Port of Kalama appoints Eric Yakovich Economic Development Manager
Kalama, Washington (PRWEB) December 08, 2014 -- The Port of Kalama has appointed Eric Yakovich to the role of economic development manager. Yakovich will manage new and ongoing construction and community projects, assist Port clients during development projects, participate in regional economic development initiatives and administer grants for Port projects. Yakovich will also oversee Port records, reception, security and safety, as well as infrastructure.
Prior to Yakovich’s move to the Port of Kalama, he was Chief Executive Officer for Cowlitz County Guidance Association, a comprehensive community mental health center. The Association served Longview, Woodland, Kelso, Kalama and Castle Rock and over 6500 people a year. He also worked at Columbia River Mental Health Services.
Eric’s initial projects include infrastructure development for the proposed methanol plant, extending walking paths, building demolition, warehouse construction and laying new railroad tracks.
The Port of Kalama also appointed Russell Watts to the role of Field and Maintenance Operations/Facilities Technician. Watts brings 40 years’ experience working for municipal treatment plants in Vancouver, Gresham and North Bonneville. He holds a Group 3 Certificate in wastewater handling from the State of Washington.
Watts will assist the wastewater treatment operator with general operations, and assist the Port maintenance crew with general upkeep, maintenance and repair of all Port properties and facilities.
Jackie Heupel joins the Port of Kalama as receptionist. Heupel is the first point of contact for the public visiting the Port administration building and knowledgeable about Port facilities, events and marina operations.
Heupel has worked in customer service for Underwriter Laboratories, a public safety company that tests products to ensure safety standards are met. Currently she is enrolled at Warner Pacific College’s ADP (Adult Degree Program) working on her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a focus in Management.
About Port of Kalama – Where rail and water meet:
The Port of Kalama is located in Southwest Washington on the Columbia River and immediately off of Interstate Highway 5. The port exists to induce capital investment in an environmentally responsible manner to create jobs and to enhance public recreational opportunities. Port of Kalama's industrial area includes five miles of riverfront property adjacent to the 43' federally-maintained deep draft navigation channel of the Columbia River. The Port is served by the Burlington Northern/Santa Fe and Union Pacific railroads. There are over 20 industries located at the Port of Kalama, employing over 830 people. Port of Kalama offers all the superior facilities businesses need to thrive, and an unsurpassed quality of life. The port offers shovel ready sites, a new Industrial Park, state of the art Marine Terminals and transportation accessibility to rail and highway all just a 30 minute drive to the Portland International Airport. Port of Kalama also offers high-bandwidth communications, with dual access fiber-optic service to Seattle and Portland. Properties currently available at the port for businesses wishing to expand and thrive: Visit http://portofkalama.com/industrial_property.
CONTACT: Claudia Johnson, Strategic Communications, 503-799-2220/cell
Liz Newman, Port of Kalama, http://www.portofkalama.com, +1 360 673-2379, [email protected]
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