Peter Hanley

Alberto P. Herreros

Among many of the foreign airlines and other related cargo organizations receiving services with his aircraft and equipment were Aerolessors, Aeromar CxA, Air Haiti, Alfa Chile, Aero Tours Dominicano, Aviateca, Carib West (where he had the pleasure of meeting Rafael Puga), Conner Airlines, Fine Air, Guyana Airways, Inair, Latin Carga, Nica, Sentry Air Freight, Suarez Shipping, Taca Airlines and Transbrasil -- all with long term contractual agreements. The Ad Hoc services are too numerous to mention.

In recent years he added DC-8, B-707, and B-727 sub-service parallel to the DC-6 service, in order to upgrade and keep up with the times. These services have been temporarily discontinued due to classification of the different foreign countries.

Presently Mr. Herreros has two executive/courier jets flying domestic and foreign requirements for American Air Network Inc. Separately, he has started an executive jet service flying executives on their own schedule anywhere in the world they would like to fly. He has no plans to retire in the near future.

Mr. Herreros thanks FFTA for the honor of being selected to receive the cherished Pioneer Award.

William M. (Bill) Higgins

D’Arcy Advertising – Al Paul Lefton –J. Walter Thompson

Entered the Ocean transportation business with the firm of:

Chester, Blackburn & Roder, Inc. New York 1965

From clerk in traffic as my first job, over the next 5 years I became responsible for Sales, Marketing, Advertising and Traffic for Atlantic Lines Ltd owned by the CB&R group. I was appointed as Owners Representative for developing and handling the shipping firms represented by CB&R, such as Regent Line, Flomerca Line, Mamenic Line and other carriers. Working directly under Mr. A.P. Chester, my mentor in the shipping business, and a great person I earned the business, from the best.

1970, I was transferred to the CB & R office in Miami, Florida as Assistant Manger to Jeremy Chester to operate the sales, marketing and traffic operations of the Miami office. During this time , I was appointed President of Pan American Mail Line, and coordinated operations with Marine Terminals an affiliated firm of the CB & R group, handling the warehousing and stevedoring of our vessels with the I.L.A. handling the warehousing and stevedoring of our vessels with the I.L.A. I gained a great deal of experience during these jobs to help me in the future with my own operations.

In 1973 I opened my own shipping operation, Lodestar Lines offering the first container service to Barbados/Trinidad utilizing the facilities of Tropical Shipping and chartering of their vessel. Sold the operation to Tropical Shipping in 1975, which expanded their operations from the USA to the Bahamas to offer service into the Leeward & Windward Island.

After retiring for a short time, the firm of Cacena Line was started from the Miami river with sailings into the Caribbean. The service crew rapidly and was very successful which was offering break bulk and container service with 7 vessels. During this tie, such operations as TEC Line, Belama Line, Trindos Consolidators, South Florida Shipper Magazine, trucking, container, and stevedoring operations had also been established. Over the years these operations had been sold or passed onto employees and Cacena eventually dissolved due to embezzlement of including taxes due IRS.

In 1980 I had accepted a position with the firm of Econocaribe of Houston, Texas. I left Miami having fond memories of working to help build the Port of Miami, to becoming a port offering service worldwide, and not just to the Caribbean and Central America.

My years in Miami was a wonderful part of my personal and business life, and I am thankful for your considering my name to be added to the group of pioneers.

H. Wayne Hill

At Black & Decker Latin America Facilities was Traffic Manager Latin America from 1990—1996. Planned, designed and managed new warehouse layout for Miami & Iquique, Chile, purchased major equipment for Miami Venezuela, Chile and Brazil. Cut customer export order delivery time from 14 days to 3 days.

At Aerochago Airlines as General Manager USA from 1989-1990. Dominican Cargo Airline in full charge of US Operations and Sales, Government relations and purchasing.

Pan American World Airways Cargo Sales Manager-Miami from 1980-1989. Coordinated Cargo Sales for Pan Am, visiting the major freight forwarders and shippers in the Miami area. Developed sales plan to ship perishable freight and vegetables from Florida to Europe and wrote book, "The Guidebook to Shipping Produce by Air", developed tables showing how many units of mangoes, corn, flats strawberries, etc. would fit into LD-3 and LD-7 containers.

National Airlines Inc. as Southern Regional Cargo Sales Manager from 1954-1980. Worked over twenty-five years developing Cargo programs at Miami International Airport to promote new cargo customer growth and open new markets for Florida to the world.

Winner of The Alonzo Decker Community Service Award, present member and past president of Miami Granada Rotary Club, Past president of National Airlines Management Club, past president of Miami Air Cargo Association, past president of Sortoma Club, member board of trustees Third Century USA, Elected Mayor 11 years at Village of Virginia Gardens, Florida, served as Municipal Judge 11 years at Village of Virginia Gardens, Florida.

Born January 12, 1934, Muskogee Oklahoma, graduated Tulsa Central High School, Married August 19, 1951 to Haydee Martinez Hill from Havana Cuba. Two daughters, Haydee Maria Hill Garcia, Edith Louise Hill Platt, seven grandchildren and four great-grand children. Worked Havana Cuba 1951-1953 Havana Business University Teaching English, Tulsa Oklahoma, Douglas Aircraft Co. 1953-1954, Miami, Florida, National Airlines, Cargo Agent, Agency and Interline Sales Manager, Southern Regional Cargo Sales Manager, graduated University of Miami BBA Business Administration, minor Aviation Administration, Florida International University-Certificate in Warehouse design and management. Pan America World Airways, Cargo Sales Manager, Black and Decker, Distribution Warehouse Manager, MartinAir Holland Airlines-Miami, Florida Cargo Sales Manager, DHL International, Cargo Sales Manager Central and South America, International Shipping Corp., Cargo Sales Manager, HYH International Corp., Export Department, Air Marine Forwarding Inc., Export Department.

