Jose I. Aguirre
Jose is a certified public accountant and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Florida and a Master’s in Business Administration from New York University. Jose is an active member of various industry associations and has served on the board of the Florida Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association for the past fifteen years. He was president of FCBF from 1996 to 1998.
Jose was born in La Habana, Cuba and moved to the United States in 1961.
March 1956 - October 1960. Havana Car Ferry Operating Company (Dussaq/Toral Agents). Mr. Alemany worked as a ticket agent, and reservations, and cargo agent. Providing services of moving cargo between Havana and Key West, New Orleans, and West Palm Beach.
October 1962 - September 1969. Garcia & Diaz, Inc., Import/Export Department. Mr. Alemany was Manager of the company that moved cargo between New York, Spain, Australia and South America.
December 1971 – Present. Zim American Israeli Shipping Co. Mr. Alemany has been in charge of the Export Department of the Gulf of Mexico, and is Assistant to the Manager of the Export Department.
1978. CBR (Miami). Rate Manager and Assistant Pricing Manager
1983 -1985. Lineas MarLago, Office and Traffic Manager.
Inagua Lines - Pricing Manager and King Ocean, Live Manager Colombia (until June 12, 2001)
He had several different jobs throughout the years, one of them at Mohegan International where he met, among so many other wonderful friends, Gene Rodriguez.
Rafael married Violet in 1954, and they had two sons, Robert and Nelson.
When he came to Miami, Rafael worked for a short time at Sopac Transport. He later opened his own company, Transway Inc., with his late friend, Frank Jimenez, who had also come to Miami from New York. After separating from Transway, he opened Master Shipping Corp. where he worked for thirteen years. He then retired to enjoy the company of his family and grandchildren.
Today, Rafael praises the Lord for his long life and is very grateful to this country for giving him a wonderful and prosperous life. He also wants to give a special thanks to the FFTA for nominating him as a Pioneer in the International Trade Hall of Fame Success Stories and honoring him with this Pioneer Award.
Manuel Alonso(2)(+)
This international image was vital in making Miami what it is today.
Manuel Alonso, a thankful community honors you today!
Almost 20 years ago he arrived in Miami on a temporary assignment, which later became permanent. Having always been active in trade organizations in his country of birth, he quickly got involved in various organizations in Miami, among them the Miami Air Cargo Association where in 1987 he was instrumental in rallying the airlines together to form a delegation that traveled to Tallahassee and which together with the Dade County Aviation Department’s delegation obtained the repeal of the Florida State Sales Tax on international air cargo services.
When Ralph Puga founded the Miami Foreign Trade Association, Eric was among the first to lend his support, serving on its board of directors in its early years and as its president in 1998. Over the years, whether as part of trade delegations to Central and South America or for business purposes, he has been a strong promoter of Miami as the gateway for trade with Latin America.
Eric was a member of the first delegation formed by the US Department of Commerce to meet with President Chamoro to offer assistance in the rebuilding of Nicaragua. He has met with the Ministers of Commerce, Foreign Trade, Transportation and Agriculture of many of the Latin America nations and with Presidents and Directors of many trade organizations throughout Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia promoting open skies and Miami as a hub for conducting trade with the rest of the world.
Eric is not only a frequent speaker at meetings of local trade organizations in Latin America, but also at many international conferences, symposiums, seminars and forums, such as: The International Air Cargo Forum (ACF), Miami Conference on The Caribbean & Latin America, International Air Cargo Conference (IACC), The Americas Customs Symposium, ALACAT (Latin American Freight Forwarders & Customs Brokers Association) Conference and the Miami International Airport’s Perishables Seminars.
When Bill Spohrer conceived and brought the World Trade Center – Miami the idea of an international air cargo congress to address issues affecting the Americas, he asked Eric to chair its program committee. The first congress in 1991 was such a huge success, that Eric was asked to chair the program committee of the second and since has chaired the program committee of five of the past six congresses and is the Program Chairman of the 7th Air Cargo Americas Congress to be held Oct. 29-Nov.1, 2003.
The Air Cargo Americas Congress and Exhibition is today the largest air cargo conference and exhibition in the world and has become a major contributor in placing South Florida as the hub of the Americas.
Eric is currently Vice President – Government & Industry Affairs at Martin Aviation Group and at its Associated company AeroGroup International he holds the position of Vice President-General Manager.
Angelo A. Annunziato
Worked his way up the corporate ladder and became manager of the "Goodyear Tire and rubber" account.
In September 1973 he took the opportunity to move to Miami to manage the "UTC" office. He immediately became active in the local freight forwarding community and helped to promote Miami as the "Gateway to the Carribbean and Latin America".
With the exception of one year, he served on the board of the "Florida Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association, Inc." Angelo served in various capacities as an officer and director from 1975 to 1998. He served as president in 1993-1994.
Afeter working 39 years for the same company, he reluctantly retires on September 30, 1996, but continued to stay active serving on the board of directors of the Florida Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association, Inc, until April 25, 1998.
Al Arango
After
completing college studies and a two year training program in World Cotton Trading in
Memphis, Tennessee, Al decided to move back to his country of origin: Colombia, and on his
way to South America he was kind of compromised to take a job offered by Florida
East Coast Railway Co. He started with the FEC RR in Miami, on December 1, 1969
as a Freight Service Representative with major duties including the tracing of railroad
cars and trailers, some public relations activities and keeping up with statistical
records of inbound and outbound freight.
