Open Channels is a quarterly newsletter that the Port of Virginia produces for all employees to . I am mentioned on Page 4, under the "Living the Values" section, a fellow co-worker nominated and wrote a brief account about me.

2. From the Desk of John Reinhart........................................ 3
Living the Values ................................................................ 4
Performance Indicators & Volunteer Council Update ..... 6
Outside the Box ................................................................. 7
Team Focus ........................................................................ 8
Terminal Focus: RMT ......................................................... 9
Steward of Tomorrow – Mika Kier .................................. 10
Our Colleagues - New - Promotions - Retirements......... 11
Service Awards ................................................................ 12
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I N T H I S I S S U E
On the cover: The future of terminal optimization at Norfolk International Terminals and Virginia International Gateway.
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3. MOMENTUM...
Momentum is a theme we will continually highlight as
2017 unfolds. This issue of Open Channels serves as an
opportunity to consider “the year-in-review” for calendar year
(CY) 2016. Thanks to all of you - your teams and your divisions
- it was a year of milestones and momentum.
Financially, the port has never been stronger and more
sustainable. From July 1 – December 31, 2016, your port
generated $9.1 million in operating income; compared to
a $5.5 million operating loss in the same period in 2015.
Your stewardship and efficiency facilitated the approval of
a $739 million capital budget for fiscal year (FY) 2017. That
investment total is up from $135 million in FY16 and $31
million in FY15. That is an affirmation of trust based on our
efforts of stewardship.
Commercially, The Port of Virginia continues to shatter
historical records. In CY16, you contributed to the movement
of 2.65 million TEUs and more than 20 million tons of general
cargo – both all-time record totals. Within those totals are
several important milestones:
• 551,496 rail containers moved in CY16 – 14 percent growth –
another all-time record
• Virginia is now the largest rail volume port on the East Coast,
surpassing NY-NJ
• 37,726 rail containers moved across the Virginia Inland Port
in CY16 – another all-time record
• 19,602 containers moved to and from Richmond Marine
Terminal by barge – another all-time record
• The arrival of the MOL Benefactor on July 11 (10,000+ TEU
capacity) set a new standard for vessel size; a standard that
promises to increase to 12,000+ TEU vessels in 2017
Terminal Optimization: With support from the Governor,
General Assembly, the Transportation Secretary and our
Board of Commissioners, we are entering an era of growth. In
July, the Governor announced a $350 million state investment
for NIT expansion. In September, the port signed a 50-
year lease for VIG. In November, we finalized a $217 million
contract with Konecranes – the largest one-time order for rail
mounted gantry cranes (RMGs) in the history of our industry.
By 2020, we will have the capacity to process one million
additional container units through NIT and VIG annually – a 40
percent increase overall – and we will move those units more
safely, swiftly and sustainably than ever before. Our position
as one of the most capable ports in the nation is secure.
During the January 24, 2017, board meeting, Chairman John
Milliken said, “This is the finest year the port has had, in my
experience. We are on a good trajectory for the future; we
have the finances under control and a plan for long-term
growth…”
The Chairman’s comments are an affirmation of the
innovation, accessibility and fortitude you all displayed
in 2016. Your commitment generates momentum. We
must remain mindful of our customers, safety across our
operations, and be good stewards of the port.
We are well on the way to being a strategic home port and
economic engine as Virginia’s Global Gateway.
Enjoy reading Open Channels.
-John
FROM THE DESK OF JOHN REINHART
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4. VP, Terminal Support and Engineering,
Optimization Project Team
Bill is a key member of the new Technology and
Projects group. He recently oversaw the design
and purchase for the new RMG cranes which
will be used at the new VIG Phase II terminal
expansion as well as the South NIT optimization.
Bill’s helpfulness and mindfulness were major
contributing factors in the execution of the
largest crane order in the history of the global
maritime industry! In the process, his focus on
innovation and sustainability saved the port
millions of dollars.