Leonore Hoffner

During the time at PIE she was active in the Customs Broker & Forwarders Association and was their president at the time that she went to work for British Airways. She had to resign from that position in the middle of her term, because she was no longer a forwarder, something she greatly regretted doing.

In 1973, the parent company was negotiating to buy Airborne and told her of their future plans for PIE Air Freight. It was then that she went to work for British Airways Cargo, until her retirement at the end of 1986.

Annette Hyder

Annette Hyder was the owner of Latin American Cargo Expediters Inc., in Miami from 1951 to 1963. She operated the Miami branch of American Express International Freight Division as Cargo Manager from 1963 until 1967 when AMEX closed several freight forwarding locations.

Ms. Hyder organized and operated Export Shipping Services from 1967 thru 1970 when the firm was purchased by Barco International. This area of experience was primarily in the international freight forwarding field during which time she innovated new methods and techniques for shipment of cargo by air, specializing in perishable foods, livestock and electronic equipment. She was instrumental in developing roll-on-roll-off trailer ship contracts in the Caribbean. In 1969 her staff comprised 18 people functioning in various general office procedures as well as specialized trade practices.

When asked, she claims her best efforts were in helping employees and others develop their own company or relocate to other sources to improve their capabilities and income. She still maintains friendly and regular contact with many of her associates, and competitors.

She was instrumental in organizing the original Freight Forwarders Assoc. of Miami, in conjunction with some of the OLDTIMERS in the industry.

Eduardo Jaen

Mr. Jaen started working in Miami on September 26, 1961 with Airlines Services, which provided services to:

- CEA (Ecuatoriana de Aviacion)

- APSA (Aerolineas Peruanas)

- TAN (Transportes Aereos Nacional S.A. Honduras)

Of the above-mentioned companies, he dedicated 30 years of continuos service to TAN AIRLINES, with honesty, integrity and efficiency. TAN provided passenger and cargo services to Belize, Honduras (San Pedro, La Ceiba, Tegucigalpa) and Mexico. Then, TAN merged with SAHSA the company flying to Panama, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, San Andres Isla, New Orleans and Houston.

His main function as Cargo Service Manager of TAN AIRLINES was to visit the different Freight Forwarders, Exporters and Importers in Miami, New York, New Orleans and Houston in the US, and to promote the maximum cargo for the company in different Central American countries. To obtain the best results of the handling of cargo, he joined once a month with the employees of the warehouse, cargo and office departments.

For the best public relationship with the other Airlines, he used to visit the Cargo Managers to know if the transfers from the company were properly handled to Europe and other countries.

Mr. Jaen retired from TAN on May 17, 1991. After retirement, he worked for a short time with TIKAL JET CARGO and LAMSA Lineas Aereas Maya S.A.

Mr. Eduardo Jaen was a member of Miami Cargo Association and of Florida Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association. He attended several Cargo Seminars to improve the marketing of his services.

Arturo Jauregui

Arturos fondness of the United States, led him to eagerly seek the support of Don Oscar and his close friend Oscar DeTuya Jr., to send him and become more involved with the Miami office of Tuya Cuban Express. He thus traveled frequently in the early 1950’s between Havana and Miami, during the first hay days of the incipient business that was to eventually become one of Miami’s most flourishing businesses and place Miami as the landmark gateway city between USA, Latin America and the Caribbean.

Around 1953, a group of fellow friends of the business, formed Cuban Colonial Freight Forwarders in Havana and soon thereafter, Arturo was appointed to head the Miami office to where he moved with his family in June of that same year.

In 1957 Arturo was off again to open yet another new frontier, joining forces with August J. Paluzzi, another pioneer of the business of Freight Forwarding, and went to Costa Rica to open up that market.

By 1966 Paluzzi was representing and handling in his Miami airport warehouse, Armellini Express Lines of Vineland, New Jersey, involved in flower transportation business from south to north, receiving the imported flowers mainly coming in from Colombia; the reverse runs, from the north to the south, Armellini offered a express 2-day service from New York to Miami and 3-day service from Chicago, which revolutionized the export freight business through the port of Miami.

Armellini named Arturo and son William as their Sales Representatives for Central America, Arturo in charge of Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras and William Costa Rica, Panama and Nicaragua.

Arturo returned to Miami in the mid-seventies and continued involved in various Freight Forwarding companies, such as Frontier and finally retired from A. Suarez & Co. in Miami.

Arturo passed away in Costa Rica on December 23, 2001.

Frank Jimenez

Frank Jimenez started a new life in Miami where he began working for OKI Electronics of America, Inc. where he stayed until 1971. Later, that same year he was hired by LeMare Transport Inc. He worked hard at LeMare, and with patience and time, and the good grace of God, he started his own business, Transway Inc., in March 1975. In December 1981, he changed the name to Transway Air Freight Inc. He met many good people along the way who helped him improve and grow in the business. He won awards from LAC Airlines for being among the top five airfreight forwarders to ship air freight to Colombia. In 1984 he won an award from Mr. J. Donado, president of LAC Airlines.

Frank loved his job and gave it his all, till the day of his passing. His family and friends loved him dearly

Robert L. Keller

In the 50's, Mr. Keller represented two Venezuelan Importers who owned their own refrigerated vessels. These vessels were loaded at the old Pier 3 with anywhere from 20 to 30 thousand packages of fresh eggs and fruit every two weeks.

During the 60’s, Mr. Keller became an agent for the Holiday Inns and shipped practically all of the construction equipment and furnishings to the various Inns being built in Jamaica, Aruba, Curacao and several of the other Islands in the Caribbean. Also in the 60's he was the agent for the publishers of the Spanish edition of Reader’s Digest and Popular Mechanics. Originally printed in Havana, the publishers were forced out of Cuba by Castro and set up their operation in Miami. Monthly shipments were made to all of the Central American countries, Venezuela and Colombia.

Mr. Keller has some great memories of the 70's. He was fortunate to travel to Guatemala for ten days with a Catholic priest visiting all of the small villages throughout the country, delivering relief supplies donated by the Canadian Government as a result of the devastating earthquake that hit there. He was also fortunate to spend seven days in the mountains of Panama delivering mining equipment and supplies that were used for the exploration of copper.