During the first 30 days of employment, Al became fascinated with the transportation
industry, and more than anything else the railroad Industry. This motivation changed
completely his "World Cotton Plans" and hereafter his goal was
to make a career in this field.
During the next two years, Al combined his everyday railroad experience with studies at
the University of Miami in Business and Transportation Management. He
also joined The Traffic Club of Miami, The Miami Custom Brokers and Freight Forwarders
Association and often mingled among top executives sales of the Maritime Industry such as Port
of Miami, Coordinated Caribbean Transport, Chester Blackburn and Roder and a few
others.
In October 1971, the first step to his golden goal arrived when he was promoted to
District Sales Representative with duties directly related to local sales among the Miami
international community and particularly the freight forwarding, custom house brokers and
import and export industry, position that was maintained until February 1973.
At this time, Al was recognized again and was promoted to Assistant Manager,
Foreign Freight. During this period, the FEC RR gave him the opportunity to promote the US
railroad transportation industry in Latin America and he pioneered this industry in all
Central America, the Caribbean, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador and Peru with such
extraordinary success that the FEC RR awarded him with the ‘best
salesman of the year’ in 1979.
It is very rewarding for Al to know that until today, no US railroad other than the FEC
has had such kind of exposure in Latin America. In 1980, he was promoted
again to Manager International Sales and two year later he stepped up to the position of
Regional Manager International Sales. During this period Al contributed with the Miami
international trade community by serving as director of the Miami Foreign
Trade Association, promoting our industry through seminars in Costa Rica, Panama,
Guatemala and giving a special conference on US Railroad transportation at the
inauguration of the World Trade Center of Bogotá, Colombia.
Through his 25 year career with the FEC RR, Al devoted much time in
educating importers, exporters and Miami steamship firms abroad with the piggyback and
intermodal transportation that significantly contributed to the seamless transportation of
commodities for export, curtailing the necessity of transferring freight to steamship
containers at the ports of exit as well as services offered by the South Florida
ports including the Port of Miami, Miami River and Port Everglades. He often
joined top executives of the international freight forwarding industry to conduct seminars
and special events of this nature in Miami and Latin America. Al also contributed
extensively with Jerry Lesnick, President of Econocaribe with the first
imports of coffee beans moving in sealed trailers/containers through Port of Miami rather
than in conventional steamship vessels, by establishing mini land bridges between Miami,
New York and California. Al was also instrumental in diverting to the Port of Miami a
traditional traffic of coffee beans shipped for many years from Colombia to
Jacksonville, Florida on Flota Mercante Colombiana.
Al is still currently active in The Miami international trade community and Railroading
industry as President and C.O. of his own company Alpinos Logistics and Distribution, Inc.
His firm contributes greatly to the flow of export freight in conventional rail cars
through South Florida Ports.
His wife Ana and the two children Juan Carlos and Natalie are very proud
of a true immigrant father and excellent citizen
Frank Arevalo
Ten years later, in 1960, he branched out into the cargo handling aspect of the business. Twin terminal services, Inc. started in 1960 as a bonded warehouse and container freight station and is currently still in operation.
He is also associated with Transcaribe Freight Corporation which ship LTL cargo to Puerto Rico as an N.V.O.
Jorge C. Arias
Employment Specialist, February 1999 Present
Working directly with the wages program. Developing jobs with the private sector and placing participants at different locations.
Epilepsy Foundation of South Florida (A Non-Profit Organization)
Job Developer Counselor, March 1998 January1999
My duties included developing jobs with private employers and placement of Cuban immigrants that arrived in the USA within the last five years. Also counseling the clients to adjust in their new environment, helping them to register for English classes (ESOL) or vocational tracks. Implementation of the "On the Job Training" (OJT) program as an incentive to the employers and at the same time, training the clients in a new career. Keeping records of employment and improvements for the first 90 days or until termination of their initial placement.Latin American Aviation Services, Inc. Miami International Airport, Cargo Section. Co.-founder and President, February 1990 August1997.
Full organizational responsibility of managing a staff of approximately 30 employees and operating a Container Freight Station and Public Bonded Warehouse. The company has handled up to 5 million pounds of cargo monthly and represents the following airlines: VASP (Brazil). Million Air Cargo (Brazil).Aces (Colombia), Aerochago (Dominican Republic), Pacific Airlines (Panama), and Sitra Aeroperu (Peru). Also primarily responsible for business development company.
Link America Guatemala, Miami International Airport, Cargo Section
General Manager August 1986 July 1989
Managed the General Sales Agent in the United States representing Aviateca Airlines (the official airlines of Guatemala) pursuant to an independent contract with the Guatemalan government.
Caribbean Air Cargo, Miami International Airport, Cargo Section
Sales Manager, January 1986
In charge of the Sales and Marketing Department for Trinidad and Barbados based cargo Airline. A significant accomplishment was the development and implementation of the company’s aircraft charter program, which proved to be highly successful.
Serca Airlines, Miami International Airport, Cargo Section
General Manager, July 1982-November 1983
Involved in the start-up of company, which handled cargo to and from Costa Rica.
Under my supervision, the company went from one flight per week to daily flights in less than 3 months.
In Air Airlines, Miami International Airport, Cargo Section
Sales Manager, January 1980 February 1982, Responsible for the development of new routes and local traffic to Panama, Peru and Brazil. Delta Airlines Miami International Airport Account Executive, Oct.1968 Feb. 1980
During 12 year career at Delta, received several promotions leading to position of Account Executive in charge of Delta’s cargo program for all Latin America. During last 2 years at Delta. Also held the title of Travel Agencies and Interline Representative.
