The Port of Kalama and Executive Director Mark Wilson have been honored with the 2018 Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) Community Leadership Award for the Columbia River Region. The award recognizes Wilson’s and the Port of Kalama’s many contributions to the Kalama School District. The Port was instrumental in organizing the Kalama High School Career Fair and recruiting Port businesses to participate in an effort to educate students on career and job opportunities in the region and at the Port.
The regional meeting of Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) honored organizations and community leaders for significant contributions to education and schools. Hosted by Educational Service District 112, the ceremony recognized honorees for the contributions they make to school districts in the region.
“Mark Wilson and Port of Kalama commissioners have been instrumental in forging a cooperative new direction for district-port relations. Through these efforts, Kalama School District has engaged Port and Cowlitz businesses in the Kalama Days Career Fair promoting career awareness among Kalama students and giving them increased motivation to do well in school,” says Mike Nerland, WASA Honorary Awards Committee Columbia River Region 112. “Your efforts have also helped foster the development of a STEM network in Cowlitz County. We thank you for your support of students and families in Kalama School District and throughout Cowlitz County.”
Industries at the Port of Kalama employ more than 1,000 people with Fortune 500 companies conducting global business and commerce including import/export, manufacturing, marketing, welding and steel work, recycling, trucking and any myriad other commercial and industrial enterprises. They choose Kalama for its ideal location in the heart of the Pacific Northwest on the highway, railroad and river.
“We are delighted to be recognized with this notable award. The Port of Kalama is working hard to develop a closer relationship between the students and faculty of the Kalama Schools and the Port’s business partners on the waterfront. We will continue to offer opportunities to meet members of the business community here and learn about the work we do, as well as career opportunities for students,” says Mark Wilson, executive director, Port of Kalama. “We hope to improve the understanding of the business activities here and let students know about the many career opportunities that can be found right here in the community.”
Eric Nerison, Kalama School District Superintendent, left, and Mark Wilson, Executive Director, Port of Kalama, receiving award.,