Operations Administrator,
Operations & Maintenance - NIT
Sam Harrell is a person who demonstrates
the company’s values on a daily basis. Her
engaging personality and her “can do” attitude
set a great example for her teammates. Sam is
always accessible and helpful to colleagues and
customers. She practices servant leadership in all
that she does.
Assistant Operations Manager,
Operations Control Center - NIT
Since joining NIT’s OCC staff, Patrick has
demonstrated the values in various ways. He
is dependable, enthusiastic, helpful and goal-
driven. Patrick accepts challenges and sees each
task through to completion. He has excellent
rapport with his customers and colleagues and
is always mindful of opportunities to learn and
assist. Patrick has a positive attitude and often
encourages cohesiveness. He deserves to be
recognized for his leadership skills.
General Manager, Multi-Use Terminals,
Operations & Maintenance
Patrick is mindful in his approach; a value that
is much appreciated by his colleagues. As he
prepares to represent the port at an out-of-
state industry event, Patrick was very helpful in
providing his presentation and talking points
well in advance of required deadlines. His calm
demeanor, combined with extensive industry
knowledge and experience, make Patrick a great
asset to the port.
Administrative Assistant, Port Security
Jennifer demonstrates the core value of
accessibility. She is always available when Port
Police officers and staff are in need of equipment,
uniforms and any other resources required to
make our jobs easier. Jennifer goes above and
beyond by following-up with colleagues to ensure
the resources acquired are suitable and in proper
working order.
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5. From January 6th – 9th, Winter Storm Helena had a significant impact on our region and our port. With 6 - 8
inches of snow on the ground from Norfolk to Richmond, and 72 hours of sub-freezing temperatures, port
recovery and service restoration was a challenge.
To all of the colleagues – more than 100 of you – who worked long hours, braved freezing temperatures
and even volunteered to go beyond your assigned duties – THANK YOU! Your helpfulness, accessibility and
fortitude ensured that customers would have access to our facilities, and their cargo, with very little delay. You
practiced what it means to be Stewards of Tomorrow.
Applications Developer, Information Technology -
Chris is an example of fortitude, accessibility and
mindfulness. She is responsible for supporting
and migrating the Cargo and Labor Ordering
System off of the legacy hardware. Chris is very
mindful of all the details and requirements
that have to be considered in undertaking
such a significant task. Chris also makes herself
accessible to other colleagues, as issues arise.
Chris Wilson is a valued team member and her
efforts are helping move The Port of Virginia into
the future.
Assistant Manager - Crane Maintenance - VIG
Randy co-founded and supports a summer camp
in Gloucester, Virginia, where children and teens
volunteer to repair homes for the elderly and
disabled. He not only practices helpfulness and
mindfulness at work, but he and his wife, Terry,
live their faith by investing in the lives of young
people. Randy is, by nature, a very humble person
and would immediately downplay any recognition.
His colleagues appreciate the fortitude, sincerity
and devotion he displays every day.
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6. 32.8%
19,602
40.8%
11,225RMT Barge Containers
13.9%
551,496
16.5%
285,397Total Rail Containers
4.5%
20,869,313
11.3%
10,787,551
Calendar Year-to-Date
Jan-Dec. 2016
Fiscal Year-to-Date
Jul-Dec. 2016 FY 2017
Total Containers
3.4%
1,503,886
5.9%
778,669
General Cargo Tonnage
Food Bank in Norfolk
The Port of Virginia Volunteer Council recently spent a morning at the Foodbank
of Southeastern Virginia, in Norfolk, packing l70 backpacks for school-aged
children. The packs total approximately 1,700 meals and 120 healthy mobile
pantry packs that will provide 1,200 meals to needy families.
Annual Holiday Food Drive
From December 1, 2016 to January 13, 2017, the POV participated in a food
drive. Serving as stewards of our communities, our colleagues donated more
than 2,000 pounds of food! The totals have been calculated, by location, and the
winner is once again the team at the Virginia Inland Port. The VIP collected 370 lbs
of food, exceeding their goal by 2,746%! Our VIP colleagues will be rewarded with
a celebratory luncheon.