Education and Skills
University of Havana (Havana, Cuba)
School of Law (2 years)
Unable to graduate due to political situation, relocated to the USA
Fluent in English and Spanish proficient in Portuguese
Professional Association and Recognitions
Miami Air Cargo Association, President (1985)
Married and living in Miami since 1961 3 adult children and 7 grandchildren
Micky Arison
Forbes magazine places Arison's wealth at $6.1 billion, making him the 94th wealthiest person in the world as of 2006. He is the son of the late Ted Arison, Carnival Corporation's founder, and his sister is Shari Arison.
Arison resides primarily in Miami, Florida, but he also has homes in New York and Israel. He also owns the Miami Heat organization.
He attended, but did not graduate from, the University of Miami.
Smooth sailing for the admiral of world's largest cruise ship operator; shares of Carnival Cruises up 20% since last summer. Now commands 82 ships across 10 brands including Carnival, Princess, Holland America; shuttles 7 million buffet-loving passengers around the world each year. Sales approaching $12 billion. Katrina helped hamper business in 2005: storm left 2 ocean liners without a home after access to New Orleans was cut off; hurricane fears caused fall and winter Caribbean bookings to dry up. Extended port contract with New Orleans through 2008 in July. Owns pro basketball's Miami Heat.
Ted Arison
The Israeli-born son of a ship owner, Arison decided to bypass a career in the industry for an engineering education. He entered the American University of Beirut at age 16, but World War II interrupted his studies. Joining the British Army, he served in Italy and Germany, attaining the rank of sergeant major.
After the war, Arison’s father died and, as the only son, he was asked to assume control of the family business, M. Dizengoff and Co., ship owners and general agents for several lines.
Two years later, he was back in uniform serving his native country as a lieutenant colonel during the Israeli War of Independence.
In the early 1950’s, the Dizengoff firm was sold to Zim Lines and Arison operated his own fleet of cargo ships under Panamanian and Honduran flags. A depressed market, which reached its low point after the Korean War, convinced him to give up shipping entirely, and he liquidated his operation to move to the United States.
For a 12-year period beginning in 1954, Arison embarked on a number of ventures in the air cargo industry, including a publicly traded company with a $10 million market value. In 1966, however, he chose to retire in Miami and sold his holdings to the parent firm.
But soon afterward, he gave up early retirement to assume the management of a passenger shipping company in Miami. A disastrous financial situation left that company without a vessel, and Arison called upon Norwegian ship owner Knut Kloster, whose new Sundward recently had been completed in Europe.
Less than two weeks later, Arison and Kloster negotiated agreements that brought the Sunward to Miami, and thus was begun Norwegian Caribbean Lines. The company later initiated the first packaged air fare and cruise combinations which are a staple of today’s industry.
Kloster and Arison parted company in 1972 and, almost immediately, Arison entered into the financial arrangement which resulted in the acquisition of the Mardi Gras and the start of Carnival Cruise Lines.
Arison also headed Miami’s successful campaign to bring professional basketball to South Florida. The Miami Heat, of which Arison previously was the majority owner, began its first season in the NBA in November, 1998.
He retired as Chairman of Carnival Cruise Lines in late 1990, and from the company’s Board of Directors in 1991. He continued to serve as a special consultant overseeing Carnival Corporation’s $4 billion shipbuilding program. In December of 1990, Arison reclaimed his Israeli citizenship, returning to his birthplace, Tel Aviv. Since moving back to Israel, he invested in several industrial business there and maintained a very active role in many Israeli charities.
His interest in philanthropic and humanitarian efforts in the South Florida area continue to be served through both the Carnival and Arison Foundations. He was the chief benefactor of the Miami-based National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts, which encourages aspiring young artists to continue their studies through a scholarship awards program. Launched by NFAA and now affiliated with it, Miami’s New World Symphony has won rave reviews on its national tour. His own Arison Foundation makes substantial contributions to a variety of cultural and charitable organizations.
Arison was a former chairman of the Tel Aviv Foundation. He was a founder of Mt. Sinai Medical Center, the University of Miami and Albert Einstein College of Medicine, which selected him as its Distinguished Achievement Award honoree in 1983, and served as a trustee and member of the Florida Governor’s Mansion Foundation.
He received a variety of awards acknowledging his outstanding contributions to the arts. Among them, the Dean’s Annual Award for Outstanding Service to the Arts which was presented to Arison and his wife Lin in 1983 by the University of Florida.
In 1986, he was designated Florida Ambassador of the Arts by then Florida Secretary of State George Firestone, and in 1990, he received the International Society of Performing Arts Administrators Angel Award, and the Florida Arts Recognition Award presented by Florida Secretary of State Jim Smith.
Additionally, Arison was granted an honorary doctorate of laws degree from Barry University and from Technion of Haifa. His influence on the development of the modern-day cruise industry has been equally acknowledged. In 1990 he was presented the Hall of Fame award by the Caribbean Tourism Organization and in 1991, at the World Congress of the American Society of Travel Agents, he was inducted into the Society’s Hall of Fame.
In 2001, Arison was inducted posthumously into the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame.
Jules Armellini
Jules "Toots" Armellini has been in the floral business for 56 years and attributes his success to his belief in hard work and commitment to customer satisfaction. Among his accomplishments was the design of an educational program that led directly to the development of state-of-the-art trailers specific to the flower industry.
