U.S. Rep. Buchanan Named Maritime Person of the Year

PORT MANATEE PROPELLER CLUB’S HIGHEST HONOR

PALMETTO, Fla. -- The Port Manatee Propeller Club honored U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Sarasota) with its highest honor as Maritime Person of the Year during ceremonies March 11^th at the Bradenton Yacht Club.

Buchanan was honored for his ongoing support of Port Manatee, including his pledge to assist port officials with the proposed Port Manatee Connector Road directly linking Interstate 75 to the port, which would increase containerized shipping.

A member of the Congressional Friends of Panama Caucus, Buchanan is working to ratify the U.S.-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement and he’s enhanced Port Manatee’s ties with Panama -- building upon the port’s 2009 strategic alliance with the Panama Canal Authority.

In February, Buchanan hosted a port visit by the Panamanian Ambassador to the United States, Jaime Eduardo Alemán Healy. Ambassador Alemán toured the port and met with business leaders and lawmakers to discuss potential economic impacts to the region related to the Panama Canal’s expansion.

“I am honored to receive this award,” said Buchanan. “Jobs and the economy are the most important issue right now and Port Manatee is vital to our efforts to diversify the region’s economy and create good paying jobs.”

“Congressman Buchanan understands the opportunities Port Manatee represents relating to job creation and economic impact for this area,” said Port Manatee Propeller Club President Paul DeMariano. “We’re glad to have him championing for the port, both in Washington D.C. and around the world.”

Serving Florida’s 13th District, Congressman Buchanan is in his second term in the U.S. House of Representatives. He is on the House Committee on Small Business and is the Republican Leader of the Subcommittee on Finance and Tax. He is a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and is a member of the Subcommittees on Surface Transportation, Aviation, and Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials. The congressman also serves on the House Veterans' Affairs Committee and is a member of the Health Subcommittee.

Port Manatee’s Communications Specialist Anne O’Roake was also honored during Thursday’s ceremonies. O’Roake was named Member of the Year for her service to the club. She writes a monthly newsletter, manages the club’s annual golf tournament and organizes monthly events.