The Tulsa Port Authority is pleased to announce that Andrew Ralston has joined the staff and will be directing the Port’s Economic Development efforts. Andrew is joining the Tulsa Port from the Tulsa Regional Chamber’s economic development team with more than five years of experience working with new and existing businesses in the Tulsa region. Most recently, Ralston was instrumental in the location of Sofidel America’s new $360 million manufacturing facility in Inola, Oklahoma.

“It has been a pleasure to work with Port Authority staff and companies located at the Tulsa Port over the last 5 years as a regional partner, and I look forward to being part of the team to help realize the potential of this incredible asset,“ said Ralston.

Port Authority Chairman Chip McElroy added, “Andrew’s name and good reputation are well known to businesses in the Tulsa area. We are proud to have him on the Tulsa Port staff and leading our Economic Development program.”

Port Director, David Yarbrough also announced that two existing staff members have taken on new roles at the Port.  Sheila Shook, the former Maritime Education Coordinator will now be managing the Port’s Workforce and Education initiatives. Daniel Grisham, formerly the Port’s Assistant Manager of Operations, will be managing the Port’s Operations and Engineering efforts.

“These changes to our staff are indicative of the Port Authority’s response to the evolving needs of our existing and future business partners.  We are working to help Port businesses grow, develop the next generation of the manufacturing workforce, and to meet the challenges faced by the transportation sectors that utilize surface modes like rail, truck and barge,” said McElroy.

Part of that growth includes hosting community events at the Tulsa Port.  The second annual Port Harbor Dash will be held on October 13.  This 5K, 10K and Family Fun Run event is a terrific opportunity for runners and families to come and learn more about the Tulsa Port, the waterway and careers in manufacturing.

This event will benefit Dream It Do It Oklahoma, under the nonprofit OK2Grow.  Dream It Do It Oklahoma is an initiative that showcases the incredible career opportunities available in manufacturing to the emerging workforce. Dream It Do It works to change perceptions of manufacturing careers by connecting manufacturers with students, parents and educators.

Runners will enjoy the unique scenery at the Tulsa Port.  It is a combination of industrial park and waterway with a surprising number of green space areas.  They will run along the Port’s Main Dock and be able to see the waterway and the barges.

There will be plenty of exciting things for families to do during the event.  There will be food trucks, inflatables, community exhibitors and the Oklahoma Maritime Education Center will be open. Families will also be able to explore the dry-docked towboat – the Charley Border.

Runners and walkers of any age can register by visiting runsignup.com/race/ok/Catoosa/portharbordash. The Fun Run begins at 7:30 a.m., followed by the 5K and 10K at 8:00 a.m.

The Tulsa Port and the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System are important assets here in Oklahoma and the surrounding states. There were 94,272 tons of cargo shipped through the Tulsa Port during the month of August 2018.  A total of 1,587,953 have been shipped so far this year.  This includes distinct types of commodities including wheat, soybean, dry and liquid fertilizer, steel, manufactured equipment and various liquid products.  To learn more about the types of products shipped on the waterway visit our website tulsaport.com.

About the Tulsa Port of Catoosa

The Tulsa Port of Catoosa is a singular combination of a multi-modal shipping complex and 2,000-acre industrial park resulting in an annual economic impact of $300 million to Oklahoma. The complex hosts roughly 71 companies and employs over 3,200 Oklahomans. Located at the head of navigation for the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System in Northeast Oklahoma, it is one of the largest, most inland river-ports in the United States. The Tulsa Port’s unique position allows companies to move millions of tons of bulk freight by barge each year at a fraction of the cost and environmental impact of rail or truck. Just a few of the bulk freight industries utilizing the Tulsa Port include portions of fertilizer distributors, industrial gas suppliers, wheat growers and manufacturers of consumer goods. The Tulsa Port is managed and operated by the City of Tulsa–Rogers County Port Authority and provides development services through Tulsa’s Port of Catoosa’s Facilities Authority.

To find out more about the Tulsa Port, visit tulsaport.com or follow the Port on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.