He is a member of numerous industry related trade organizations including American Trucking Association, Florida Trucking Association, New Jersey Motor Trucking Association, Wholesale Florists and Florist Suppliers of America, Society of American Florists and Truckload Carriers Association.
A few of the numerous awards received over the years are:
- Governor’s Business Leadership Award and Tri-County TEC Employer of the Year Award in 1996
- Kiwanis Award of Recognition for Service to Youth in Martin County in 1997
- Flora Marketer of the Year in 1997 from the Floral & Nursery Times
- Crystal Star Award in 1997 from the Floral & Nursery Times
- Leland T. Kinsele Award from flower industry WFFSA
- Stuart, Florida Chamber of Commerce Award Business Man of the Year
- Man of the Year Award from Florida Import & Export Organization
Married and the father of five children, he is also the proud grandfather of 13. Four of his children and 3 grandsons are involved in the business.
When not at the office, he can be found on the golf course pursuing his number one hobby.
Charles Austin(2)
At the end of the 1980’s and beginning of the 90’s, he decided to retire and sold CC&D to Raul Calzadilla, who back then was an employee of Austin, along with Oscar Garcia.
He left Miami and lived in the Keys until he passed away.
Eduardo Bacallao (Deceased)
Eduardo was married to Marta Guma in Havana in 1949, and they had three children, Eduardo (Eddy), the eldest, who resides in San Diego, California, Maria Eugenia (Maria), who resides in Hialeah, Florida, and Maria Victoria (Vicky), who lives in Pembroke Pines, Florida. He also now has seven grandchildren, six of whom he knew.
His father, Felix, was a great patriot and Commander in the Army of Liberation in Cuba. His mother Maria, was also very patriotic and a nurse in the Army.
In Cuba, Mr. Bacallao worked for Laboratorios Gravi, and Bacardi. When it was obvious that Castro’s regime was communist, he left Cuba and arrived in Miami in 1962. After a few months in Miami, and with little luck in obtaining gainful employment, he moved to Paterson, NJ, where he remained for two years. While in New Jersey, he worked for Stern’s-Quackenbush, a department store, where he started out in a janitorial capacity and worked his way up to Warehouse Supervisor, while taking English lessons at night to learn the language. In 1964, Mr. Bacallao moved to Los Angeles, California and worked for Western Airlines in the fleet service department until 1972 when he moved to Miami.
Upon his arrival in Miami in 1972, Mr. Bacallao was fortunate to be hired by Armellini Express, Inc., and inland transportation company, where he ultimately became the Vice President of Sales until his death on July 1, 1996. Mr. Bacallao truly loved Armellini. He always spoke fondly about how much he loved and appreciated the way that the Armellini family and the enterprise treated him as "family." He was always loyal to this firm and proud to be a member of their staff. On numerous occasions, he expressed his immense gratitude to the Armellini family for distinguishing him, for being so compassionate and understanding, and for staying firmly behind him until the end.
"On behalf of our father/father-in-law, we are extremely privileged, humbled, and honored to receive such a prestigious honor from the Florida Foreign Trade Association. We know our father/father-in-law would have been immensely proud and honored to be recognized on this day."
George T. Baker(2)
In April 1962, Mr. Baker relinquished control of National Airlines and flew to Europe on vacation. While there, he suffered a fatal heart attack. Today, the memory of George Ted Baker still lives in our minds as not only the founder of National Airlines, but also as the founder of the George T. Baker School of Aviation.
Ernesto Bascuas(2)
After arriving in the United States he held several important Management positions with equally important cargo carriers for Latin America. Back in the days when being a Cargo Manager for the United States was a glamorous position, Ernesto Bascuas became an educator to the younger generation of newcomers to the industry, sharing with them his knowledge and experience.
Struck by tragedy and sickness in his later days, he never stopped being in touch with those who had known him well and wished him well. We end this note with something that Ernesto Bascuas used to ask his new employees/students, "What weighs more, a pound of cotton or a pound of lead?"
George E. Batchelor
He Attended Compton College, Compton, California,
studied Business Administration and was a graduate of the Aeronautical Institute of California.
Mr. Batchelor has over fifty years of diversified aircraft sales, leasing, and maintenance experiences; and has owned several airlines.
He was a pilot for the U.S. Army Air Corps in World War II (two years in Europe), where he received the air and victory medals (Presidential citations). He is C.E.O., President & Chairman of Aerospace Finance, Ltd., and founder, Chairman and President of the Bachelor Foundation, Inc., a Florida Private Foundation.
George Batchelor was the founder and former Chairman of Arrow Air (sold Feb. 1999), and founder and former President, and Chairman of International Air Leases, Inc. & Subsidiaries (sold Feb. 1999).
AWARDS:
1993 GMAA Wright Brothers Memorial Award
1994 NAA Pioneer of Aviation Award
1995 The Aviation Amigo Award from Aviation Latin America & Caribbean-CEO Conference
1995 Induction into Amelia Earhart Forest of
Friendship Memory Lane
1995 OX5 Aviation Pioneers Hall of Fame
1995 WPBT Channel 2 Administration Center Renamed " The George E. Bachelor Administration Center"
Commercial Aviation magazine's award - "The most influential person of the year 1995" and Induction into the Oklahoma Aviation & Space Hall of Fame
John Batista
He began his career in transportation in 1961 in San Juan, Puerto Rico working with Sealand Transportation.