In 1984 Mr. Keller decided to quit the business and pursue other interests including mastering the game of golf.

Manny Laca, Sr.

Alberto Lahens

Mr. Lohens began working for the airline industry as a Ramp Agent, at the old terminal, and at the same time he attended George T. Baker Aviation School taking an Airframe Mechanic course. In 1963, he received his certification as an Industrial Electronic Technician from R.E.T.S. (Radio Electronic Television School). That same year he began working for KLM Airlines in various capacities, later traveling within the US, Central, South America, and the Islands, promoting international trade.

In 1971, while working with KLM, Alberto received FAA certification from the Schefield School of Aeronautics, as an Aircraft Dispatcher. He resigned from KLM in 1973 in order to open a new All Cargo Carrier (C.L.T. M.) as US Sales Manager and was successfully introduced to the industry. He worked for Frontier Freight in 1975, under the guidance of his teacher, Mr. Llano. During 1976 he continued his Freight Forwarding career and worked for WWAM with Mr. Mario Rodriguez.. He traveled extensively with both Forwarding Agencies, promoting Miami as a gateway.

Finally, in 1976 he was guided by the good Lord, to open ALS Freight, where he continues to work with his wife Celina and son Manuel.

Guillermo A. Lara-Oliva

In 1951, Mr. Lara started with Operations, at Pan American World Airways, San Salvador, El Salvador. He received airline operations and meteorology training in Miami, FL (1953), then went to KLM Royal Dutch Airlines after extensive training in Europe. He was Station Manager in several countries, including El Salvador, Panama, Mexico, Peru and others. Appointed as Manager of Stations KLM based Caracas with responsibility for VIASA Venezuelan Int’l Airways, as Ground Services Manager and in charge of aircraft fleet control, Ground and Flight Operations Handling for 36 countries Worldwide.

In 1967, Mr. Lara developed and organized VIASA’s Cargo Department in Miami (with Jorge Pedraza). He returned to KLM as Director/General Manager KLM’s Aerofleets, KLM Deputy General Manager and Marketing & Sales Manager, Venezuela. Then again he was transferred by KLM to VIASA as Director of Marketing & Services Worldwide, where he was responsible for revenues in excess of one billion and over four thousand employees.

He participated in, and organized a joint venture with Air Canada and General Motors World’s biggest airlift between Canada and Venezuela. He started VIASA’s B747-F operations to Miami. He moved to the US as President of Sentry Airfreight (Sentry in 1981 was a very large freight forwarder with extensive trading in seafood, toys and other products, with 4 airlines, two ocean vessels and local delivery.) Mr. Lara was VP & General Manager of INAIR (while INAIR was owned by SENTRY), and he worked closely with Sandy Sablon, owner and founder of Sentry. He was President of Air Charters Corp. (a subsidiary of Sentry), GSA for Air Canada, N.E. USA & Latin America, Consultant for Flying Tigers for their expansion into Venezuela, Brazil, Argentina and Colombia. He moved to Detroit with Airport Distributors, then in Chicago became President of O’Hare Services – a large Handling Company at O’Hare Airport. At the same time, he continued as Executive VP Airport Distributors – Chicago. O’Hare Services was sold to a Japanese corporation so he returned to Miami and formed Airline Marketing Services as Vice President. He also joined Pacific Int’l Airlines in 1998 as General Manager North America & Caribbean. Pacific closed its doors in January 2000. Until April 2000, he was a consultant for a Regional Airline in Antigua, West Indies.

EDUCATION: Business Administration & Marketing Central University Venezuela, Bachelor in Science, KLM diplomas in Administration, Management, Airline Marketing, Sales and Operations. Financial & Accounting and several other certificates and licenses, including FAA flight dispatcher license, Realtor, licensed by the State of Florida.

James A. "Jim" Laria

Jim was responsible for development of cargo strategies for Miami International Airport, development of new cargo facilities, relocation of existing facilities, and development of the initial long-term master plan for the MIA cargo facilities. At MIA, Jim pioneered the first United States Cargo Community Automated system for the paperless processing of international cargo. Miami became the first Port of Entry in the US to be a virtually fully automated cargo community. He was also responsible for the implementation of a single Federal Inspection Services facility on-airport and the relocation of the US Customs House from the Miami River to the airport. This was the first on-airport US Customs House.

He managed the development of a decompression chamber on-airport to secure an EL AL operation, and managed the development and implementation of the first courier cargo clearance facility in the US.

Jim provided and implemented extensive marketing strategies and tactics for the cargo product development for two distinctly different major airports His career encompasses the total bottom line accountability for the total cargo product of a major airline; responsibility and accountability to implement the airport’s cargo strategy at Miami and Orlando Airports He is a motivator and leader of people with a proven ability to quickly and effectively communicate direction and purpose

Jim sat on the Facilitation Committee of ACI Geneva (formerly Airports Association Coordinating Council) and was selected as the industry’s observer to the World Customs Organization (formerly the Customs Cooperation Council). As an original member of the ACI Cargo working group he co-authored the AACC Cargo Community Systems Guide as well as the Handbook of Cargo Commodity Flows. Throughout his forty-year career he participated in industry and community Boards and was the recipient of numerous awards. He presently sits on the Metroplan Orlando’s (Orlando’s Metropolitan Planning Organization) Freight Mobility Working Group, and the Greater Orlando Chamber Trade Governance Board. While at Miami Airport, Jim assisted the governments of Guatemala and Costa Rica in the redesign and redevelopment of their cargo and baggage areas. He also assisted the Finance Minister’s office in rewriting the Customs practices and procedures.

Jim received his undergraduate degree in Economics from the College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, Massachusetts, and did post-graduate work in Finance and Labor Relations at Florida International University.

German Leiva

From 1978–2000, Mr. Leiva was President and Chief Executive Officer of the Miami Free Zone Corporation, Miami, Florida, and from 2001– to present; he is President and CEO of MFZ Management Corp., Miami, Florida.

