WTDC Newsletter – November 4th, 2024
In this week’s WTDC newsletter we cover:
- PortMiami granted $25 Million for eco-friendly projects
- President’s Corner: Monitoring labor disputes and FIU Alumni Board of Directors Update
- Thanksgiving Drive – Lotus House
- Stand Down – Miami Dade County Event for Veterans
- Royal Caribbean to Use Shore Power at PortMiami
- Halloween 2024
- WTDC at MIA Runway 5k
President’s Corner: Monitoring labor disputes and FIU Alumni Board of Directors Update
I hope you are having a great start to your November. We are monitoring a few labor disputes that might affect global shipping. Canada’s Port of Vancouver is closed due to a labor dispute today. For East Coast and Gulf ports, USMX and ILA agreed to temporarily end the work stoppage with a January deadline for a new deal. They are coming back to the negotiation table this November.
I am honored to have held my first FIU Alumni Board of Directors Meeting as President. My theme for this presidency is to empower our Directors as Informed Ambassadors of FIU, with a clear focus on building F.A.N.S. (Fundraising, Advocacy, Networking and Student Success).
A special thank you to Florida International University President Dr. Kenneth A. Jessell for being our guest speaker and for his invitation to the President’s Suite during the FIU Football game. It was an inspiring meeting and I’m excited about the year ahead as we work together to support and uplift FIU Alumni.
Sean Gazitua, President & CEO
PortMiami granted $25 Million for eco-friendly projects
PortMiami has been granted a $25 million Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. This grant will be used to fund the port’s electric and eco-friendly efforts. PortMiami’s older diesel-powered equipment will be replaced with advanced electric models that will cut greenhouse gas emissions and reduce maintenance. Miami-Dade County officials assert that this project will set the example of sustainable development for ports nationwide.
Thanksgiving Drive – Lotus House
WTDC is thrilled to announce our 6th Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive, continuing our partnership with Lotus House!
Thanksgiving season is a time for gratitude and giving. we invite you to join us in making a difference. We are collecting non-perishable food items and monetary donations to help ensure women in need can enjoy a warm Thanksgiving meal.
Donations will be accepted until November 22nd. Drop off donations to WTDC Operations or postmark donations to Thanksgiving Drive c/o WTDC, 2801 NW 74th Ave, Suite 100, Miami, FL 33122.
Your contributions will help provide for the largest women’s homeless shelter in the country. For more details and how to donate, please email WTDC Transportation Manager Castell Chavez. Thank you in advance for your continued support and generosity!
Royal Caribbean to Use Shore Power at PortMiami
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Sea will make history at PortMiami when the cruise ship plugs into the newly installed shore power system. This is an initiative set on reducing carbon emissions by Royal Caribbean and PortMiami. In the coming months, cruise lines like Celebrity Cruises will follow similar measures with the Celebrity Xcel, the company’s first methanol-capable ship.
Cruise Industry News: Royal Caribbean’s Icon Set to Use Shore Power in Miami in November
Stand Down – Miami Dade County Event for Veterans
On November 1st, WTDC Chairman and Deacon Ralph L. Gazitua had the honor of delivering the invocation at the Stand Down event held at the County Fairgrounds. The event honored and provided service for Veterans. Hosted by Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioner’s Vice Chairman Anthony Rodriguez and well attended by Miami-Dade County officials such as Sweetwater Mayor Jose “Pepe” Diaz and Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins.
Luis André Gazitua of Gazitua Letelier, P.A., WTDC Logistics Manager Ginger Diez, and WTDC Transportation Manager Castell Chavez (pictured together in the second photo) attended the ceremony that provided essential services, information, and resources to Miami-Dade County veterans.
Stand Down supports veterans, active military personnel and their families by offering access to over 80 different resources and services aimed at supporting their needs.
Halloween 2024
We had an awesome time celebrating Halloween last week with our WTDC staff and tenants! This year’s theme was The Addam’s Family. Congrats to our costume contest winners from WTDC Operations and Customer Service who dressed as Minions!
WTDC at MIA Runway 5k
On October 19th, WTDC proudly participated in MIA Runway 5K supporting American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer campaign.
MIA Runway 5K is a race on the runway of Miami International Airport to spread awareness during October – Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
We look forward to continuing our support for this important cause!
