NEW ORLEANS, LA, USA - Today the World Trade Center of New Orleans announced Robert “Rusty” Barkerding, Jr, President of Admiral Security Services as the recipient of the 2017 C. Alvin Bertel Award.  Barkerding will be honored at the annual C. Alvin Bertel Award ceremony and luncheon on Wednesday, July 19 in New Orleans. The C. Alvin Bertel Award was established in 1967 and is presented each year to an individual who has made significant contributions to the Louisiana port community.

“The maritime community is like family to me. I have been involved in the industry for most of my life and have worked to contribute in as many ways as possible both professionally and as a volunteer," said Barkerding. "I deeply appreciate this honor because the award bears the names of so many who have gone before me and contributed greatly to our industry.”

Barkerding has worked in the maritime industry for more than fifty years. He began his career as a vessel operations officer, then moved on to more senior roles coordinating cargo operations and vessel movements for thousands of foreign flag and U.S. flag vessels in ports throughout the U.S. He also held executive positions handling all aspects of vessel operations for U.S. Gulf of Mexico ports and the ports of New York/New Jersey.

“Rusty has been a strong advocate for the Louisiana port community over the years and contributed greatly to the growth of the Port of New Orleans as well as ports throughout the U.S.” said Caitlin Cain, CEO of the World Trade Center of New Orleans. “He couldn’t be more deserving of this award, and it’s an honor to recognize him among our industry peers.”

Barkerding currently serves as vice-chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans, and in numerous other professional and civic capacities including director of the New Orleans Board of Trade; president emeritus of the Propeller Club of New Orleans; member of the executive committee of the International Propeller Club and vice-chairman of the World Trade Center Transportation Committee among others. He is also a U.S. Navy veteran and former active duty and reserve member of the New Orleans Police Department.

Barkerding is president of Admiral Security Services, a security services firm with offices in New Orleans, LA and Mobile, AL, providing port and vessel security onboard ships and facilities and anchorages in the Lower Mississippi River and the ports of Gulfport, MS; Pascagoula, MS; Mobile, AL and Pensacola, FL.

Barkerding’s father, Robert R. Barkerding, Sr. received the Bertel award in 1969.

Tickets to the July 19 ceremony and luncheon will be available at www.wtcno.org. Table and Sponsorship options are also available by contacting Jessica Steverson, jsteverson@wtcno.org or (504) 619-9837.

About the C. Alvin Bertel Award
The C. Alvin Bertel Award was established in 1967 and is presented each year to an individual who has made significant contributions to the Louisiana port community. The award recipient is selected by a committee of eleven international trade, transportation, and economic development organizations in the New Orleans area. Nominating organizations include the Port of New Orleans, City of New Orleans, International Freight Forwarders and Customs Brokers Association of New Orleans, Louisiana Maritime Association, Jefferson Parish, New Orleans Board of Trade, New Orleans Chamber of Commerce, Plaquemines Port, Harbor, & Terminal District, Port of South Louisiana, St. Bernard Port, Harbor, & Terminal District, and the World Trade Center of New Orleans.

About the World Trade Center of New Orleans
Founded as the International House in 1943 and as the International Trade Mart in 1945, these two predecessor organizations merged in 1985 and are now known as “The World Trade Center of New Orleans”; it is the oldest of over 300 World Trade Centers in over 100 countries. Notably, the World Trade Center of New Orleans spearheaded the establishment of Louisiana Tax Free Shopping in 1989, the first U.S. state to introduce such a program for international visitors, which has been used by more than 600,000 international customers and recorded over $500 million in tax-free sales.

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