Robert Palaima of Delaware River Stevedores to Receive the 2007 Friend of Chile Award

Robert Palaima, President of Delaware River Stevedores has been selected to receive the Friend of Chile Award from the Chilean and American Chamber of Commerce (CACC) of Greater Philadelphia.

The Chilean and American Chamber of Commerce will honor its own member Mr. Palaima for his outstanding professional and personal achievements at its Friend of Chile Award Luncheon on Wednesday, November 15th, 2007 at the Hyatt Penn’s Landing Hotel in Center City Philadelphia, which, appropriately, overlooks the Delaware River. Ports on the river received more 55 million cases of Chilean fruit last year.

Mr. Palaima has been a leader in the maritime industry. As President of Delaware River Stevedores, Inc., Robert W. Palaima has forged his company into a vital force along both sides of the Delaware River. Deeply committed to the success of the Ports of Camden, Philadelphia and Wilmington, Robert has played a significant role in negotiating labor agreements to dramatically increase port competitiveness.

Since 1988 he has worked for Delaware River Stevedores, Inc. (DRS), becoming President in 1990. He was responsible for leading his company into dramatic reorganization in 1992, transforming it into a major stevedore of bulk, breakbulk, perishable and containerized cargoes. Under his tenure DRS now provides employment for over 500 people in Camden and Philadelphia.

In 1993, Robert was recognized by the Philadelphia Business Journal as a recipient of the inaugural Forty Under Forty award. In 1997, he received the Scout Mariner Award from the Cradle of Liberty Council, Boys Scouts of America; in 1998, he was honored as Man of the Year by the Port of Philadelphia Maritime Society. In 2000 he was honored by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey for his work in the Port of Camden.

"The Friend of Chile Award, celebrating its tenth year, is presented annually to an outstanding member of the regional business community with a strong commitment to foster increased commercial and trade relations between the Republic of Chile and Greater Philadelphia; and we have found those qualities in Bob Palaima" said Sheryl Rothberg, Executive Director of the Chilean and American Chamber of Commerce. "He has been a key player been a key player in retaining important commodities for the Port, including Chilean fruit. Bob has been a wonderful member and board member of our chamber, and has done great contributions of his time and talent to growth of our organization"

Among his community commitments, Robert serves on the Board of Governors of the Philadelphia Maritime Society and the Board of Managers of the Seamen’s Church Institute. He also chairs the Executive Committee of the Philadelphia Marine Trade Association and serves on Liberty Mutual’s Advisory Board as well as the Boards of the Chilean American Chamber of Commerce and the Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River and Bay.

Mr. Palaima is the 10th recipient of this prestigious award. The 2006 recipient was Pennsylvania State Senator Mike Stack.

To find out more about one of CACC’s most prestigious annual events, please contact us at 215-790-3627 or Ricardo@greaterphilachamber.com