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The Connie Award , presented annually by the Containerization and Intermodal Institute ( CII ) marks its 52nd year in 2024 . Named for the container , the Connie is awarded to individuals , companies , associations and other entities that have made substantial contributions to the transportation modes . It is considered the most prestigious honor in the global containerization and intermodal industry . n

The Containerization and Intermodal Institute ( CII ) introduced its scholarship program in 1992 to award students looking to pursue careers in the trade and transportation industry , as well as the higher learning institutions guiding them .

Within the last 32 years , approximately $ 1.5 million has been granted under the auspices of CII . Industry-leading businesses sponsor each of the scholarships , and donations are developed to fit the needs of each benefactor .

“ Education and promoting the growth of this industry ’ s future leaders is a core mission at the Journal of Commerce and parent company S & P Global ,” said Chris

Allen Clifford began his career in the trade and transportation industry nearly 44 years ago as a freight forwarder , working with non-vessel-operating common carriers and learning the art of the transportation and supply chain business firsthand .

“ You ’ re not only working with the carrier — you ’ re working with the shipper , with letters of credit , banks , warehousing , trucking [ and ] different types of intermodal . You really learn the intricacies of supply chain and transportation . I enjoyed [ and experienced ] it very much as a learning tool ,” Clifford said .

Clifford then joined Containership Agency , which represented several ocean liners . Mediterranean Shipping Co . was a part of the business and eventually spun off into its own agency . As the company ’ s first US-based representative , Clifford was tasked with spearheading its development in the United States .

Working alongside Capt . Nicola Arena , the duo helped build MSC USA from the ground up . The company is now the largest ocean carrier in the world .

“ Never did we think that we would reach this level of breadth in the world . Getting this [ Connie Award ], it says a lot about not only myself , but my company . It

Allen Clifford Executive Vice President , Mediterranean Shipping Co .

says we ’ re recognized as a leader in the industry ,” he said .

Throughout his career , Clifford has witnessed increased container ship tonnage and the growth of major corporations to levels once considered unprecedented . However , the progress that he finds most remarkable is recognition of the supply chain by everyday individuals .

“ People recognize that supply chain plays a part in daily life for everybody , not only in the United States but worldwide . We really are the initiators of world trade . And without the larger vessels to carry the goods from one place to another , the growth of major box stores and companies would never have happened ,” he said .

With his initial career plans leading him to law school , Clifford did not intend to make a career in this industry . However , the opportunity to learn about the world and make an impact drew him in .

“ I enjoy the politics of the world and I enjoy learning , and what keeps me [ involved ] today is trying to achieve more . I want to see what ’ s next ,” Clifford said .

“ I think world trade allows people to see people as they are and not as they think or as their geography , where they ’ re located , what their political aspirations are or what their religion is . I think it brings the world closer , and that ’ s very important .” n

54 Journal of Commerce | December 2 , 2024 www . joc . com