Mr. Leiva is a Trustee and member of the Board of directors of the Beacon Council. He is President and a member of the Board of Directors of the Customs/Trade/Finance symposium of the Americas, Inc., and Chairman of the South Florida District Export Council of US Department of Commerce.

He is a Former Trustee and member of the Board of Governors of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce and a former member of the Greater Miami Foreign-Trade Zone, Inc.; former Trustee and member of the Executive Committee of the World Trade Center- Miami; former member of CAMACOL (LATIN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE); former President and member of the Greater Miami Colombian American Chamber of Commerce. He is a past member of the Florida International University Council of 100, and a past Trustee and member of the Board of Directors of the Hospital Relief Fund of the Caribbean.

Mr. Leiva has been a recipient of numerous civic awards including: "The Big Orange" award of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce for the Foreign Trade Zone; "Governor’s Ambassador" award received from the Governor of Florida; "Second Annual business conference" award received from Barry University School of Business; "The Free Enterpriser of the Year award from Florida International University for 1983 and 1984); Award received for contributions to and efforts on behalf of the Florida Council of International Development; "Omni International Business" award from the International Business Chronicle and 1998 Florida International trade Award from the Florida Council of International Development.

Mr. Leiva’s corporate awards include: 1996 Hall of Fame-International Trade Leadership World Trade Center Miami; 1992 International Vision Award from Bell South and 1992 Presidential "E" Award for Excellence in Export Services presented by the US Department of Commerce.

German Leiva was born in Bogota, Colombia and is married to Maria Camila. They have four children; Felipe, Camilo, Rodrigo, Sandra

Mario Leon

1974 to 1997 - Carolina Freight Carriers Corp., 1975, Account Manager working with the freight forwarding and customs house brokers in South Florida learning the international trade while serving this community by providing over-the-road services. In 1976, he was promoted to District Sales Manager responsible for the number one producing and most profitable terminal for the company. In 1978 they began their NVOCC operations where he served as Manager, Latin American Services. By 1982, they had opened all of Central and South America, the Caribbean and were the largest NVOCC in Puerto Rico. In the less than container load sector of the market Carolina Freight Carriers was the first company providing direct service from the door of the supplier to the final destination in the Western Hemisphere. In 1993 Carotrans was created and he became the Managing Director, Latin American Services.

1997 to 2000 - Yellow Freight Systems. He joined Yellow to help structure their Yellow International division and operation. They created Yellow Consolidation and opened up the Latin American services where there was no previous presence. They began services to Central and South America where they concentrated their efforts in providing a combination of truck and ocean services. Later he went back to his original roots and became Director Business Development for the Caribbean with special emphasis in Puerto Rico. They were able to grow Yellow’s market share in the full container load sector of the market and also considerably increased the less than container load market share.

2001 to present - Today Mr. Leon is Director of Business Development for Crowley Logistics, Inc., a division of Crowley Maritime Corporation. Once again he feels very lucky and fortunate to be working for Crowley, a company with such a great name and reputation in the market place. They work with every sector of the market by providing a single source of transportation to their customers on an individual or integrated basis.

He is very proud to say that he has been able to find common ground with competitors in this business where we work together, helping each other provide services to those mutual clients and at the same time creating goodwill harmony.

Gerald Lesnik

• 1956 Graduate of University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business

• Founded Econocaribe 1968

• 1993 Winner of the President's "E" Award for Excellence in the Export Trade

• 1994 Winner of the President’s "E" Award for Excellence in the Export Trade

• Member of Florida Export Council 1997

• Recipient of Florida International Businessman of year Award, 1997

• Finalist for Cutting Edge Award for Miami's Finest Companies, 1995

• President Miami Coffee Association (Association responsible for having Miami sarded as Coffee Exchange City), 1996

• Past President NVOCC Association (Three Terms)

• Today Econocaribe employs over 250 employees and owns more than one million square feet of warehouse space in Miami.

Cesareo Llano

Mr. Llano arrived in the United States on April 30, 1961, and in August of that year started working as a messenger at Frontier Freight Forwarders, Inc., one of a dozen freight forwarders existing at the time, in Miami. He stayed at Frontier until December 1976 and by the time he left he was the executive Vice President, and one of the owners. That company was one of the first forwarders to operate a warehouse facility in Miami.

In March 1977, Mr. Llano formed another freight forwarding company that was originally named General Cargo Services and later became Stair Cargo Services, Inc. Stair Cargo developed into one of the largest freight forwarders in the Miami area with over 100 employees. Stair Cargo opened offices in Detroit, New York, Houston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Dallas, and Atlanta; and operated in many Latin American Countries with their own offices (in Venezuela, Colombia, Peru Ecuador, Chile, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Panama), and also in Europe (in England, France, and Italy): They had over 1,000 employees worldwide. As far as we know Stair Cargo was the only Miami based forwarder that operated across the country as well as overseas under one direction, that of Mr. Llano.

In 1991, Mr. Llano sold his business interest to another forwarder, Intertrans Corporation, a public company based in Dallas, and he became one of their directors, as well as one of their main shareholders. In 1995, Fritz Companies acquired Intertrans, and Mr. Llano retired from the industry for 5 years. Recently, he bought a major interest in a local freight forwarding company named Gamma (that shows you that the industry runs in your blood and stays their forever).

During his previous involvement with the freight forwarding industry Mr. Llano served positions at the Florida Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association including the Presidency, and during his tenure the Association opened its own office.

Jose "Pepe" Lluhi, Sr.

In 1975 Jose Lluhi interviewed with AAA Cooper Transportation in Miami, Florida and landed the Sales Representative position. Jose once again developed a very strong and loyal customer base in the Hialeah and west airport areas. He created a very consistent and profitable revenue base within his sales area. In the early 1980’s, shortly after deregulation, he was promoted once again to Sales Manager of the Miami terminal for AAA Cooper Transportation. Jose managed a sales force of 5 sales reps in the Miami area. He became extremely successful in his field and established and developed numerous successful business relationships in the Miami area. He remained in this position with AAA Cooper Transportation until he retired in December of 1995.

