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PHILADELPHIA - For the past 21 years, every Spring, one member of the Port community is selected by a jury of their peers to receive this prestigious award. This year was notable on several fronts as Barbara Hunter, director of Imported Commodities for Western Fumigation, is the first woman to receive the honor; and it marked the historic day the crew of the Maersk, Alabama took back their ship from pirates off the coast of Somalia. It was most fitting because The Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI), which sponsors the award and annual event, is dedicated to the mission of caring for seafarers who are carrying Chilean fruit to Delaware River Ports - and all cargoes moving around the world.
The Reverend James Von Dreele spoke highly of Hunter's qualifications to the audience of 300, while he explained the mission of SCI to serve the needs of thousands of seafarers, arriving in both Philadelphia and New Jersey ports, without regard for their nationality, race or creed.
Presenter Dennis Rochford, president of the Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River and Bay, went on to expound upon Hunter’s many accomplishments, awards and recognition since coming to the ports 30 years ago. He focused on Hunter’s leadership and interface with Chile; and her dedication to the growth and success of the Delaware River Ports.
Many dignitaries were in attendance. Alberto Feres representing, Chilean Line Steamship Company, traveled from Chile for the event. Hunter is well known in his country for her many contributions. She is a recipient of the, “Friend of Chile Award” presented by the Chilean American Chamber of Commerce; and has also been given the rare “Award of Recognition” presented by the Chilean Exporters Association, which cites Hunter’s “…valuable contribution in the development of the fresh produce industry”.
Mr. Andreas Economou, CEO of Unifrutti of America Inc., said of Ms. Hunter “A person of distinguished courage and ability. Her character consists of uniqueness, accountability, integrity and creativity. Puts herself in other’s shoes. She projects confidence, compassion, energy, creativity and vision.”
Others officials present at the event included: Capt. David Scott, Captain of the Port, U.S. Coast Guard; Ms. Erica Atwood, Deputy to Mayor of Philadelphia, Michael Nutter; Representative William Keller, PA House of Representatives; and the Honorary Consul General of Chile, Benjamin Leavenworth, who said “… We consider Barbara Hunter to be a true friend of Chile in the deepest sense not only because of the love that she expresses for our country and its people, but also because of her tireless work to facilitate trade and the encompassing relationships it embodies.”
During Hunter’s impassioned remarks she outlined the daunting challenges facing the future of international trade and its effect on port business. She included the global economic downturn, compliance with anti-terrorism measures, environmental issues affecting both the shipping industry and the ports; and the dilemma of how to attract young people into the business “…to bear the standard we move into the future.” She urged the audience “… while we focus on meeting the demands in front of us, do not forget the plight of our seafarers, from whose work we all benefit.”
Hunter is well known in the industry for her proactive participation in issues of importance to Chile and to the Delaware River Ports. She has been recognized in the past with the Women’s International Trade Association (WITA) “Outstanding Achievement Award”; the “Cocoa Award” given by the Ports of Philadelphia & Camden (PPC) for technical and informational support to the cocoa industry; and the “Make a Difference Award” presented by the Center for Hope Hospice, a non-profit organization, in New Jersey serving the needs of the terminally ill.
Hunter is active in many port organizations including The Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River and Bay, where she is a member of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee.
“Spirit of the Port” candidates must embody a spirit of consistent participation and support for issues of importance to commerce on the Delaware, as well as exhibiting support for charitable and other worthwhile endeavors which benefit the ports; while upholding the highest of ethical standards.
Hunter has been with Western since 1975 and has worked with the Delaware River Ports since 1979.