Business View Magazine | Volume 9, Issue 3

165 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 9, ISSUE 3 PORT OF BENTON makes this area such an incredible opportunity to experience the farm-to-table culture,” avers Howard. “It is much different than any other experience because we’ve got such a diverse array of wine offerings in our region provided by our terroir that yields a tremendous variety of grapes.” Shifting the focus to the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on supply chain networks, Howard points out that, as a port, they are part of the supply chain and at the center of trying to solve supply chain challenges for downstream industries. “Washington’s supply chain starts with the seaports, including Seattle and Tacoma, the Seaport Alliance, and the Port of Vancouver, USA. All these seaports are why the state has so many port districts because we’re part of the broader system moving goods from eastern Washington to western Washington and onwards.” Two initiatives the port is undertaking to help reduce current supply chain bottlenecks include supporting trucker training to boost trucker numbers and collaborating with a local legislator Rep. Matt Boehnke, who is leading a supply chain caucus to discuss industry issues and viable solutions. “Despite the difficult past two years, I am optimistic about the next three to five years because we have an incredible team of people who are strong in their own skill sets and collaboration,” says Howard. “The team did an incredible amount of work during COVID to prepare our port and our facilities to stand ready to serve our community and our taxpayers, and I hope that in the next three years, we can continue this trend.” The port is also counting on the upcoming $2.5 billion X-energy project coming to north Richland. “We hope this project will lead to further advanced manufacturing projects as we provide facilities that help startup businesses and entrepreneurs,” Howard adds, “besides continuing to expand Washington’s offerings in value-added