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Features
Career In International Trade Appeals To Port Manager
BY LEON B.CREWS Sentinel Staff Writer
Chicago area native, Tor- rey Chambliss said as a young man, he was always cu- rious about international trade and international relations. As the Manager for Foreign Trade Zone and Cargo Business De- velopment for the Port of Tampa Bay, Chambliss said he’s excited about the chal- lenges the position offers.
Chambliss studied for- eign trade as a student at East- ern Illinois University, and after college he moved to the Washington, D.C. area where he worked in the House of Representatives and Depart- ment of State. After leaving the D.C. area, Chambliss spent time in Mexico City.
“In D.C., I worked with the U. S. Representative from Florida on issues that dealt with that district.
“In the trade industry, I worked on the automotive af- termarket industry, both for- eign and domestic. I also worked for the Department of State on programs that pro- moted international cultural understanding.”
Chambliss said now he travels a lot internationally to
meet with representa- tives to bol- ster trade.
“Port Tampa is the largest in the state, and we’re moving a lot
TORREY CHAMBLISS
than they’re exporting. “Florida is a large con-
sumer market with a lot of dis- posable income. We’re at the very top in steel and petro- leum, as well as construction products. We bring in a lot of different commodities.
“Since we’re a very diverse port, we bring in a lot of differ- ent products and contrary to popular belief, we aren’t reces- sion proof.”
Chambliss said there’s plenty of room for growth at the Port, and they will be tak- ing advantage of that opportu- nity.
“The future is bright and we’re laying down the founda- tion to increase activity at the port.
“We are not in a competi- tive place, because of the amount of ports in the state. A lot of cargo comes through other ports for Florida. We’re trying to position ourselves to receive that cargo directly.”
When it comes to cost, Chambliss said they do nego- tiate with potential exporters and importers.
“It’s important we keep a close eye on cargo coming and leaving the port. For people using other ports, we want to position Tampa as an option.”
of commodities. This is a busi- ness development venture. My job is to market Tampa Bay and the entire area. I also man- age the Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) in Tampa.
“This career consumes a lot of my time, and I’m gone for as longasaweekatatime.My role now is to promote use of the FTZ, because that can im- pact the move of cargo in and out of the port. So far, it’s working well.”
Chambliss said it takes a lot of pieces to make what he does work well and effectively.
“I like to think that the stones we’re laying now are for the future.
“Currently, we’re working on the Panama Canal Trade. The size of container ships passing through the canal have gotten bigger and before weren’t able to get through.”
Chambliss said right now, they’re importing more
Workforce Development Initiative Hosts Workshop
SIMEON TERRY
BY LEON B. CREWS Sentinel Staff Writer
On Wednesday, more than 70 job seekers went to the 34th Street Church Of God to partic- ipate in a Workforce Develop- ment Initiative.
Ten different contractor businesses, along with other organizations put on the work- shop to draw in people either looking for employment, or try- ing to pick up tips on how to improve their interviewing and resume preparation skills.
Simeon Terry, Vice Pres- ident of Diversity Affairs for Austin Commercial, said they are all committed to leaving communities in better shape than they found them.
“We want people who are looking to improve their skills, and we’ve actually been suc- cessful in getting jobs for a cou- ple of people at the workshop. We also have a variety of com- munity leaders who’ve made this possible.
“This is a community en- deavor that is also beneficial to ex-offenders. Its’ important to give people a second chance, and that’s what we hope to ac- complish. The more opportuni- ties, the better it is for local communities.”
Terry said in the Fall, they are going to have a job fair and they plan to cover all areas of the city and county.
“We’re trying to cover all aspects of employment, includ- ing resumes, interviews, dress- ing, and what to say to a potential employer. We want to help stimulate people to want to get up every day and go to work.” The expectations of young people who grow up in a home where the parents don’t’ work is small, and sets no ex- ample.”
Tyrone Jones came to the workshop after hearing about it from a family member.
“I’ve been out of work for 2- 1/2 years and looking for work got to be very frustrating.
“I had been working in the landscaping industry, but be- cause that’s seasonal work,
TYRONE JONES
DARLENE JOHNSON
things slowed down and I found myself without a job.”
Jones said he thinks he was turned down for a lot of jobs as soon as the background check came back.
“I came to the workshop with expectations of just talk- ing to some employers, and getting a feel for what they were offering.
“I talked to Dan Fernan- dez with MacKenzie Construc- tion, and he hired me on the spot. It all happened so fast, I couldn’t believe it. I feel great and like celebrating. I’m eager to get started and I feel blessed for this opportunity.”
Jones said now he can help his fiancée take care of the home they share.
Darlene Johnson said she’s in a transitional period and looking for a job.
“I’ve attended a workshop today that was so inclusive, and they are working to make these benefits coming into the city available to everyone. That touched my heart, and Mr. Terry impressed me with his sincerity.
“I had been a social worker for 20 years, and I’m open to other opportunities. I learned so much about the importance of resume writing and how to enhance my skills. I’m having a wonderful experience, and I feel really good about my chances of re-entering the workforce.”
Ms. Johnson said she knows she’s not ready to retire, and feels she’s in the prime and will continue to grow and learn.
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