It was exciting to hear that the Port of Monroe receives cargo coming from Europe, and probably not many people in Monroe County know this is happening. Last year the Port welcomed its first European shipments in decades consisting of natural gas pipeline sections for the Rover pipeline and windmill blades destined to be mated with tower sections produced at Ventower Industries.
Paul stated that “cargo breeds cargo,” and “if you are able to demonstrate that you can move materials efficiently and economically more will undoubtedly cross your dock. Steadily increasing and ultimately record tonnage from 2012 through 2016 has been a direct result of cargo diversity and relationship building.” In 2016, the Port of Monroe and its stakeholders will have handled coal, limestone, synthetic gypsum, liquid asphalt, wind tower sections, crushed brick, as well as 130 shipping containers destined for Europe.
The Port of Monroe’s capabilities are far reaching, and no one knows the facts better than Paul. Dale stated that, “When meeting with potential clients requiring solutions to complex intermodal freight transportation problems, Paul has demonstrated the ability to apply his expertise in logistics, transportation, and the maritime industry to decisively and quickly resolve their problems, and in many cases before the client leaves the room. As a result of Paul's efforts, the Port of Monroe is quickly gaining a reputation with businesses requiring intermodal transportation as being a reliable, nimble and responsive partner." Paul is a third generation member of a family dedicated to the maritime industry and works to sustain its past, present and future.
Tim Lake shared, “in terms of economic development, the Port of Monroe opens up a whole new world for Monroe County and southeast Michigan. Monroe County businesses do not need to be located on a port to take advantage of a port.”
Our Board Members shared their thanks for hosting our meeting and bringing this information on the Port of Monroe to light.
In closing, Paul was asked if there is a public place where people can watch the Port in action. He shared that the best place to see what is happening at the Port is from the campground at the River Raisin Marina. There are many nights he remembers being out on the dock and seeing the flashes from across the water.