On January 1, 1996, Jose Lluhi started working part time for FTS, Freight Transportation Services in Miami, Florida, which was owned by Lee Futernick. Once again, Jose’s loyal customer base followed him to FTS and allowed him to further enhance FTS’s customer base.

On October 7, 1996, Jose Lluhi died of sudden heart failure in Miami. He is survived by a very loving wife of 45 years, two sons and one daughter. He left an indelible impression in the minds of every one of his customers and co-workers. He brought humor and sensibility to everything and everyone he touched. His contributions to the trucking industry in South Florida will be remembered for many years to come and has become an integral part of the growth and success of the common carriers, which he represented.

Claudio Lopez

Mary Lozano-Mendez

Back in Cuba, Mary’s family was in the trucking business and as a little girl she would hear her uncles and her father tell of stories about their trips through the provinces of Cuba, transporting truckloads of sugar, rice, meat, beer and Malta Hatuey as well as other beverages. She would hear of the interesting people they would meet and the beautiful places their work took them to. All this filled her with a fascination and an interest that would later lead her to pursue a career in transportation and shipping.

In 1977 Mary joined Chester, Blackburn & Roder (CB&R), owners of Pan Atlantic Lines, where she learned all about ocean freight and shipping. Mary remained with the company until 1983 when the company filed for bankruptcy. That same year, with the closing of CB&R, a new company was by a small group of individuals and Mary was one of its founding members. At the beginning, Seaboard Marine Ltd., was a small company and Mary was responsible for the traffic department, and documentation etc., covering the areas of NCA, SCA, Dominican Republic and Venezuela. Today, almost 20 years later, Seaboard Marine Ltd. is the largest cargo ocean carrier at the Port of Miami and Mary is still a proud member of the team as its Vice-President of Central America.
In Mary’s own words her most valuable achievement are her three wonderful children, Danny, Jenny, and Jessica.

John Lynch

Currently President & CEO Seaboard Marine Ltd.

Director Coast Guard Foundation

Member Propeller Club.

On August 24^th 2001, I celebrated exactly 50 years in the business, on Aug. 24^th 1951.

I was bound apprentice for 4 years to a British Shipping Company "South American Saint Line".

I n 1972 I left the five American SS line "Grace Line" and came o Miami. Started with CB&R as V.P eventually became President "Panatlantic Line" and along with the original ect.

The freight forwarding community, I would say we were extremely influential in developing Miami as #11 in Trade with Central & South America Now.

Steve & Maria MacDougall

Lysan Forwarding Company was founded in 1975, at a time when female business owners we few and far between. The name Lysan (lee-san) is named after Maria's mother, Lina Santiago, and is sentimental in meaning. It was the name of her father, Manuel's jewelry box business in Spain before he died in 1958. Family has always been very important to Maria and that is what Lysan has always been, a family business. Maria's husband, Steve, joined the company shortly after it was founded to organize the warehousing division, In fact, all members of the MacDougall family have worked at Lysan at one time or another.

Maria's undaunted passion for international trade has continued to be the driving force throughout the years. She has led Lysan through all of its years of change and has shown the hundreds of customers she has served that Miami truly is the city of international trade. From routing orders and the telex, to faxes and the Internet, Maria has been there to welcome it all. She is not only a "pioneer" to the shipping industry in Miami but is a living example that if you believe in something strongly enough there is nothing that you cannot achieve!

Jose Maria Machin (2)

Ricardo Madan

In the early 1930’s he was a university student and a member of the ABC Movement to overthrow the Machado Dictatorship in Cuba. The successful overthrow led to him being named the Cuban Consul to Puerto Rico at the age of 24.

Upon returning to Cuba, he was given a position with the Cuban Customs Service, this experience led to him becoming a customs broker in 1940 with his mentor and partner, Antonio Calleja.

In the forties and fifties he developed and ran several transportation companies including Union Shipping and Mercury Express. He also ran daily cargo charter flights between Miami and La Havana, Key West, Miami and New York.

During this period, Ricardo was again heavily involved in the political movement, this time to overthrow the Batista Dictatorship. He was imprisoned on numerous occasions and in 1953-4 was exiled in Mexico. Fortunately, he always maintained a home in Miami sine the early 1950’s. Ricardo was one of the principle conspirators of the famous "Ataque del Palacio" of March 13, 1957. He barely escaped and was able to move his family to Miami where they have since remained.

Like many others Cuban Exiles, Ricardo lost everything upon Castro seizing power and control of Cuba. He always kept a positive attitude but struggled during the 1960’s as he tried to develop new business, while at the same time, fighting to help free Cuba. In the 1960's ’ and early 1970’s he worked in various air-freight handling companies at the Miami Airport. In the early 1970’s, Ricardo along with Hernan and Jorge Landa founded Aircraft Loaders Inc. This company was one of the first airport ground handling operators to specialize in the loading of jet cargo freighters along with providing roller flatbed trucks for transportation of the airline pallets to and from the terminals and the runway. Some of the airlines that they serviced were Varig, Lan Chile, Equatoriana, TWA, Aerolineas Argentinas, TACA, Dominicana, Bahamasair, Fleming International, Turks Air and Inair Panama. In 1979 at 67 years old, Ricardo and partners sold the business to what then became Silvarrey and Colon. He then became a consultant with the Cisneros Organization of Venezuela and became president of their forwarding company, International Connections.

Over the years, many well known industry leaders have worked with Ricardo, including, Frank Arevalo, Mike Murciano, Gene Rodriguez, Tony Calleja, Margarita Carbonel and his dear friend, Eduardo Bacallao.

In the early 1980’s, Ricardo was one of the founders of the Miami Medical Team, which was created to help the Nicaraguan Contra Freedom Fighter Rebels, with medical assistance on their wounded soldiers. At the age of 75, Ricardo was visiting the Contra Rebel Camps in Nicaragua. Today the Miami Medical Team continues a non-profit humanitarian foundation providing medical relief and assistance around the world.

