More than a dozen companies involved in operating and servicing the Port of Philadelphia in the US have joined together to form Ship Philly First – an organisation focused exclusively on promoting the port and its service providers both domestically and internationally.
By marketing the port as a world-class gateway for imports and exports, the association aims to increase opportunities for everyone who does business along the Delaware River, Ship Philly First President Fred Sorbello said in a press release.
“There are no dinners, no fundraisers, no golf outings,” explained Mr Sorbello, who is also president of Mullica Hill Cold Storage. “It’s about getting down to business.”
According to Mr Sorbello, the idea for Ship First Philly originated about 18 months ago when he and representatives from Holt Logistics approached the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority about advertising the port in trade publications such as the Journal of Commerce.
When they realised that advertising dollars were scarce, the idea for a coalition was formed.
“We need to look at the big picture,” Mr Sorbello said, noting that each company was only marketing itself individually.
“We need to get the business here, and we need to work together to do it.After that, we can internally compete for it.”
Each of the 15 members contributed US$2,500 to get the organisation off the ground and since then Ship First Philly has hired a marketing firm to develop a website, advertising and trade show promotional items.
The organisation plans to open up for new members shortly, with Mr Sorbello hopeful that within two years membership will reach 50 – including enhanced working relationships local governments and steamship lines.
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