United Way
The Port of Virginia kicked-off the 2017 South Hampton Roads United Way
Campaign in October 2016. Our goal was $30,000, and with your continued
support and dedication, we once again achieved our goal. This campaign’s
individual winners are: Terry Chenault – NIT Tower, Rebecca Killen – WTC, Curtiss
Majors – NIT. The Volunteer Council would like to extend a special thank you for
your contributions to our local community. Together we can make a difference.
OFFICE GOAL TOTAL
FSB 53 lbs 191 lbs
NIT 178 lbs 310 lbs
VPA PD 45 lbs 144 lbs
NNMT 8 lbs 111 lbs
PMT 33 lbs 86 lbs
POC 24 lbs 118 lbs
VIG 91 lbs 466 lbs
VIP 13 lbs 370 lbs
WTC 57 lbs 336 lbs
RMT 4 lbs 90 lbs
VOLUNTEER COUNCIL
VIP food donation
VIP colleagues - Collecting food for their neighbors
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7. INJURED OWL AT NIT
On October 3, 2016, the Port Police received a call regarding a sighting of an
injured owl in the central rail yard at NIT. Officers successfully located and
captured the owl. Police Command Center Operators Taylor Athey and Tamika
Holiday contacted a local owl rehabilitation center and representatives of the
rehab center took the bird into their care.
The initial prognosis was gloomy. The owl suffered from two broken wings and
was not expected to survive. However, on November 2, the fully-recovered owl
was released at the Crumbley House recreation area.
Quoting a representative of the rehab center: “He flew beautifully. He knew he
was at home as soon as I opened the kennel. Thanks for calling (us) when you
found him, otherwise he would have died. We are amazed he recovered so well.”
Well done colleagues!
In December, the Northern Shenandoah
Valley Regional Commission recognized The
Port of Virginia and the Virginia Inland Port
as “unwavering, dedicated and valuable
partners… working to improve the economy…
in the Northern Shenandoah Valley.” In the
photo, VIP Manager, Stan Crockett, accepts
the resolution on behalf of all VIP colleagues.
Click on the image to see the certificate.
VIP RECEIVES RECOGNITION
PROJECT CARGO: US NAVY
On December 20, 2016, the M/V Coastal Venture, a
US-flag Jones Act vessel, called at NIT. Two Mark VI
patrol boats, built in the Pacific Northwest, were direct-
discharged for the US Navy. T. Parker Host served as
vessel agent, while Ceres Terminals Inc. and Crofton
Industries partnered on the discharge work. Crofton
deployed the heavy-lift crane derrick - “Samson.”
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8. We recently surveyed you, our colleagues, regarding Open Channels content. Many of you expressed a desire to learn more
about the smaller teams that help form our divisions across the port. Being mindful of your requests, TEAM FOCUS will
become a regular feature of Open Channels. In this issue, we are pleased to present the Government Affairs Team, working
in support of the Public Affairs Division. Many thanks to Sarah McCoy, Director, State and Local Government Affairs, and
Andrew Sinclair, Director, Federal Government Affairs, for giving us better insights into the important duties they perform.
As our Government Affairs Team pursues the port’s interests at the local, state and federal levels, we are also delivering
digital messages in Hampton Roads and Greater Richmond. Billboards located on strategic thoroughfares remind our
neighbors why we are ‘A Catalyst For Commerce’.
374,000 VIRGINIA JOBS
LINKED TO THE PORT.*
A CATALYST FOR COMMERCE
*
THE FISCAL YEAR 2013 VIRGINIA ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF THE PORT OF VIRGINIA,
Raymond A. Mason School Business, College of William & Mary
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9. The Richmond metro area, including Petersburg,
boasts a population of 1.2 million residents. A true
transportation hub, Richmond is served by interstates
95, 295, 64, 85 and State Route 460. Two class 1
railroads – Norfolk Southern and CSX – serve the city, as
does Amtrak.
Before the highways and before the rails, the early
colonists relied on the water to reach Richmond. Four
centuries later, Richmond Marine Terminal (RMT)
connects the citizens of Richmond to the world via the
James River and The Port of Virginia.
