Issue link: https://pma.uberflip.com/i/116887
Pacific Maritime Association 2012 Annual Report To Our Stakeholders: Judging strictly by the numbers, it would be easy to presume that 2012 was an uneventful year on the West Coast waterfront. Indeed, container volume was up by a small margin, while overall tonnage dropped by a similar amount. In a word, cargo movement was flat compared to the year before. Yet beneath these numbers lies a far more interesting ��� and far more accurate ��� picture of what transpired at West Coast ports. While the nation dug itself out from an extended economic downturn, the maritime industry prepared for future volume increases. Companies invested in equipment and infrastructure, and worked hard to meet mandates on safety, security and the environment. Even though volume did not change significantly from the year before, those numbers were close to pre-recession levels ��� which were all-time highs. And, for the first time in several years, new hiring took place in every region of the coast. James C. McKenna President and CEO Looking ahead, 2012 sent signals about the future of our waterfront, most notably in terms of labor relations. While the PMA and ILWU continue to have a positive working relationship, we need to work together to keep our ports competitive. It is essential that we work smartly, and well, to prepare ourselves for the changes coming in the years ahead. Finally, 2012 was a year that underscored the huge importance of what we do ��� not only to those whose work is directly connected to the ports, but those who live and work all over the United States. For the cargo that we move reaches every corner of the nation, and the jobs it supports ��� in transportation, logistics, retail, manufacturing and a host of other industries ��� provide wages and goods to families in every region. As we move through 2013, we���ll continue to be mindful of our place in the broader economic picture, and we���ll do our best to be stewards of this great West Coast waterfront. Sincerely, James C. McKenna PACIFIC MARITIME ASSOCIATION 3