OLYMPIA, WASHINGTON (MAY 10, 2022) – Each year, the Washington Public Ports Association (WPPA) recognizes extraordinary accomplishments by member ports in the categories of environmental stewardship, community engagement, job creator of the year, and creative partnerships.

WPPA is excited to announce the Port of Longview as the winner of the 2022 Community Engagement Award for their deeply thoughtful approach, beautiful graphic design, and creative community events, all in celebration for the Port’s Centennial.

For complete details on their award-winning efforts, we turn to the words of the Port of Longview in their application for the award:

“PORT OF LONGVIEW CELEBRATES CENTENNIAL

In April of 1921, businesses leaders in Kelso saw the need for a port district. After rallying local voters to approve one, the Port of Kelso was established on the Cowlitz River. In 1926, voters approved moving the Port of Kelso to the more accessible Columbia River and in 1929, citizens voted to rename the Port from Kelso to Longview.

One-hundred years and many additional facilities later, the Port of Longview celebrated its centennial in 2021. Today, the Port spans 835 acres, including 15 miles of rail, 700,000 square feet of warehouses and nearly 250 vehicles and pieces of equipment. For 100 years, the Port has generated economic growth and created thousands of jobs that benefit its community.

THE PREPARATION BEGINS

The Port of Kelso dedication ceremony on the Columbia River on April 15, 1926.

In preparation for the Port’s centennial year, staff worked tirelessly to compile historic documents, photographs, newspaper articles, audio clips and videos of the Port of Longview’s first 100 years. Once content was collected, the Port was able to retell its story to the community.

PORT INVITES COMMUNITY TO CELEBRATE FIRST 100 YEARS

The Port embarked on a year-long social media and radio advertising campaign with centennial related content. Each month featured a decade of the Port’s first 100 years, sharing some of the thousands of memories and accomplishments made at the Port of Longview. From new equipment and adding more tenants to the Port’s industrial properties, to various types of cargo crossing the docks, staff put together an immersive timeline for the community to enjoy across many different platforms.

In addition, the Port produced two newsletters that highlighted content from its first 100 years. Each newsletter featured historic photos, facts about the Port’s history, cargos that have crossed the Port’s docks and stories from community members on how the Port impacted their lives. The newsletters were mailed out to every house within the Port’s District and placed in the lobby at the Port and at other local businesses.

The year 2021 was a challenging year to engage in a public celebration as the COVID-19 pandemic surged across the world. Holding an event felt impossible, but Port staff and commissioners remained hopeful that hosting an event would happen. As cases slowed in the summer of 2021, the Port was able to host an event for the community while following all COVID-19 guidelines.

A centennial celebration was held in July at the Port’s main office located in the historic ‘White House’ that once housed the Long-Bell Lumber Company owned by R.A. Long, the founder of Longview. The event included educational signs, food and refreshments, giveaway items, a self-guided tour of the office building along with an optional bus tour of the Port’s marine terminals and industrial properties. The event was advertised in Longview’s local newspaper and radio stations, through social media, and flyers were handed out to the public. The event was a resounding success for the Port as 400 people attended and over 200 people took a bus tour. 

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ABOUT WASHINGTON PUBLIC PORTS ASSOCIATION
As a state legislative and regulatory advocacy organization, the Washington Public Ports Association (WPPA) provides zealous representation for the state’s ports. The WPPA was formed by the legislature in 1961 to represent public port districts throughout Washington, serving as the focus through which ports work cooperatively to develop policy direction, share information, and address issues on economic development, trade, transportation, and environmental stewardship. Public port districts offer a wide range of locally governed services, including marine terminals, barge facilities, industrial development, marinas, airports, railroads, and tourism promotion.
 
MEDIA CONTACT
Jessica Wilson
Washington Public Ports Association
E: jwilson@washingtonports.org
T: 360-528-0405