The Port of Long Beach was named the “Public Partner of the Year” by the Inland Empire Economic Partnership this week in acknowledgment of efforts to support business development and create jobs in the Inland Empire, an important link in the global supply chain.

The accolade was accepted at the organization’s annual awards ceremony in Ontario, Calif., on Feb. 23 by Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero, a member of the IEEP’s Southern California Logistics Council, which convenes to address issues challenging the local logistics industry.

“It’s important for the Port of Long Beach to have a close working relationship with the Inland Empire Economic Partnership,” said Cordero. “It helps us make goods movement more efficient in this region, boosting economic benefits and reducing environmental impacts. It’s an honor to accept this award.”

“This award is a meaningful recognition from an essential partner,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Steven Neal. “We support the IEEP’s work advocating for smart and responsible development in the Inland Empire, which plays a vital role in the journey of cargo from sea to warehouses and distribution centers and ultimately to store shelves and consumers.”

Learn more about the Inland Empire Economic Partnership at www.ieep.com.

The Port of Long Beach is one of the world’s premier seaports, a gateway for trans-Pacific trade and a trailblazer in goods movement and environmental stewardship. As the second-busiest container seaport in the United States, the Port handles trade valued at more than $200 billion annually and supports 2.6 million trade-related jobs across the nation, including 575,000 in Southern California.