PRESS RELEASE--April 10, 2007

Contact:
Port of Longview: Marie Wise 360-425-3305

COMMISSIONER LARRY LARSON ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

Longview, Wash. – Port of Longview Commissioner Larry Larson, the longest serving longshore commissioner in the history of the West Coast, and the longest serving Port of Longview commissioner, announced his retirement today.

Commissioner Larson was appointed in June of 1978 and has served the Port of Longview for 29 years as a port commissioner. He also worked as a registered longshoreman for over forty years. Combined, his years of service to the port total fifty years.

"Larry’s retirement will be a tremendous loss to our commission, said Walt Barham, Port Commission President. “His vast knowledge of the port industry and his prior active involvement in the moving of marine cargo will be missed.”

During Commissioner Larson’s tenure, the Port transitioned from handling mainly forest products exports and bulks, to the handling of steel and project cargos, and wind energy and domestically barged cargos. Commissioner Larson also oversaw the Port’s ambitious expansion in the 1990s involving land purchases, and construction of a new rail line and general cargo dock.

In 1980, Commissioner Larson was present when the Port received the coveted Presidential “E Award” for Excellence from then President Ronald Reagan.

“He was able to recognize that a successful port will strive to have satisfied and productive workers and employees,” said Dan Buell, Port Commissioner.

Commissioner Barham added, “We will sincerely miss Larry’s experience, knowledge and insight.”

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About Port of Longview

The Port of Longview is the first full-service operating port with strategic transportation connections on the deep-draft Columbia River shipping channel in southwest Washington State. The Port is located just 66 river miles from the Pacific Ocean, 120 driving miles from Seattle, Washington and 40 driving miles from Portland, Oregon. Port facilities include eight marine terminals and waterfront industrial property with direct connections to main-line rail and interstate highway. Cargo handling specialties include all types of bulk cargos and breakbulk commodities such as steel, lumber, logs, pulp, paper, project and heavy-lift cargo.