Career Highlights – International:
1961 – 1971 Sealand – Sales Manager San Juan, Puerto Rico
New Jersey
1975 – 1980 Caribbean Agencies - Sales Manager
Nopal Carib Lines - Sales Manager
1980–1982 United Seatrade/Imar Lines - President & CEO
1983–1985 Crowley Maritime Corp.
Naviera Central, SA, Sales Manager
Delta Steamship Line, Sales Manager
1985-1991 Emery Worldwide, Director of Sales Latin America
1991–1992 Challenge Air Cargo, Vice President System Sales
1993–1994 ZacAir Cargo, Executive Vice President
1995–1996 Fine Air, Director Puerto Rico Service
1996- Present Capital Development, Lic Real Estate Broker
International Residential Sales Manager
Awards and Recognitions:
1965 Dale Carnegie Sales Courses, Sales Award
1966 Salesman of the Year, San Juan, PR, (Sealand)
1970 Elected Outstanding Young Man of America (Transportation) from Puerto Rico
1972 Catholic University Alumni Association, Merit Award
1975 - 1990 Various Awards and recognition, Florida Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders
1985 Nu Sigma Beta Fraternity, PR-USA Leadership Merit Award
1997 Named National Association of Realtors Ambassador to Chile
2000 Named National Association of Realtors Ambassador to Venezuela.
Mr. Batista served with the 101st Airborne Division (Army) during the early stages of the Vietnam conflict.
Mr. Batista is married to Maria Quintana, formerly of San Juan, PR. He has three sons and a daughter. He is also the proud grandfather of two beautiful grandchildren. Presently, the Batistas live and work in Pembroke Pines, Florida.
Wade M. Battles
Wade Battles is the Managing Director for the Port of Houston Authority. As Managing Director, Mr. Battles is the equivalent of the Chief Operating Officer, overseeing all of the Ports’ Administrative and Operational Departments. Prior to joining the Port of Houston in June of 1999, Battles was Assistant Port Director at the Port of Miami.
A long-time maritime professional, Battles began his career in late 1960s in the US Virgin Islands as a stevedore and vessel agent. In 1973 he moved to Miami and joined Marine Terminals, the stevedoring arm of Chester, Blackburn and Roder, then Miami’s largest marine agency and steamship operator with services throughout the Caribbean and Central America. In 1976 he left the pier to be traffic manager for CB&R’s new Central American roro service "Flomerca Trailer Service". He held various positions within the organization before being named Vice President and General Manager of Chester Blackburn & Roder Florida.
In 1983, Battles left CB&R to become the Port of Miami’s Director of Marketing. While developing and implementing Miami’s marketing strategies, Battles also became very active in the areas of intermodal integration and electronic automation. Battles held the Position of Director of Marketing for fifteen years, when he was promoted to the position of Assistant Port Director. His responsibilities included directing Miami’s marketing, trade development, customer service and public relations activities.
Committed to the maritime industry, Battles has been an active member of several industry associations. He previously served as the past Chairman of the Florida Port Council’s marketing and intermodal sub-committees, is active with the AAPA and is the present chairman of the Greater Houston Partnership’s Maritime Committee.
He was graduated from Denison University in 1973. He has been married to Beth for 29 years and has two children.
Anne Becker
That job eventually landed her a position in the Export department of Stokely-Van Camp, and in December 1974, Anne moved to Miami and worked in the International Department of Bertram Yacht, before joining Chester Blackburn and Roder in 1974.
Anne was the first employee hired by Ecuadorian Line in Miami when they opened their own offices in 1977; and in 1980 she decided to go into business for herself and created two companies, ABIS Forwarding, which specialized in shipping luxury yachts worldwide, and AMI Warehouse Services. Both companies were sold 14 years later.
In 1994, Anne accepted a consultancy position in Ecuador, with Pacific Express Lines, a joint venture between Lauritzen Shipping and Pacific Fruit. When that contract ended, she set up a cargo agency to serve the needs of Caro-Trans International-USA, and CSA Shipping-Milano, Italy.
After years as Executive Director of CLADEC-the express transportation industry association, Anne has decided to try her hand in real estate, as she believes land to be the safest investment today.
Anne has two daughters, and three grandchildren. The oldest daughter Jo-Jo lives in Columbus, Ohio, and the youngest, Alexandra just entered her freshman year at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa.
Sol Benson
In the ensuing years the company handled many air shipments of 807 (assembly abroad) merchandise, and to this day, Benson’s Forwarding is still in existence serving a full, successful day-to-day operation.
Elsa Blanco
She was happily married for 37 years to Julio Blanco. She has a son, Julio Rafael.
Professional Background:
1970-1975 Zayre Corporation, Miami, Florida, Manager in charge of the Keypunch Department of the Distribution Center.
Supervised a staff of six employees. Maintained a complete dollar value inventory of all stock. Provided merchandise information, service label printing, and a locator file. Trained personnel to operate at a maximum efficiency.
1975-1977 Abott Warehousing, Miami, Florida, Executive Management Assistant.
Full responsibility for the Billing Department, which generated in excess of $500,000 in monthly billings. Directly supervised three employees who worked in the areas of Billing, Invoicing, and Inventory Control. Interviewed, hired and personally trained new employees. Provided thorough on-the-job training and implemented strategies for increased productivity.
