Connie Awards go bicoastal

Connie Awards go bicoastal    The Containerization & Intermodal Institute (CII) said it will supplement its annual Connie Awards luncheon on the East Coast with a similar event on the West Coast.
   The group said it will host an industry-wide Connie Award dinner on Oct. 1 at the Renaissance Hotel in Long Beach, Calif. The event is in addition to the annual Connie Luncheon that will take place Dec. 7 at the Newark Club in Newark, N.J.
   The Connie Award has been presented to those who have significantly contributed to the containerization and intermodal industry since 1972, including those in rail, shipping, ports, importers and exporters, 3PLs, technology and the media. The group also presents scholarships to students studying transportation and logistics.
   “Every year industry representatives across the U.S. have been drawn to the prestigious Connie Awards, so we will hold a Connie program on both coasts to meet the popular demand of this event,' said Allen Clifford, CII president and executive vice president of Mediterranean Shipping Co. 'The Connie Award has gone to industry leaders throughout the U.S., and even internationally, at a single event each year on the East Coast. It is time that we bring this gala and prestigious award event so our West Coast business community can honor our recipients as well.”
   Clifford said CII is seeking nominations for both the California and New York-New Jersey events. They should be submitted by May 8, to Barbara Yeninas, the group’s executive director, at www.containerization.org/nominations.htm, (800) 231-8244 or execdir@containerization.org.
   Any company that would like to become involved in sponsoring a scholarship or either event should contact Yeninas for various options.