Located at 5000 Deepwater Terminal Road, less than
eight miles south of downtown Richmond, RMT has a
proud history.
Excerpted from
“The History of the
Port of Richmond,” as
posted on the City of
Richmond website:
“The Port was
completed in 1940 as
a general marine cargo terminal facility. For many years
the predominant cargoes through (RMT) were sugar and
tobacco. The sugar trade came to an abrupt end with
the 1960 embargo on trade with Cuba. (RMT) continued
to rely on the mainstay cargoes of scrap iron, tobacco,
newsprint and general cargo. In the late 1970s, Contract
Marine Carriers brought the first containerized ocean
shipping to (RMT).”
In the 76-year history of RMT, 2016 stands out as
a landmark year. In February, The Port of Virginia
executed a 40-year lease with the City of Richmond for
the operating rights at RMT. The lease clears the way for
improving service, investing in this key inland terminal
and cultivating the terminal’s regional economic
influence. The first investment was a $4.2 million mobile
harbor crane that improves the loading and unloading
of the “64 Express,” a container-on-barge service, with
three weekly sailings, operated by James River Barge
Lines.
In early February, a new, larger barge will go into service,
increasing container capacity to 150 FEUs per sailing.
The new barge will also accommodate refrigerated
containers, or reefers, further expanding RMT’s market.
On terminal, 40 reefer plugs have already been installed.
A recently awarded MARAD grant - $476,000 – will
facilitate the purchase of an onboard generator, allowing
reefers to be plugged-in during voyages between RMT
and Hampton Roads. The grant will also expedite the
purchase of a heavy forklift for RMT, diversifying our
cargo handling capabilities.
For more photos/videos of RMT, click here
RMT colleagues (from L-R): Paulette Beckham, Jerrell
Randolph and Christina Saunders
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10. “Actually, it’s the people that made me love my job. I love
helping people – both internal and external - and learning about
the financial aspects of the business.”
Mika Kier, Accounts Payable Coordinator, joined the port
seven years ago as a temporary employee, working in records
management for Human Resources at the World Trade Center.
The Virginia Beach native, and Bayside High School graduate,
worked in the mortgage industry, and studied nursing, before
becoming a port colleague.
Mika accepted a permanent, full-time position with the port in
2012, moving from HR to the Finance Division. Demonstrating
great fortitude, she continued her academic pursuits
concurrently, attending classes at Norfolk State and Tidewater
Community College, before ultimately earning a degree in
Psychology from Columbia Southern University in 2014.
In that same year, Mika relocated to the Financial Services
Center, where she is now part of a team reporting to Kevin
Martin and Sandi Jackson. Mika plays a critical role at the port,
processing travel reimbursements and handling payments
through the state system. In short, she enables her fellow
colleagues to do their jobs by ensuring the have the resources
they need. In typical humble fashion, she’ll tell you, “Primarily, I
pay bills for the port. I try to help people as much as possible
because if I were in their shoes, that’s what I would want.”
Mika is the mother of three daughters: Jai’Lynn (13 years-old),
Aliya (9 years-old) and London (7 years-old). “They are very
active and I am a ‘Sports Mom’,” Mika said. She splits her time
between the softball field and the dance studio.
Asked what she would like her colleagues to know about her,
Mika replied, “That I am here for them.”
Thank you, Mika, for living our values and reminding us all what
it means to be a Steward of Tomorrow.
Leading customers including Lumber Liquidators,
Scoular Grain, Expeditors International, WestRock,
R1 International and tobacco interests drove nearly
20,000 containers through RMT in CY 2016; a 33
percent increase in volume.
For 2017, Lidl, the German supermarket chain with
10,000 stores in 27 countries, promises to boost RMT
throughput. As Lidl constructs retail outlets across
Virginia, they are also constructing a distribution
center in Spotsylvania, 60 miles north of RMT. In
addition to the grocery business, new shipments
of imported Brazilian plywood promise to add
sustainable growth at RMT.