1977-1982: Kars Transport, Sales Representative/Traffic Manager
As Sales Representative for this firm, contacted Custom House Brokers, Steamship Lines, and Freight Forwarders to generate sales and to promote Public Relations. Created leads and contacts by phone and through personal visits to clients/prospective clients, averaging 150 to 200 personal visits per month. Fully conversant with the Florida Trucking Rules & Regulations as well as with the Florida Intrastate Rate Bureau Tariffs. Supervised a staff of five employees. Generated the complete payroll for the truck owners/operators. Acted as the Company's Personnel Manager and did interviewing, hiring, and training of staff and new employees. Formulated and provided on-the-job training on an on-going basis in an attempt to increase level of staff competency. Evaluated data and compiled daily and monthly Sales Reports.
1982-Present Caribbean Transport, Inc., Senior Manager in charge of Sales and Finance Departments.
Some of the responsibilities include: To oversee and control New Client accounts and to implement strategies for Customer Relations and Service. Public Relations Director for the Company. Liaison and interact with corporate clients on an on-going basis in an effort to expand channels of communication and goodwill for the Company. For many years participated and fully cooperated with many different Committees and professional associations such as: The Traffic Club, Women in Transportation, The Florida Customs Brokers & Freight Forwarders Association, etc. Presently serves on various other committees and associations, such as the Florida Foreign Trade Association- with which she has been involved since its very inception, and on which Board of Directors she presently sits.
Elsa is loved and respected by everyone who knows her. She has always, selflessly and most generously given of herself to others without hesitation and full of the truest desire to serve and assist.
Brian’s
shipping career began the day after he moved to Florida on Jan. 1, 1978, when he
started as a salesman for Trindos Freight Consolidators. This company closed February 1979
and Brian made the decision to open ABC Freight Consolidators in March of
1979. With his wife Nancy’s help, they started the company with a bankroll of $500
(almost every penny they had at the time). Nancy would do the books at night while Brian
did the sales during the day. ABC’s first container sailed to Trinidad in March of
1979 on a ship called Jim’s Dream which ran aground in Cuba and soon
became Brian’s nightmare because the container finally arrived in Trinidad in late
Feb. 1980.
The company flourished despite a little thing called the FIFTY-MILE RULE and in 1981 it
changed its name to ABC International Freight. His wife Nancy, had by
then become a full working partner an they together enjoyed working those wonderful 20
years to create a successful company and an asset to the shipping industry.
Brian worked with other associates in this growing industry and helped start the
Forwarders WAR CHEST to legally fight the FIFTY-MILE RULE. He also joined
the IANVOCC (International Association of NVOCC’s) and served as a board member for
over fifteen years. His other contributions to the shipping industry were that of being a
founding father of the Miami Foreign Trade Association. He was instrumental in creating
the South Florida NVOCC/NAOCC Association and served as its first
President for three years and is currently serving as an officer. Though retired in 1999,
he continues to work with both the SFNOCC and IANVOCC Associations.
Brian would like to thank the entire shipping community for their support and friendship
through the years and for the honor being bestowed upon him this day. He gives special
thanks to the many employees hat worked tirelessly for both he and Nancy to make ABC
INTERNATIONAL FREIGHT INC. a company to be proud of.
Robert Bovo
Shortly thereafter, he was transferred to the office as documentation clerk and then to Traffic Manager. Previously, he had also helped loading vessels at the port. When Linea Manaure started a service from Miami to La Guaira, Puerto Cabello and Maracaibo in Venezuela, Mr. Bovo was designated its Line Manager. He remained with Linea Manaure until they closed operations in 1982.
Mr. Bovo then worked for one year in Central Freight Forwarding where he increased his knowledge of the forwarding industry. Then, his friend Antonio Esquivel called upon him for his assistance in creating and operating CANTACLARO CONTAINER LINE (also serving Venezuela).
He then worked as Line Manager at Marlago Line, and from Marlago he was called by King Ocean to be its Line Manager of the Venezuelan service. Mr. Bovo became an expert in ocean freight tariffs to all ports in Venezuela. He says that he learned all about the industry from his previous bosses, men like the late Juan Deiros, the late Jorge Martinez, Eduardo Canoura, Eric Perkins, Antonio Esquivel and Esteban Miranda. To all of them Mr. Bovo extend his appreciation and thanks.
"I am now working with another good friend, Jorge Soberon, as Operations Manager for Latin American Forwarding Company – LAFCO since 1995 where I expect to remain until my retirement, maybe 20 years from today."
Peter Cajigal
Prior to coming to Miami, Mr. Cajigal had an extensive career in the aviation industry. He started out with Pan American World Airways in 1958, after having served in the U.S. army in Japan. At PanAm, he worked in passenger traffic and sales, and served for 25 years in various positions in England, Santo Domingo, and Peru. His last position at Pan Am was as Manager for Cargo Sales, for the Southern Region.
After the fall of Pan Am, Mr. Cajigal worked as North American Cargo Sales Manager for Lacsa Airlines (the Airline of Costa Rica) and as Manager of Latin American Sales Development, for Flying Tiger Line (an all cargo airline which merged with Federal Express).
Mr. Cajigal graduated from Barry University in North Miami, Florida, with a Bachelor of Science Degree, in Airline Management. He is fluent in English and Spanish which is really helpful since he made his home in Miami, the Gateway to Latin and South Americas. He belongs to numerous organizations including the Florida Foreign Trade Association, the Airport West Chamber of Commerce, the Miami Air cargo Association, and the Florida Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Association.
In his spare time, Mr. Cajigal enjoys fishing, golf, babysitting for his grandchildren, and the leisurely life of Miami.
Hector Calderon
Hector
Calderon’s accomplishments as President of Coordinated Caribbean Transport
Inc.
Hector Calderon spent thirty-five years as part of the South Florida International.
