CONTACT: Marguerite Elicone, melicone@portofsandiego.org

The Port of San Diego has been awarded a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association for the United States and Canada (GFOA). This is the fifth consecutive year that the Port has received this prestigious distinction for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR).

The award is considered to be one of the most highly regarded recognitions in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting and represents a major achievement for the Port.

“The Port of San Diego remains steadfast in providing full disclosure and receiving the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for five consecutive years demonstrates just that,” said Garry Bonelli, Chairman of the Board of Port Commissioners. “We are a self-funded public agency, dedicated to serving the public and managing the magnificent tidelands of San Diego Bay.”

GFOA represents public finance officials throughout the United States and Canada and has more than 19,000 appointed and elected local, state, and provincial-level government officials deeply involved in planning, financing, and implementing thousands of governmental operations within their area of jurisdiction.

In addition to the Certificate of Achievement, the GFOA presented an Award of Financial Reporting Achievement to the Financial Services Department for their excellence in putting together the CAFR. This award is given to the department that played an integral role in leading their government organization to achieve the Certificate of Achievement.

The Port’s CAFR was reviewed by a nonpartisan panel comprised of individuals with expertise in public sector financial reporting that included financial statement preparers, independent auditors, academics and other finance professionals.

“The Financial Services Department has earned this award through hard work, dedication and a focus on public service,” said Bob DeAngelis, Vice President/Chief Financial Officer. “Our team members are constantly challenging themselves to improve and grow professionally and the Award of Financial Reporting Achievement validates these efforts.”

The GFOA established the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Program in 1945 to encourage state and local governments to go beyond the minimum requirements of generally accepted accounting principles to prepare comprehensive annual financial reports that evidence the spirit of transparency and full disclosure and then to recognize individual governments that succeed in achieving that goal.

ABOUT THE PORT OF SAN DIEGO
The Port of San Diego serves the people of California as a specially created district, balancing multiple uses on 34 miles along San Diego Bay spanning five cities. Collecting no tax dollars, the Port manages a diverse portfolio to generate revenues that support vital public services and amenities.

The Port champions Maritime, Waterfront Development, Public Safety, Experiences and Environment, all focused on enriching the relationship people and businesses have with our dynamic waterfront. From cargo and cruise terminals to hotels and restaurants, from marinas to museums, from 22 public parks to countless events, the Port contributes to the region’s prosperity and remarkable way of life on a daily basis.