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CONNIE AWARDS 2024
Brooks , president of CII and Journal of Commerce executive director .
“ It ’ s why we ’ ve been proud partners of CII and supporters of its scholarship program for nearly 15 years . The importance of their contributions can ’ t be overstated . For the recipients , the scholarships are a financial benefit . But they also feed directly into the success of the industry and its stakeholders at a time when the competition for talent has never been greater ,” Brooks added .
On December 9 at the 2024 Connie Awards in Newark , NJ , scholarships will be presented to students hailing from New Jersey City University , Rutgers University , Seton Hall University , SUNY Maritime College , Union County College and the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point .
This year ’ s Connies honorees , Allen Clifford and Clifford Pyron , support the organization ’ s education mission and have seen the growth of the scholarship program firsthand .
“ There are so many universities now that have supply chain programs , and CII looks at these key universities who are turning out the best and brightest in the supply chain . It ’ s a really exciting future for young professionals ,” Pyron said .
“ The scholarships that CII has given out recognize the merit of the recipients . Sometimes it ’ s not the dollar amount ; sometimes it ’ s the merit that ’ s bestowed on an individual that says , ‘ not only do I think I did a good job , but other people think I did a good job ,’” Clifford said .
In addition to the scholarship program , CII created an Academic Advisory Committee in 2022 to better foster interaction between the industry and academia .
“ By facilitating student and faculty visits to industry hubs and arranging [ opportunities ] for industry professionals to share their knowledge with students , CII hopes to expand its educational outreach and solicits the support of stakeholders to achieve its objectives ,” said Anil Vitarana , committee co-chair and founder and principal at Cranford Consulting .
The trade and transportation industry , by necessity , has shifted to more technologically focused and sustainable methods of operation over the last decade . However , the influence of the younger generations has also played a role in putting these advancements into place . According to Forbes , Gen Z in particular is fueled by purpose , mission and value within their careers . The smartest organizations provide skillbuilding opportunities , open lines of communication with stakeholders and a clear-cut mission , and CII ’ s programs and scholarship opportunities are key to unlocking the future of the industry . n
Articles written by Ariane Herrera .
email : ariane . herrera @ spglobal . com
2024 Lifetime Achievement Award : Clifford Pyron
Clifford Pyron has been involved in multiple sectors of the trade and transportation industry throughout his 44-year career — liner shipping , logistics , trucking , and economic and industrial development , to name a few . He most recently served as chief commercial officer of the Georgia Ports Authority ( GPA ) before shifting to an advisory role in June .
Pyron noted how proud he was to have been part of each team along his career journey . “ You couldn ’ t do [ this job ] without great teams . You couldn ’ t do it without great mentors . [ This award ] means a lot professionally and personally .”
GPA saw massive growth during his tenure . When he joined the port authority , it was ranked 45th largest container port globally . Upon his departure , it was ranked No . 26 .
“ We saw tremendous changes in the shipping industry — the shifting of alliances , the competition between West , East and Gulf coast ports . It was amazing to be a part of that and see the port explode ,” he said .
Over the last year , geopolitics began to impact the supply chain in previously
Clifford Pyron Advisor , Georgia Ports Authority
unseen ways . Pyron noted the important role that data and technology played in businesses being able to remain flexible through uncertain times .
“ I ’ ve never seen geopolitics have the impact on the supply chain that it ’ s having today . Now , with every decision you see what ’ s happening around the world , and you have to prepare and build that resiliency . Data is going to drive supply chains . Whoever has the best mechanisms or tools is ultimately going to be the winner in this game ,” he said .
Pyron gained intimate knowledge of containerization and the trans-Pacific trade lane through his father , John , who he credits as his inspiration . John was one of the original employees of Sea-Land alongside Malcolm McLean , the inventor of the modern intermodal shipping container .
“ The industry is really addictive ,” he said . “ I followed my dad ’ s path and have found it fascinating . I ’ ve had the opportunity to travel , to see the world , to meet great people . You see how the world ties together when you ’ re in this industry [ and ] how all the pieces of the puzzle really fit .” n www . joc . com December 2 , 2024 | Journal of Commerce 55