Trade Community, primarily as President of Coordinated Caribbean
Transport Inc., the pioneer of Ro/Ro and the first company to
provide Intermodal cargo service to and from Central America. During his 25 years with
CCT, he played a major role in the economic growth of the Greater Miami and South Florida
area.
He was the architect behind CCT’S rapid and remarkable growth from a
small, one ship operation to a fleet of eight vessels providing U.S. and foreign flag
liner service to countries in Central and South America and the Caribbean.
The following are some of Mr. Calderon’s achievements:
- During the first six years of CCT"S existence,
its small trailer ships that carried 11 and 28 trailers served all of Central America
overland via one port, Sto.Tomas in Guatemala. In 1967, expanded service to Pto. Cortes,
Honduras thus greatly reducing the overland distance and cost to ship to and from
Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica from South Florida. In doing this CCT
became an economically viable operation and was able to draw more cargo from other ports
in the U.S.
- CCT brought about changes in
Customs regulations and road and tax laws in Central America in order to operate as an
intermodal carrier. This facilitated all subsequent intermodal
transportation throughout the region.
- CCT, Tom Flynn and Mr. and Mrs. Rafael Gazitua were
instrumental in bringing the export trade of vehicles through Miami. Heretofore, all
vehicles manufactured by GM and Ford were exported from ports in the
Northeast.
- CCT specialized and was the first one to move Less
than Trailerload cargoes that were being actively sold by the forwarding community in Central
America.
- In 1968, CCT was the first to introduce car decks on
all its vessels, which improved the service quality and cost in order to attract the
vehicle trade through the Port of Miami.
- CCT convinced the U.S. Post office that it was
capable of moving surface mail (non-airmail) faster and more reliably than conventional
vessels to Central America. Prior to CCT obtaining the U. S. Post Office
contract, conventional carriers moved the mail from Northeast ports and took 35 to 45 days
to reach their destination in Central America.
- In 1972, expanded the service to Puerto Limon making
it the first Ro/Ro service to call directly at Puerto Limon. Expansion to Las Minas,
Panama also occurred in 1972.
- In 1974, offered the first Ro/Ro service to Ecuador.
- In the seventies, CCT was the first carrier to move the incipient 807 cargo -electronic goods from El Salvador and baseballs from Nicaragua.
- In 1980, started a direct service from New Orleans
to Central America.
- In 1980, constructed an American Flag vessel in Germany at a cost of $22 million to overcome cargo preference laws of Ecuador.
- In 1981, expanded service to Peru.
- CCT was the first company in the U.S. to employ the
use of the MAFI concept to move containers on Ro/Ro vessels, thus giving greater cargo
flexibility to Ro/Ro ships.
- CCT was the first to introduce refrigerated trailers in Central America, thus helping to develop the exports of perishable goods from Central America by moving small lots of refrigerated cargo directly from the farms. The ability to move refrigerated cargo on a door to door and farm to door basis opened the export trade to the small farmers and exporters who did not have refrigeration capability.
- In 1981 expanded service to Venezuela, however the government of Venezuela applied cargo restrictions which favored the their national lines and excluded CCT. CCT felt it had to defend its and the rights of all carriers when it petitioned the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission to intercede and the FMC retaliated by announcing sanctions against vessels from Venezuela. In 1983, Venezuela agreed to end their discriminatory practices and permit vessels flagged in the U.S. to participate equally in the cargoes moving between the countries.
- In 1981, built the second American Flag Ship the Senator at a cost of $24 million to serve Venezuela.
- The Senator and the Ambassador were the first and only American flag vessels to ever be registered in Miami.
- CCT was the first Miami company to enjoy a contract with the U.S. government to handle U.S. Flag contract cargo to Panama and other destinations in Central America.
- In 1983 expanded service to Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic.
- In 1984 expanded service to Colombia.
The above could only be
accomplished by the financial backing of CCT’s parent company Transway
and hundreds of dedicated and spirited employees that took tremendous pride in providing a
reliable and a high quality service. CCT’s growth was also very fortunate in having
the benefit of an aggressive, determined and growing number of Freight Forwarders
and Exporters that were immensely instrumental in establishing Miami and South
Florida as the major U.S. exporting community to Latin America.
Mr. Calderon, a graduate of the Harvard Advanced Management Program,
received the Maritime Man of the Year Award by the Propeller Club of the United States in
1984. He also received the Florida Forwarder and Customs House Broker Association Man of
the year Award in 1988. In 2000 the Florida Foreign Trade Association
awarded him a Pioneer Award for his pioneering spirit and contributions to the S. Florida
community.
To facilitate his need to work and his need to study, Ricardo moved Antonio to another one of his companies called Union Shipping Company. Working at Union Shipping Company allowed him to work normal business hours and then go to a preparatory school which prepared students to enter the Professional School of Commerce where upon graduation he could obtain his Customs Brokers License. Antonio was very privileged during this time to work with the late Eduardo Bacallao, who needs no introduction to FFTA. From 1954 to 1957, while continuing his studies he was very fortunate to also work in the newly formed Import Ocean Department of Tuya Cuban Express with his friend Oscar De Tuya. He was graduated from the Professional School of Commerce in Havana in 1957, and opened his own Customs Broker Company in September of that year. The company was in operation through September 1960 when for obvious reasons he left Cuba.
