WTDC Newsletter – December 16th, 2024
In this week’s WTDC newsletter we cover:
- Bandhwari Scholarships
- President’s Corner: Season’s Greetings
- PortMiami to Expand Passenger and Parking Agreement
- Panama Canal 2025 and Beyond
- Vendor Appreciation: Palmetto Transport Inc.
- Angel Tree
- WTDC Deck the Halls for His House Children’s Center
President’s Corner
Happy Holidays! Wishing you and your families a joyous holiday season. 2024 has been a monumental year for WTDC. Thank you to our employees and partners for your continued dedication and support.
Stay healthy,
Sean Gazitua, President & CEO
Send a message to WTDC President and CEO Sean Gazitua
Bandhwari Scholarships
On Wednesday, December 4th, WTDC presented two WTDC Bandhwari Scholarships to WTDC Operations Assistant Brianna Page and Jessica Hartmann, two FIU students involved in the International Business Honor Society (IBHS). The scholarship supports expenses related to the Bandhwari Women’s Project, a microenterprise partnership between the women of Bandhwari, India, and FIU College of Business IBHS students.
Brianna Page is Bandwhari Director of IBHS, a position that spearheads the program and directs how students engage with giving back to the women of India. The program continues to innovate and generate excitement, recently hosting their first-ever fashion show organized by Ms. Page. Select students involved in IBHS participate in an annual trip during spring break to India to engage with the behind-the-scenes operations of the Bandhwari Women’s Project.
WTDC has been proud to sponsor the program since 2015, hosting an essay contest in which students can earn $1500.00 towards attending attend the Bandhwari Women’s Project trip.
Congratulations to Brianna and Jessica for their involvement in such an inspiring initiative!
FIU College of Business WTDC Bandhwari Scholarship Highlight
PortMiami to Expand Passenger and Parking Agreement
PortMiami and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) announced an agreement approved by the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners. NCLH will take over the of operations Cruise Terminal B Garage and spearhead development of a Multipurpose Parking Facility at PortMiami. The new facility features 2,000 spaces to be completed by 2028.
Cruise Industry News: Miami and Norwegian Expand Passenger and Parking Agreement
Panama Canal 2025 and Beyond
Dr. Ricuarte Vásquez, Administrator of the Panama Canal, spoke at the Houston International Maritime Conference, outlining future plans for an oil pipeline and progress toward net-zero carbo emissions by 2050.
He shared positive FY2024 results, including $4.99 billion in revenue and 62.2% operating margin while also addressing climate-driven water management efforts. The Panama Canal remains a significant link in global energy trade.
AJOT: Beyond a waterway: The Panama Canal at the forefront of sustainability and innovation
Vendor Appreciation: Palmetto Transport Inc.
WTDC is pleased to recognize Palmetto Transport Inc. as our Vendor of the Month!
Palmetto Transport has been a valued partner since 2019, providing support to our operations in trucking and drayage.
We extend our thanks to Palmetto Transport Chief Operating Officer Alberto Bello and Office Manager Luis Quintero for attending our Monthly Awards Ceremony where we recognized Palmetto Transport Inc. for their contributions.
Angel Tree
WTDC proudly supports the Angel Tree Project by Prison Fellowship, bringing joy to children of incarcerated parents during the holidays. Through this initiative, we sponsor Christmas gifts to make the season brighter for these children.
WTDC Deck the Halls for His House Children’s Center
On Saturday, December 7th, the WTDC team had the privilege of volunteering at the ‘Deck the Halls’ event for His House Children’s Home, a heartwarming initiative where the community comes together to decorate homes for the children in their care.
By transforming the campus into a winter wonderland, we helped bring the joy and spirit of Christmas to life. From freshly baked cookies to beautifully decorated bedrooms and outdoor spaces, the children will be welcomed into a holiday season filled with warmth, love, and cheer.
WTDC has proudly partnered with His House Children’s Home for several years, supporting their mission through initiatives such as our annual Christmas Pajama Drive and Water Bottle Drive.
It is an honor to continue giving back to this incredible organization and to help create special moments for the children they serve.