Presently, Ricardo has been the working as the airport’s best-dressed messenger for his son’s company, Air Marine Forwarding Company.

Ricardo and his late wife, Susana, were happily married for 47 years. He has 3 sons, Rafael, Ricardo III, and Roger along with 6 grand-children. Just last month he became a great-grandfather with the birth of Ricardo Madan V.

At nearly 88 years old, he looks forward the future and the opening of Air Marine Forwarding in a free Cuba.

Alberto J. Marino

He arrived in Miami in 1962 to work with Mr. Thomas E. Flynn and Co. After working with Tom Flynn, he held positions with UTC, Airborne Freight and Imperial Freight Brokers, where he was part owner. He founded Almar International 25 years ago and the company grew to what it is today. He also founded Victoria Line, which is the NVOCC division of Almar. Mr. Marino has been very active with the Florida Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association serving as President twice and Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Director several times. He is also a Founding Director of the Cuban American National Foundation and a member of the Executive Committee.

Mr. Marino has four children (two of them Customs Brokers working at Almar) and two grand-daughters. He has been married to Ivette (who also works at Almar) for the last 20 years.

Jorge Marquet

In 1961 he joined the 2506 Brigade and participated in the frustrated Bay of Pigs Invasion. Upon his release from the Cuban prison, he settled in Los Angeles, California where he first worked for American Airlines as a Fleet Service Clerk and later as Station Cargo Agent, a position that he kept until the early 1970s. Then he worked for M&H Brokerage as an AirLines Operations Manager.

In 1972, he joined Mexicana Airlines as District Cargo Sales Manager and remained there until 1979 when he opened All International Freight Forwarders as President and stockholder. Later he sold his shares and returned to the aviation field, working first for Tar Airlines and later for Prodexpo Int'l as Sales Manager.

In 1984, he joined Caribbean Air Cargo, Ltd. In 1986 he became Cargo Manager for Aviateca Airlines, and three years later held the same position with Tikal Jets cargo. Finally in 1993, he retired after serving as General Manager of Latin American Services.

During Mr. Marquet's 30 years in the airline business, he was engaged in all phases of cargo activities. He participated in the development of the Miami Air Cargo Association, and was elected several times to its Board of Directors.

At the present time, he belongs to the Board of Directors of the Bay of Pigs Veteran Association and serves as Director of Administration.

Oswaldo Marrero

In charge of the teletype department connected with the Stock Market. Two years later he was promoted to the Export Dept. chartering vessels to ship sugar for the American Refineries.

1960-1961 - Chrysler Int’l., Havana, Cuba

Processing shipping orders of automobile parts.

1961-1962 - Commercial Airways Agency, Miami, FL

Assistant to the Air Traffic manager forwarding cargo to Latin America & Europe.

1963-1964 - Venezuela Freight Expediters, Miami, FL

His first experience in business as freight forwarder. The company closed a year after opening.

1965-1966 - Alarco Inc., Miami, FL

Export Manager handling exports to the Middle East.

1966-1974 - Airborne Freight, Miami, FL

In charge of the International Department consolidating freight worldwide.

1974-1976 - Air Express Int’l., Miami, FL

District Manager

1976-1980 - Tuya International, Miami, FL

Operations Manager

1980-1986 - Co-Loading Corp., Miami, FL

Part owner as co-loader for forwarders and consolidators.

1986-1999 - Professional Co-Loading Inc., Miami, FL (*)

Sole owner of a worldwide consolidating company for forwarders/consolidators.

(*) In 1986, Mr. Marrero acquired the business of a chartering corporation named Airline Professional Services Inc., and (under d.b.a. of Professional Co-Loading And Professionals Container Line) covered both air and ocean consolidations. Later on, they created the name PCL Freight Systems to enhance their image overseas. Also, his son Arthur Marrero, became a Customs Broker. They then opened an import division called Professional Customs Logistics Inc. with a manager and four employees. In December 1999 the mother company sold its assets to their agent in France through their USA offices, namely SDV, (USA) Inc. At the time of the sale they had over 185 freight forwarding agents using their co-loading concept. The company had expanded to the five continents with a strong representation in Europe and the Orient.

In 1991, they purchased land at the MICC. Construction was under way and finally they had their first 12,000 square foot building. In 1993, they completed the construction of a second building next to the first one, with the same dimensions and connected by a bridge. The second building was used as a bonded warehouse as a contribution to our import department.

At present, they have both buildings under a five-year lease with SDV (USA) Inc. Mr. Marrero is grateful to God for all the good things he has including an excellent family with his wife, four children, and seven grandchildren.

Henry Martinez

He began his trucking company, " Henry's Transfer" in 1959 and operated in until 1987.

In February 1972 he started a cargo and warehousing company associated with the Gazituas and to this day still remains in the same business with the same business associates. He has handled almost all of the facets involved with the cargo business and has experienced many things along the way, but despite all the ups and downs, he has always enjoyed his work to the fullest.

Ricardo Martinez

Mr. Martinez has worked with such well-known companies as American Express, Peruvian Airlines, Korean Airlines and Western Airlines, and his charisma, honesty, and responsibility are widely recognized by the airline industry. His experience and vision have led him to found companies, which under his expert direction have made an important contribution towards strengthening the air cargo industry in the Americas.

In 1980, he founded Namar, a company designed to offer airline services to foreign companies, but due to labor problems, he was forced to sell his stock to his partner at the time. Later on, in 1986, Mr. Martinez founded Martin Airways, which initially started servicing Copa and Saeta Airlines, as well as gaining the exclusive representation of Martin Air Holland for the Americas, which meant changing the name of the company, to Martin Aviation Group Inc. or MAG.

Later on, and due to Mr. Martinez’s vision and the favorable conditions found in the market, the company started to grow, finally becoming what is now known as the Martin Aviation Group & Affiliates.

