Seattle’s cutting edge

 The US Port of Seattle ended 2009 in the black thanks in large part it says, to early, aggressive budget cuts throughout the organisation. Port staff members conducted a thorough review of all port costs and CEO Tay Yoshitani instituted mandatory holidays for staff as well as reductions in travel, training, and other expenses.

These measures, implemented in February 2009, lowered expenses by US$16m. The cuts, combined with a significant reduction in the port's capital expenditure programme, resulted in a net operating income of US$46m for the year.

"We've made some hard decisions this year, cutting programmes and projects (and) we will continue watching every dollar to make sure we're using the public's resources wisely and investing in projects that keep us competitive and improve the environment in each division," said Port Commission President Bill Bryant.

Yoshitani noted that the port's customers continue to feel the pinch of the recession, and that further cuts could come.

"Like families and organisations everywhere, we've made some cuts that hurt. I'm pleased with the 2009 performance and I think we're positioned well for 2010. We have to keep our eye on the ball though, doing our part to maintain the jobs and revenue that the region needs to recover," he said.
 

(Source: Container Management)