CITT News

Photo: Port of Long Beach Government Relations Division (from left to right): Alejandra Guitron, Joel Perler, Nina Turner, Jeanne Brand, Sara Baumann, Deborah Rowe, Adrian Granda

The Center for International Trade and Transportation (CITT) hosted the Port of Long Beach Government Relations Division’s “Ship Shape Sessions” retreat at CSULB’s Anna W. Ngai Alumni Center on February 3.  The session was led by Joel Perler, Manager of International Engagement & Strategic Advocacy, and was attended by the Port’s Government Relations Division, as well as representatives from CSULB's College of Professional and Continuing Education (CPaCE) and University Relations Division. The Honorable Cambodian Consul General Kim Chha Hout attended the event as a special guest speaker to discuss the key role that the Port plays in supporting international trade.

“The Port of Long Beach values our deep partnership with the Center for International Trade and Transportation at CSULB as we work collectively to expand ways for students and workers to access good paying careers in logistics and global trade,” said Port of Long Beach Director of Government Affairs Adrian Granda. “Together with CITT and CSULB, the Port of Long Beach is investing in meaningful education, training, and career development opportunities.”

CITT Executive Director Tyler Reeb began the retreat with an extensive overview of CITT’s work and introduced key university partners: Angeli Logan, Director of Professional Programs and Workforce Development at the College of Professional and Continuing Education (CPaCE), Jennifer Nolasco, Intensive English Program Coordinator and Faculty at the American Language Institute (housed within CPaCE), Daniel Pollock, Jr., President of the Associated Business Students Organization Council, Pahole Sookkasikon, Program Advisor at CPaCE, and Erica Lucia, Director of Government Relations for the University Relations and Development Department.

After a break and photo opportunity at the Go Beach sign, Perler provided an overview of the Port’s international engagement and trade relations, including the upcoming LA28 Olympic Games, Long Beach’s Sister Cities, Port-to-Port relationships, international delegation visits, and the World Trade Center Long Beach. Perler also highlighted ongoing climate change mitigation efforts such as Pier Wind and Green Shipping Corridors. Attendees learned about the Port’s key strategic partners, including CSULB and CITT, and international partners like the Cambodia Consulate General.

“CITT and CSULB benefit greatly from our relationship with the Port of Long Beach,” Reeb said. “It was an honor to host the Port’s retreat here at CSULB to feature the range of programs that embody the ‘Supply Chain at the Beach’ ethos and the role that the Port of Long Beach plays in local and global communities.”