For Immediate Release
March 7, 2003

OAKLAND, Calif, (March 7, 2003) - The Port of Oakland is seeking nominations of outstanding citizens and organizations - that work to enhance the economic, social and environmental welfare of Oakland, Alameda, Emeryville and San Leandro - to be recognized at its first annual Good Neighbor Awards program.

Nominations will be accepted through March 28th at 5 p.m. More information and forms can be obtained online or by contacting Robert Bernardo at (510) 627-1401.

The awards program will be held April 23, 2003 at the Jack London Aquatic Center, 115 Embarcadero East, in Oakland. This year’s theme, “Communities: Making a Difference,” reflects the Port’s intent to honor those individuals, groups and businesses that mirror the Port’s mission of improving our surrounding communities by making positive, sustainable contributions.

Nominations will be accepted for the following awards: Person-of-the-Year, Business-of- the-Year (Port of Oakland tenant), Student-of- the-Year and Non-profit-of-the-Year. The Port will also honor a private citizen for their lifetime community achievements.

Each winner will receive $1,000, a special recognition plaque and be featured in a special profile to be published in the next issue of Port News, the Port of Oakland’s news magazine. Richard Word, chief of the Oakland Police Department, is the keynote speaker for the event.

“We believe it’s important to herald the positive contributions of our citizens who exemplify a commitment toward bettering the welfare of individuals and communities in our local impact area,” said Diann Castleberry, the Port’s community relations manager.

Beginning in 2002, the Port of Oakland began sponsoring quarterly Good Neighbor Breakfasts that provide a forum for the Port to share information about current projects and accomplishments with the community.

The Port of Oakland is the fourth-largest container port in the United States. Established in 1927, the Port owns and operates some 19 miles of waterfront, including Jack London Square; more than 900 acres of maritime terminal facilities and the Oakland International Airport.

For more information about the Good Neighbor Awards, contact Robert Bernardo at (510) 627-1401 or Diann Castleberry at (510) 627-1302.

Contact:
Harold Jones
Director of Communications
(510) 627-1564
hjones@portoakland.com