PORT AUTHORITY TO ESTABLISH PRESENCE IN LATIN AMERICAN MARKETS. MENDEZ TO LEAD SALES & MARKETING INITIATIVES

Maria C. Mendez has been named Manager of Latin American Trade & Development by Director/CEO James K. Lyons.  Following an extensive search and review of qualifications, Mr. Lyons and the Alabama State Port Authority's (ASPA) Marketing Committee recommended Ms. Mendez's appointment.  The Authority's Board of Directors, during today's Board meeting, approved the measure effective June 2, 2003.

Alabama State Port Authority Director & CEO, James K. Lyons said of Ms. Mendez, "Maria possesses extensive sales and business development experience, particularly in international markets critical to Alabama's trade expansion.  We enthusiastically welcome Maria to our team."

The Authority's Manager of Latin America Trade & Development is responsible for strengthening existing and developing new international and domestic sales/marketing opportunities for Alabama and regional business in Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean.  "I look forward to creating a partnership with the Port Authority's current and future customers to enhance cargo flow in containerization, bulk and break bulk in Latin America.  The objective is to make ASPA a premier cargo handling facility within South and Central America, the Caribbean and Mexico utilizing its five (5) class one railroads, interstate infrastructure and new expansion terminals, including Choctaw Point," Mendez said. 

Maria Mendez offers over 27 years of experience in sales and marketing experience to the Alabama's only deepwater seaport.  Prior to her appointment, Ms. Mendez served as the Port of Jacksonville's Manager for Trade Development & Customer Relations where she facilitated legalized cargo movements to Cuba, expanded the port's cargo base under NAFTA, developed new customers in the Latin America break bulk markets and managed all international commodities, pricing and customer relations for Latin America.  Additional to her trade and port experience, Ms. Mendez holds extensive experience in financial and market analysis, sales force and training programs development, and telemarketing initiatives for companies such as AeroPeru Airlines, General Electric Corporation and Unisource Worldwide Corporation.

A 51 year old native of Cuba, Maria Mendez currently resides in Jacksonville, Florida.  She has two daughters, Isabelle "Issy" Mendez and Melie Mendez.