ILTA promotes a more global tone at 2008 conference

Aug. 1, 2008
A Record number of participants turned out for the 28th Annual International Operating Conference and Trade Show, which was held June 9-11 in Houston,

A Record number of participants turned out for the 28th Annual International Operating Conference and Trade Show, which was held June 9-11 in Houston, Texas. The three-day event drew more than 3300 terminal executives, operators, and suppliers from around the world.

At the start of the conference, they heard ILTA's President David Doane announce that the organization had changed its name to International Liquid Terminals Association. The name change reflects the increasingly global nature of the association.

“By removing the word ‘Independent’ and replacing it with ‘International,’ we now have a name that does a much better job of describing our terminal members,” Doane said. “Our new name accurately reflects the fact that we have welcomed international companies into our membership for the past 31 years. Today, 19 of our terminal members are based in other countries. Eleven operate exclusively in their home countries. The remaining eight operate terminals in the United States and are owned mostly by companies headquartered in the European Union. We also have three additional terminal members that are based in the United States and operate facilities here and in other countries.

“The bulk liquid terminal industry operates in an international market, and global trends are creating fresh opportunities for ILTA and members. Worldwide shipments of crude oil and refined petroleum products are increasing in proportion to global economic growth. Enormous amounts of capital are flowing among countries, and global transfers of expertise are expanding. An ILTA goal is to develop knowledge-sharing partnerships with terminal industry groups in other countries. Terminals in these countries have the opportunity to work with ILTA in acquiring new technologies and learning new procedures that can streamline the compliance process as their countries strengthen safety and environmental rules in coming years. As we develop this potential new market for our informational services, we hope to add more international members.”

This year's conference provided a full range of topics that were designed to appeal to both a domestic and international audience. A series of presentations examined critical issues relating to emission reductions at terminal facilities. Speakers discussed new technologies and methods that can be used to control emissions. Conference speakers also provided updates on terminal operations, business issues, renewable fuels, and environmental compliance solutions.

In an effort to address a critical shortage of workers in the terminal industry, ILTA hosted its first job fair during the trade show. Fourteen companies provided employment information and conducted interviews throughout the day on June 11.

ILTA presented the second annual Safety Excellence Awards June 10 during the conference networking breakfast. Winners were selected using data from ILTA's Safety Survey, which is based on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Form 300A.

Winning companies had a safety record of less than one injury per 100 workers or they were able to demonstrate significant improvement in their safety performance over the past three years. Seven companies qualified for the Safety Excellence Awards.

ILTA also recognized the safest of the safe with its Platinum Safety Award. Two Platinum trophies were presented. The large terminal operator award went to Flint Hills Resources LP, and the small terminal operator award was earned by Asphalt Operating Services LLC.

ILTA announced that the annual conference and trade show will remain in Houston at the Hilton Americas-Houston and the George R Brown Convention Center for at least the next two years. The 29th Annual International Operating Conference and Trade Show is set for June 8-10, 2009. The 30th annual event will take place May 24-26, 2010.

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