CPaCE News

The future of North America’s largest harbor is a hot topic, with repercussions for supply chains around the world, and it takes powerful insights from industry leaders to chart a path forward. Hosted by the Harbor Association of Industry and Commerce (HAIC) and sponsored by CSULB, the Commercial Ports Luncheon highlighted an engaging discussion on the interrelated complexities of trade, transportation, energy, environmental and land-use issues that affect local business communities.

Dr. Tom O'Brien, Associate Dean of CSULB’s College of Professional and Continuing Education (CPACE), moderated a lively conversation on May 7th with Michael DiBernardo from the Port of Los Angeles and Dr. Noel Hacegaba from the Port of Long Beach. The event took place at the Battleship USS Iowa in San Pedro, California.

"CPACE is proud to partner with leading organizations like HAIC to highlight the work that North America's largest international port complex is doing to ensure that supply chains are sustainable," said O'Brien. "There is a reason that Southern California—with its long history of collaboration between industry, government, and academia—is a center of innovation for sustainable ports."

Some of the forward-thinking ideas discussed at the event included:

• Sustainable Supply Chain Initiatives: The Ports' commitment to promoting environmentally responsible practices across the supply chain.
• The Future of Pier B: The planning of a transformative new project that has implications for the Port of Long Beach.
• Data-Driven Operations: How data-driven strategies are optimizing port operations and fostering greater collaboration throughout the industry.
• Zero-Emissions Shipping: Plans for a cleaner and more sustainable shipping industry through the concept of a Green Shipping Corridor.
• Ports and Community Partnership: The importance of open communication and collaboration between the Ports and surrounding communities.

PHOTO (L-R): Tom O'Brien, CPACE Associate Dean; Dr. Noel Hacegaba, Chief Operating Officer at the Port of Long Beach; and Michael DiBernardo, Deputy Executive Director of Marketing and Customer Relations at the Port of Los Angeles.

“Any time you can get two leaders from the Ports of L.A. and Long Beach in the same room, talking about their priorities and what they mean for the region, we all benefit,” O’Brien continued. “Getting to moderate the discussion was an honor and the inspirational location was an added bonus.”

As a nonprofit industrial and commercial trade association, HAIC supports educational opportunities in the port community and promotes policies to further enhance development of commerce and industry. In support of educational endeavors, HAIC offers a scholarship for students to attend the Global Logistics Professional (GLP) program at CSULB, which is designed to meet the unique training needs of individuals at various stages of their logistics careers. 

Click here to learn more about the GLP program.