The company has always worked using the very latest technology in air cargo handling equipment as well as a modern computer web, Internet access, and advanced communications systems. The company also relies on expert counseling for each individual company from the auditing firm, Price Waterhouse Coopers, thus assuring the Martin Aviation Group a better position in the aeronautics world.

Additionally, Martin Aviation Group and Associates also owes its success to the human factor, since one of its priorities has always been the welfare of the company’s staff and their families as well as that of their communities.

Martin Aviation Group Inc. is made up by Aeroground Aerogroup Skyseg InfoAmericas, Rima Samcol & Jorima. Together they are in a position to offer the most complete air cargo service and an excellent and innovating customer service.

Mr. Martinez has built a company group, Martin Aviation Group & Affiliates, which is now present in eleven countries in the Americas and is looking to operate in many more, with the idea of strengthening the commercial and fraternal bonds that must always prevail among sister nations.

During his early years, Mr. Martinez established close family ties with members of the shipping community and also with the shipping lines which they represented. One particular friendship became evident in which Jorge named as Godfather of his eldest daughter Glenda, Captain Ignacio Viera, Master of the Mv "Santa Maria," for Compania Colonial de Navegacion. The ceremony was performed on board in the ship’s chapel by the family priest, Padre Lopez, while docked in Port Everglades.

In the early 70’s ,Shaw Brothers became known as Luchenbach, and Mr. Martinez served as Traffic Manager of Passenger Sales. From 1976 to 1978, Lavino Shipping purchased Luchenbach and his title became General Traffic Manager of Traffic Sales Operations. In 1979, Lavino changed hands and became known as S.E.L. Maduro. From 1979, until his death in August 1988, Mr. Martinez functioned as Vice President and Traffic Sales Director of new accounts.

His sincerity and his demand for perfection was always present; he was a true gentlemen with the utmost integrity, and has been greatly missed in the community.

Jorge is survived by his wife Glenda,, his four children, George, Jaime, Glenda, and Leonor, and six grandchildren.

Following the demise of Cubana de Aviacion, in Miami, after the new government in Cuba took control; he started working at the Duty-Free Store at Miami International Airport, under the employment of Alfred E. Merhige. He was traffic supervisor in charge of warehouse entries and withdrawals, and in the evenings, he worked part-time for Tan airlines in ticketing and reservations. He had conveyed to Mr. Merhige, on several occasions that his desire was to take the Custom Brokers exam, and with his encouragement took the test in 1964. On January 11, 1965, he received his Customs Brokers License. He continued his employment at the Duty-Free Store, but during the evenings and on a part-time basis, started working on his own as a Customs Broker. He established several contacts with trainers and owners of racehorses from Chile, Argentina, and Colombia. These perspective trainers and owners started importing horses with Enrique doing the Brokerage. He worked very closely with USDA Veterinary Services, and especially with Dr. Gayle, who was the head veterinarian of USDA at the time. During this time, he met a fellow Customs House Broker, Frederick Hieber, and they soon developed a close working relationship that led to a permanent partnership in the corporation of M&H Brokerage, Inc., in June of 1965.

Enrique Armando Matinez was the founder and president of M&H Brokerage from its inception until his untimely death in 1981. We remember him fondly for the humanitarian that he was.

Rose Mary McHenry-Williams

In 1952 she went to work for Annete Hyder of Latin American Air Cargo Expediters, Inc.; this was her introduction to Miami International Airport and the Miami Shipyards.

Cattle and horses by air and boat were fairly new in the area and shipments were variable -- sometimes one horse, maybe three pigs or an entire planeload of cattle. Equipment was always a problem and so was finding people to clean and disinfect the returned aircraft. Mrs. Williams came up with the idea of Animal Air Service, Inc. and left Latin American Air Cargo Expediters in 1967.

She came up with better ways to protect the inside of aircraft from waste materials and faster means of cleaning the aircraft plus the disinfecting of everything under USDA supervision. Her husband, known as "Red," built all the equipment for FAA approval; cattle gates, horse stalls, double deck pigpens, etc. "Red" passed away in 1999.

Rosemary Williams became an active member in Florida International Air Transportation. She displayed slides showing pictures of cattle moves and equipment, to visitors from Central America at Tampa Fairgrounds.

Mr. and Mrs. Williams enjoyed being a part of the Animal Air Transportation Association, out of Washington, D.C. They set up workshops in many states and Europe, speaking to many groups. Around 1980 they expanded to Amsterdam where a fine gentleman, Gerald Maorman, handled cattle movements in Europe. They worked day and night, only closing on Christmas.

They sold Animal Air Service, Inc. in October 1986, and retired to Lake Placid, Florida.

In early March IES and the NALAD Corporation merged with Charles McKay & Associates, Inc. Today, all companies operate under the single banner of Charles McKay & Associates, Inc.

1966/67 President of the International Affairs Council (IAC) of the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce. (He and others left the Chamber of Commerce and they became the founding members of the Board of International Trade (BIT), which later became the International Center of Florida, Inc. and finally, the World Trade Center-Miami. (Mr. McKay has consistently served on all of these Boards from their founding until the present.)

1975/1976 President of the Chamber of Commerce of the Americas (CCA). The CCA, founded in 1948, was a hemispheric business organization comprised of Chambers of Commerce from throughout the Caribbean, ventral America and South America. It is no longer in operation.

1972/1985 Chairman of the Florida District Export Council (DEC) by Mr. McKay served as Chairman for 12 years and later and later served as the treasurer of the organization until early 2000.

1979/1980 Chairman of the Florida Council of International Development (FCID), a statewide advisory organization dedicated to building Florida's exports. Mr. Mckay joined the organization in the early 1970's and was a member of the Board of Directors until 2000)

1990/1991 President (Chairman) of the World Trade Center-Miami. (Mr. McKay was active in its founding and served on the Board of

Directors of all predecessor organizations.)

