FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Transportation Club of Tacoma (TCT) Names Ports America’s Greg Unterbrink 2015 Person of the Year

TACOMA, WA – The Transportation Club of Tacoma (TCT) named Greg Unterbrink, Ports America’s Vice President of Business Development, as its 2015 Person of the Year at its monthly meeting on Monday, January 11^th.   The award was presented by Gary Gieser, TCT’s Executive Director, and Janice Wasson, TCT’s 2014 Person of the Year.

Greg Unterbrink said, “I’m very honored to be recognized by the Club and feel privileged to be associated with past winners.  The Transportation Club of Tacoma embodies many important values and is a vehicle that not only educates the shipping industry, but also gives back to the community.  I’m proud to be associated with an organization that is progressive and supportive in dealing with all facets of our complex industry.”

TCT has recognized a Person of the Year since 1992.  The award is based upon the recipient’s support of TCT at its monthly meetings, in addition to support of the Club’s events.  TCT’s events contribute to Habitat for Humanity, The Emergency Food Network of Pierce County, Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital, and the Club’s college scholarship program.

“Greg is a tremendous supporter and member of The Transportation Club of Tacoma. His many contributions to the Club and his time invested in the Club’s fundraising activities made him well deserving of the award.” noted Janice Wasson, who also served as TCT Club President in 2013.

Ports America is the largest terminal operator and stevedore in the United States, operating in more than 42 ports and 80 locations.  With a highly skilled and trained labor force, Ports America has the expertise to manage all types of cargo. Ports America’s terminal operations and stevedoring services include container, bulk, breakbulk and project cargo; world-class cruise terminals; intermodal facilities and quality RoRo operations.  Ports America handles more than 13.4 million TEU, 2.5 million vehicles, 10.1 million tons of general cargo, and 1.7 million cruise ship passengers annually.  Ports America is committed to providing a safe environment for employees, contractors and visitors at every facility.

The Transportation Club of Tacoma is a non-profit organization with over 500 members. TCT is made up of transportation professionals as well as people who have an interest in local and global transportation and logistics. Since 1926, the Transportation Club of Tacoma has focused on building bridges within the transportation industry, while at the same time serving Tacoma and Pierce County communities through its charitable work.  Membership encompasses diverse companies – large and small – including: railroads, steamship lines, trucking companies, warehousing and distribution, cold storage, coffee roasters, paper manufacturers, confectioners, freight forwarders, commercial real estate, banking, consulting, and education.

TCT Executive Director Gary Gieser (MacMillan-Piper), Sue Unterbrink, TCT 2015 Person of the Year Greg Unterbrink (Ports America), TCT President Bryan Lovely (Toyota Lift NW)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Transportation Club of Tacoma (TCT) Contributes $32,353 to the Emergency Food Network (EFN) of Pierce County

TACOMA, WA –The Transportation Club of Tacoma (TCT) made a $32,353 contribution to the Emergency Food Network (EFN) of Pierce County at its monthly meeting on Monday, January 11th.   The check was presented to Helen McGovern-Pilant, EFN’s Executive Director, and Ken Hess, EFN’s Operations Manager by TCT President Bryan Lovely and TCT Director Lori Kincannon.  An additional $3,555 was raised and contributed directly to EFN through TCT’s efforts this year.

Helen McGovern-Pilant said, “We are so grateful for our relationship with the amazing members of the Transportation Club of Tacoma.  Over the years as the need in our hunger relief program has grown we have always been able to count on their support.”

TCT began its support of EFN over fifteen years ago by organizing canned food drives at its December General Meetings.  This event has grown over the years and includes both a live action and silent auction.  Over the past four years, TCT has contributed more than $130,000 directly to EFN.

“We are amazed at the sum we were able to donate to the EFN this year,” stated TCT Director and Chair of the annual event, Lori Kincannon. “Our membership is proud to support this organization and help them accomplish their goals.  We know that every dollar raised will be spent to help those in need in our local community.”

The Emergency Food Network of Pierce County began as a program in 1982 when the leadership of FISH Food Banks, Tacoma Rescue Mission, Salvation Army, and Associated Ministries recognized a great need in the community to resource emergency food collectively. Originally designed to meet a temporary need caused by the economic recession of the 1980’s, it became apparent in the early 1990’s that the need for such a community service had grown. In response, EFN became an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in 1991. The Pierce County emergency food system includes 67 food banks and hot meal sites providing over 15 million meals annually to over 1,300,000 clients (duplicated count). In recent years, food programs have experienced an increase in the number of clients seeking services.  As the sole nonprofit food distributor located in Pierce County, many food programs are solely dependent on EFN for food.

The Transportation Club of Tacoma is a non-profit organization with over 500 members. TCT is made up of transportation professionals as well as people who have an interest in local and global transportation and logistics. Since 1926, the Transportation Club of Tacoma has focused on building bridges within the transportation industry and serving Tacoma/Pierce County communities through its charitable work.  Membership encompasses diverse companies – large and small – including: railroads, steamship lines, trucking companies, warehousing and distribution, cold storage, coffee roasters, paper manufacturers, confectioners, freight forwarders, commercial real estate, banking, consulting, and education.

TCT President Bryan Lovely (Toyota Lift Northwest), EFN Operations Manager Ken Hess, EFN Executive Director Helen McGovern-Pilant, and TCT Director Lori Kincannon (Mckinney Trailer Rentals)