Oakland, Calif. – October 14, 2020: The East Bay Economic Development Alliance (East Bay EDA) plans to honor the Port of Oakland at its 2020 Innovation Awards event tomorrow, Oct. 15, for its significant contributions as a long-standing generator of jobs and economic vitality in the region. The Legacy Award will be presented at the 8th annual East Bay Innovation Awards from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. during a virtual celebration.
“We are recognizing the Port of Oakland as a catalyst for the East Bay economy,” said East Bay EDA Executive Director Stephen Baiter. “The COVID-19 pandemic has only underscored the importance of this critical asset to our region, our state and our world,” added Executive Director Baiter.
The Port joins the ranks of other iconic East Bay entities including the East Bay Regional Park District, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Kaiser Permanente, and UC Berkeley as Legacy Award recipients.
“We’re proud to be receiving this prestigious honor from the East Bay EDA,” said Port of Oakland Executive Director Danny Wan. “The credit goes to our dedicated Port Commissioners, senior managers and staff who have consistently supported projects that benefit our East Bay community with positive economic impacts.” Mr. Wan added that Port leaders and staff are focusing on business recovery even in this challenging time.
A study conducted prior to the pandemic, shows that the Port of Oakland and its partners support more than 84,000 jobs in the region and generate $117.6 billion annually in economic impact.
The Innovation Awards event will include a two-minute video presentation “Port of Oakland 1927 to 2020”. The video highlights historic milestones and major projects past and present that contribute to the Port’s reputation as an economic engine.
About the East Bay EDA
The East Bay Economic Development Alliance (East Bay EDA) is a cross-sector, public-private partnership that promotes strategic economic development throughout Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. Our organization was founded 30 years ago out of the recognition by senior leaders in business, government, and the broader community of the need to work together and tackle shared challenges at a regional level. Today, East Bay EDA has evolved into an organization of more than 150 members from a variety of sectors and serves as the regional voice and networking resource for strengthening the economy, building the workforce, and enhancing the quality of life in the East Bay. For more information on finalists and the awards ceremony, contact [email protected] or (510) 272-6746. For more information about the East Bay Innovation Awards, visit iawards.eastbayeda.org
About the Port of Oakland
The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland Seaport, Oakland International Airport, and nearly 20 miles of waterfront including Jack London Square. The Port’s 5-year strategic plan – Growth with Care – pairs business expansion with community benefits, envisioning more jobs and economic stimulus as the Port grows. Together with its business partners, the Port supports more than 84,000 jobs. Connect with the Port of Oakland and Oakland International Airport through Facebook, or with the Port on Twitter, YouTube, and at www.portofoakland.com.
| Media Contacts
Mike Zampa Marilyn Sandifur |