As we move into this fiscal year, I also commence my role as Executive
Director of the Port of Oakland. I am honored to assume this position.
We have an excellent team in place and I am optimistic about our future
as we move forward. The Board of Port Commissioners and senior
management recognize that we have a tremendous pool of talent and
dedicated staff that makes the Port of Oakland the success that it is.
 It is my earnest endeavor to ensure that the Port of Oakland maintains
its important role as the economic catalyst for this region and that our
position is solidly established as an international gateway for trade
and commerce. This is our priority and it is this on which we will
focus our attention. The Port of Oakland has done an excellent job in meeting its "triple
bottom line." We have aggressively addressed our financial
challenges. We have made significant inroads to ensuring that social
equity is achieved in most all of our activities and we have set the
standards for other seaports and airports across the nation as it
relates to environmental responsibility. These have been important
elements of our formula for success. Despite financial challenges, we
have managed to forge ahead with programs and activities that
demonstrate that the Port of Oakland is truly working to make a
difference.
We must maintain an organization and operation that is financially
sound and viable. We are making an effort to identify new and/or
enhanced revenue opportunities. These efforts and activities have
enabled us to develop a balanced budget for the coming fiscal year. It
is a budget that is lean and conservative. However, it is a budget that
is strategic and positions us for the future.
My commitment to the Board of Port Commissioners and to the Port
organization is that my focus will be on the business of the Port. Our
customers and the businesses that support our mission are of foremost
importance.
We have worked hard to get to this point in our growth and development.
I am confident that with this focus and commitment from the Board and
from the employees, we can see the Port continue to improve its
financial strength, vitality, and potential. I look forward to serving
the public in my new leadership role at the Port of Oakland.
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A Message from Former Executive Director Jerry Bridges - October 2004
