WTDC Newsletter – January 31st, 2025

In this week’s newsletter, please find the following headlines:

President’s Corner: Uncertainty and Evolving Policies

WTDC is closely monitoring evolving policies on trade, tariffs, and international affairs, many of which may take effect in February.

If you have any concerns regarding tariffs, duties and Foreign Trade Zone Consulting in these uncertain times, please do not hesitate to reach out to WTDC for support.

Stay healthy,

Sean Gazitua, President & CEO

Send a message to WTDC President and CEO Sean Gazitua

Courtesy: Louis Sola on LinkedIn, Sola pictured with Miami-Dade County officials

Louis Sola appointed to Chairman of FMC, targets Panama Canal operator

On January 20th, President Donald Trump promoted Louis Sola from commissioner to chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC).

Sola wasted no time in highlighting the U.S. position on the management of the Panama Canal. During a Senate hearing, Sola questioned whether Hong Kong-based company Hutchison Port Holdings was withholding revenue to the Panamanian government.

He emphasized the importance of maintaining the Panama Canal Authority’s neutrality amid concerns over Chinese influence in the region.

Holland & Knight: Louis E. Sola Named Chairman of Federal Maritime Commission (FMC)
PortTechnology: FMC highlights Panama Canal’s importance to US economy

Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk Gemini Cooperation alliance sets sail

On February 1st, Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk’s Gemini Cooperation will share vessels across key trade routes throughout the United States, Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. The companies seek to restructure ocean freight across East-West trade routes, aiming for 90% on-time reliability—a significant improvement from the current 55%.

MSN: Hapag-Lloyd – Maersk Gemini Cooperation likely to reduce shipping costs

Live Like Bella

WTDC is a proud sponsor of the Live Like Bella Superhero 5k, occurring on Saturday, February 8th.

The Live Like Bella Foundation honors the memory of Bella Rodriguez-Torres who lost her life to childhood cancer. The Live Like Bella Foundation has allocated $37 million in childhood cancer research and $6.5 million in financial assistance to families across 49 states and 37 countries.

Live Like Bella’s mission resonates with WTDC and the Gazitua family and we look forward to continuing our support for this incredible cause.

Live Like Bella

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava (4th from the left, in blue) joins Commissioner Eileen Higgins, Chairman Commissioner Anthony Rodriguez, Pastor Alphonso Jackson, Dr. Tarek Chebbi, Rabbi Robyn Fisher, and WTDC Chairman and Deacon Ralph L. Gazitua with wife Cookie, in a gathering of community and faith leaders at State of the County Address on January 30, 2025. Photo courtesy Mayor Levine Cava on Instagram.

Ralph L. Gazitua delivers invocation at the Mayor Daniella Levine Cava’s State of the County Address

On January 30th, WTDC Chairman and Deacon Ralph L. Gazitua was honored to deliver the invocation for Mayor Daniella Levine Cava at the Miami-Dade State of the County Address. Gazitua and Levine Cava have been prayer partners since his tenure as a Miami Dade Police Department Chaplain. He is inspired by her dedication to make Miami-Dade County a better community.

Mayor Levine Cava celebrated the community’s achievements last year and outlined a promising vision for the County in 2025.

Watch the 2025 State of the County Address

South Florida Logistics Industry Career Fair

On January 29th, WTDC attended the South Florida Logistics Industry Career Fair hosted by FIU. It was a pleasure to meet students with an interest in supply chain and logistics.

In attendance were qualified students from Florida International University, Barry University, Florida Atlantic University, Saint Thomas University, University of Miami, and Miami Dade College.

Through our WTDC Internship Program, we have mentored mentored +150 interns from local universities, reinforcing our commitment to developing a generation of leaders.

FIU Master of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Courtesy: Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum

Agustín Fernández: The Alluring Power of Ambiguity

On February 15th, Cookie Gazitua, wife of Chairman Ralph L. Gazitua and Senior Board member of the Frost Art Museum invites you to Agustín Fernández: The Alluring Power of Ambiguity, debuting at the Patricia and Phillip Frost art Museum at FIU. This retrospective showcases over 65 pieces by the Cuban born-master, including paintings, collages, portfolios, and an unpublished memoir.

Fernández’s aesthetic reflects a world of aggression, conflict, and personal contemplation, tracing his artistic journey from Cuba to New York.

Agustín Fernández – The Alluring Power of Ambiguity