PMSA, Mr. McLaurin has also worked for the Marine Spill Response Corporation, American President Lines and the American Petroleum Institute. Married to Lisa Green McLaurin, they have two daughters. Mr. McLaurin has been active in a variety of efforts and programs dealing with special education for children and adults with autism.
At the Connie Award event, CII will also carry out its industry education mission by presenting scholarships to students studying logistics. Any company can sponsor a named scholarship through CII, which has had more than half a million dollars given for higher education under its auspices since 1992.
The CII Connie Awards dinner is $225 per ticket and seating is limited. Sponsors for scholarship opportunities and tickets are available. For more information, contact Barbara Yeninas, executive director at (732) 817-9131 or [email protected].
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