Antonio arrived in New York City, where he began working as a manifest clerk for Standard Fruit and Steamship Company (Vacaro Lines). After working there for two months he was promoted to assistant traffic manager of the eastern division, however, as a true Cuban, the call of Miami was too strong and so he moved here in 1962. While in Miami, he worked in the export department of an air conditioning engineering company, until 1968 when, with his wife Cora, he opened Union Shipping Company. At the beginning, they worked out of their home doing only air shipments. In 1975, they moved to a small office in the Atrium Building and again with the help of Oscar de Tuya they applied, and received, their Federal Maritime Commission License and their IATA License that same year.
In 1978, they began the construction of their own office and warehouse where they have been fortunate enough to be working from, through the present. Antonio has also been fortunate during these past 33 years to work with many others who have been essential in building our industry, the Port of Miami, and Miami International Airport into what he feels are the most important ports of entry and exit in the United States. He feels very proud to be an international freight forwarder in Miami.
He would also like to take this opportunity to thank the officers, directors and advisors of the FFTA for beginning the noble cause of "The International Trade Hall of Fame Success Stories." He truly feels honored.
Henry L. Calleja
He started with Universal Carloading, and after acquiring experience at Watkins, CF, and Conway, he decided to open his own Freight Forwarding Company. He formed Logistics International Forwarding, in 1977, and has been there ever since.
Armigiro "Eric" Calzado
Sunshine Lyons Club as Chairman of Programs Committee 1971-1972
Airlines Executive Club as Vice President 1984 to 1991
Florida Foreign Trade Association
Latin American Chamber of Commerce (CAMACOL)
Eric Calzado is married to Ramona M.A. Calzado
He spent 51 years in the airline industry as follows:
In Cuba from 1948 to 1959
In Canada from 1960 to 1962
In Miami from 1962 to 2000
He developed air cargo between Havana and Miami and in Canada between Toronto/Montreal and Havana
In Miami opened the cargo services between Centro America, Mexico, Panama and Miami, Fla.
The Board of Miami-Dade County Commissioners presented a Certificate of Appreciation in February 20, 1982.
In 1978 he organized the first Cargo Convention in Centro America
In 1979 he developed the small package system "Rapidito" the first Latin America and second Internationally.
In May 1989 together with the Miami Foreign Trade Association/Florida Foreign Trade Association organized the second Business Opportunity Conference in san Salvador, El Salvador.
In July 1991 together with the Miami Foreign Trade Association/Florida Foreign Trade Association organized Business Opportunity Exhibition
In March 1978 The Miami City Commission gave him a Certificate for Cooperation to the Promotion of the Bowling Tournament of the Americas.
In 1989 he received the "Big Thanks Award" from the Lyions Club for his contribution.
In hurricane "Hugo" he coordinated the drinking water supply which was brought to El Salvador.
At the beginning of the years 50' a group of Custom House Brokers in Cuba started to move Air Cargo in consolidation( between the USA (Miami) and Havana)and the Expreso Aereo Interamericano was one of the first latin companies to move air cargo under this system. Several consolidation companies were created, among them, such as Tuya International, Cuban Colonial, FIF (Alas Iberos Americanas). This privilege (Consolidation) existed only in the USA, such as Rediker, Acme , REA and others. The CAB (today DOT) sent them a notification with copy to the airlines to "Cease and Desist" this system since the was no regulation the contemplate the same as INTERNATIONAL. I remember that Mr. Oscar Tuya Sr. went to Washington to the CAB and was able to get the authorization and since that moment the consolidators of air cargo worked under the regulations of "Indirect Air Carrier.
Miami was the airport of greater consolidation of air cargo moving to Latin America and the Caribbean.
In the years 70's most of the airlines in the USA started to move small packages and each of then called this service by different names eg: Delta called it DASH, Eastern it was SPRING. Well Eric thought why not use it in international cargo service?? And thus TACA was the first air line to move small packages thru Centro America from the USA with the name of RAPIDITO. Thereafter, several latin carriers followed the steps that Eric opened in the air cargo system. Again, Miami became the first international airport to move the small packages, until American companies, among then, FEDEX, UPS, etc concentrated in this type of service exclusively.
1948-1949 Expreso Aereo InterAmericano, S.A. Rancho Boyeros, Habana, Cuba as Clerck, Cargo Manager, Traffic Manager, V.P. Traffic and Cargo.
1955-1959 Expreso Aereo Inter-Americano, S.A. and Cia. Cubana de Aviacion,S.A. as Traffic and Cargo Manager Coordinator
1960-1962 Cia. Cubana de Aviacion Toronto,Canada as Station and Cargo Manager for Canada.
1962-1964 Lacsa Airlines as Cargo Development and Assistant to the Cargo Manager Balboa Airlines of Panama as Traffic Manager
1968-1969 TACA International Airlines as Cargo Manager
1969-1997 TACA International Airlines as Director-Regional Manager
1997-2000 Air Cargo Consultant
2000 Retired
He has belonged to different associations such as:
Airlines Veteran Association as President 12-10-82
Juan A. Cambo
Juan
Cambo started working in logistics in Cuba in 1949, working up to terminal
manager in Santiago de Cuba. By 1961, he was in the United States and
working with Ryder Truck Lines.
In 1968, he joined Coordinated Caribbean Transport - the old CCT - as
supervisor of Dodge Island. It was the first time a supervisor was allowed to work inside
the Port of Miami. He rose through the company and became vice president
of the new service to Venezuela in 10982. Five years later, he held the same position with
Crowley Caribbean Transport, the new CCT.
Cambo is the Director of Service for Crowley Liner Services'
South American Division.
John H. Cassidy