HONORS

"Florida International Businessman of the Year," 1984, Florida Department of Commerce

"Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Service," 1984, U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Malcolm Baldrige, on behalf of U.S. Department of Commerce and the National DEC Organization.

"Florida Export Achievement Award," 1990, Florida Department of Commerce

"International Achievement Award," 1992, World Trade Center Miami

"International Hall of Fame," 1996, World Trade Center Miami

"Chairman Emeritus for Life," 2000, Florida Council of International Development (FCID)

I started at Miami canvassing cargo or freight soliciting but, to do so, I found that first the Port of Miami and the scarce facilities they had at the time, had to be sold. I remember many of the shippers or consignees asking me whether Miami was a commercial sea going port or just a beach and summer resort.

Being, at the same time a salesman, I agreed with them and told them how enjoyable life was in Miami, that they should visit the beach but also the port. During those days, very few could visualize the Port of Miami as it is today, with the tremendous tonnage moving through it and the extensive sailing schedules of the major carriers.

My contribution to the Port of Miami, as it stands today, is one of my achievements of my long shipping life.

The mission of EFI is to support business growth and assist companies in the creation of jobs by coordinating the State of Florida's economic development and international trade programs and by promoting Florida as a competitive global business center. Mr. Mencia joined EFI in August 1996.

Mr. Mencia was Vice President of World Marketing at The Beacon Council between 1992 and 1996. The Miami-based Beacon Council is a private, not-for-profit trade and economic development corporation.

He has acquired extensive international trade expertise, having served in various executive positions at the Florida Department of Commerce’s Office for Latin American Trade between 1977 and 1991.

In 1990, Mr. Mencia was selected as Government Hispanic Business Advocate of the Year by the US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the largest Hispanic business organization in the country.

Mr. Mencia is a part-time professor at the University of Miami’s Continuing Education Program, teaching International Commerce. He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from Florida International University in Education, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Thomas University in Political Science.

Tony Menendez is one of the strongest pillars upon which the freight-forwarding industry was built in South Florida. For almost 20 years, he was Traffic Manager of Air Express International Freight Forwarders, which was acquired by Lusk Shipping and currently is part of the woldwide conglomerate DANZAS.

Tony is truly a pioneer of the freight-forwarding community in our area. Many young people were honored to learn the business under his watchful eye and have become the leaders of the industry today. Thanks to his tactful and well-focused approach, he was instrumental in bringing the Cartepillar account to Miami. The company, renowned for its road-making machinery and heavy equipment, made Miami the home of its distribution center for all exports to Latin America.

Tony’s invaluable personal and professional contributions greatly enhanced the developing of the shipping industry in Miami. Freight forwarders and shipping lines’ account executives could always count on receiving thoughtful friendly advice from Tony, one of the most respected and beloved pioneers of the shipping community in South Florida.

The impeccable professionalism espoused by Tony Menendez for 35 years in the shipping industry makes him an excellent nominee for the Pioneers Hall of Fame.

During his time in Miami, Tony had the opportunity to work with many persons who have since become well known as leaders in our Industry, including Cesareo Llano, Tom Flynn, and Rolando Napolesl. He also was fortunate enough to know many others that he considers true friends such as Fred Ramirez, and Jorge Fernandez (Yellow Freight), Pepe Chirinos (Crowley), Mario Leon (Carolina Freight, and now Crowley), and Carlos Orizondo (Condor Overseas).

Tony would like to make special mention of the people who helped him get his start in Miami -- Jorge Martinez, Sr., and Cesareo Llano. Tony would like to thank all of the people who have helped him along the way, mentioned and not mentioned today. You all know who you are.

1962-1969 - LanChile Airlines, Miami, Florida - Sr. Cargo Sales Representative. Development of a new marketing approach for the company from State of Louisiana to the West Coast of the US. Market research and Studies. Direct Sales to both Freight Forwarders and Commercial Accounts. Development of Promotional Literature & Material. Managed Customer Service and Sales Groups.

1969-1976 Transporte Aereo Rioplatense (TAR Airlines) Miami, Florida. US General Manager. Responsible in the formation and introduction of U.S. Operations of this Argentine All-Cargo Airline. Rules, Regulations and Tariff filing with CAB in Washington, DC. Interline Agreements with other carrier’s worldwide. Direct Sales and Customer Service.

1976-1984 - Lloyd Aereo Boliviano (LAB Airlines) Miami, Florida. Cargo and Sales Manager, North America. Directed all air cargo operations. Managed Customer Service and Sales Groups. Negotiated Service Contracts with ground support and Other Agencies, Tariffs Pricing, Interline Agreements, etc.

1984-1985 - Air Boston Company of Florida Inc. Miami, Florida. Vice President Marketing and Sales. This was a new company, responsible for Market Research, all Accounting and Financial Planning, Direct Sales and operations.

1985-1986 - Southern Air Transport, Miami, Florida - Director, SE Region and Latin America

Developed Cargo Charter and Common Carrier business Market Research and Planning. Direct Sales (Commercial and Freight Forwarder Accounts). Represented airline before Civil Aeronautics Board at Route Hearing.

1986-1987 - Florida Air Link, Inc. Miami, Florida. Responsible for the handling and marketing of Charter Flights.

1987-1998 - Amerijet International Inc., Ft. Lauderdale, Florida - Vice President International Division, a new division for the company which he created. He was responsible for setting up the Cargo Department at Miami International Airport. Development of the Common Carrier Operations. Development Sales and Marketing for the Common Carrier Operations. Coordinated the operations with the foreign stations that where under his direct supervision. Directly involved in the bi-lateral negotiations between the United States and Mexico. Also directly involved during the Route Hearing with attorneys at the DOT in Washington, DC, securing landing permits, setting up stations in Mexico, Venezuela, Antigua, St. Kitts and St. Marteen.

Awards received

- Proclamation and Key to the City of Miami

- Miami Air Cargo Association

- Delta Nu Alpha Transportation Fraternity

In 1985 she left Schenkers and co-founded her own company with two partners. Seven offices in seven countries were opened and Cheri spent nearl