Capital City… Transportation crossroads… Vital
maritime asset… Richmond and Richmond Marine
Terminal continue to help drive the Virginia economy.
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11. FINANCIAL SERVICES
Janeth Espinoza Sr. Accounting Analyst
Sharon Howell Sr. Accountant
OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE
Daniel Burket HRCP II Assistant Ops. Manager
Swanson Boone Electronics Technician
Ian Elliott Field Auditor
Paulette Beckham Assistant Operations Manager
Melvin Hinton Field Auditor
Jerrell Randolph Assistant Operations Manager
Michael Oden Assistant Operations Manager
Justin Dunning Assistant Operations Manager
Steve Papadopoulos Crane Mechanic
Shane Redder Crane Mechanic
Christopher Jones Field Maintenance Technician
Brent Rich Assistant Operations Manager
Ryan Brownell Assistant Operations Manager
Elgin Bond HRCP II Assistant Ops. Manager
Toshanna Curran Desktop Suppoer Technician
PORT SECURITY
Mona McLaurin Police Captain
OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE
John Fiedorowicz Supply Chain Coordinator
Pete Steinlein Supply Chain Coordinator
Paul Taylor Assistant Operations Manager
LEGAL AFFAIRS
Lisa Bishop Risk Analyst
INNOVATION
Brenda Fryar Financial Analyst
Bill Nelson Carpenter - 39 Years of Service
Bill Nelson thought of his port colleagues not simply as
coworkers, but as family. In his nearly 40-year career,
Bill made many lifelong memories and friendships. The
port has always been a “family affair” for Bill, as his step
father, Jim McGee, worked on the waterfront. Bill first met
his wife, Lisa Nelson, when Lisa began her career at The
Port of Virginia. The skills Bill gained as a carpenter have
proven to be invaluable both on and off the port. He is
now enjoying his retirement and Lisa is keeping him busy
with a new “honey-do” list every morning.
Howie Palmer Vehicle Mechanic - 33 Years of Service
Howie Palmer concluded his 33-year career with The
Port of Virginia on December 30, 2016. He served as
an Engineman in the U.S. Navy for six years before
entering private industry to work at a local shipyard.
Howie’s original position at the port was as a Heavy
Equipment Mechanic. He was chosen to obtain a Class
A commercial driver’s license to operate over-the-road
tractor-trailers for the port, earning him the title “Heavy
Equipment Relocation Specialist”. Howie was always a
passionate employee; never shy about standing up for his
convictions and his colleagues. His presence in the Vehicle
Maintenance shop will be difficult to replace. We wish him
well in his future endeavors which may have something to
do with driving a truck.
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12. 5 YEARS
Lisa Kingsbury-Tiff Operations & Maintenance -
Operations Coordinator
Shawn Hartley Operations & Maintenance -
Vehicle Mechanic
David Bacon Operations & Maintenance -
M & R Field Auditor
10 YEARS
Rhonda Engram Financial Services -
Billing Coordinator
15 YEARS
Wayne Thompson Port Security -
Police Officer
Jason Snow Port Security -
Police Sergeant
Kelvin Armstrong Port Security -
Police Officer
20 YEARS
Scott Myers Operations & Maintenance -
Asst. Manager, Vehicle Maintenance
Floyd Messick Operations & Maintenance -
Vehicle Mechanic
Ken Hutcheson Operations & Maintenance -
Communications Technician
25 YEARS
Kelly Dunlow Operations & Maintenance -
Welder
Kevin Cotter Operations & Maintenance -
GM, Maintenance Assets &
Inventory Life Cycle
30 YEARS
Charles Taylor Operations & Maintenance -
Asst. Manager, Crane Maintenance
35 YEARS
Patricia Wright Operations & Maintenance -
Operations Administrator
Catherine Welch Operations & Maintenance -
Ops. & Maintenance Administrator
40 YEARS
Robert Mangum Operations & Maintenance -
Groundskeeper
Richard Conklin Operations & Maintenance -
Assistant Manager,
Facilities Maintenance
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