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INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The Inland Rivers Ports and Terminals, Inc., (IRPT) at its annual conference in Baton Rouge, LA., presented its inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award to Rich Cooper, former CEO of the Ports of Indiana.

Inland Rivers, Ports & Terminals, Inc. (IRPT), of which the Ports of Indiana is a long-time member, is a nationwide trade association for users of the U.S. Inland Waterway system. IRPT promotes the use of our nation’s rivers as the most cost-effective and environmentally-friendly form of transportation, keeps members informed on federal legislation and security issues affecting our river system, promotes and markets our inland waterway system, and works with port leaders to unify the inland ports, terminals, and river systems.

“As an industry, we have only come this far thanks to the dedication and leaders before us. We would like nothing more than to honor those who have served before us,” says Aimee Andres, executive director of IRPT. “It is because of leaders, like Rich, who focused attention on freight transportation, building our network and providing leadership, that the ports and terminals along our inland rivers system can continuously thrive.”

Rich Cooper was appointed chief executive officer for the Ports of Indiana in 2005. Under Cooper’s leadership, the organization experienced unprecedented growth and became a completely self-funded enterprise.

“During his tenure, Rich helped the Ports of Indiana thrive as a self-funded, business-driven enterprise that contributes to growing Indiana’s economy,” said Vanta E. Coda II, CEO for the Ports of Indiana. “Rich is the right person to receive the IRPT’s first-ever lifetime achievement award because he helped shape a new vision for the Ports of Indiana to be a premier inland port system in North America.”

About the Ports of Indiana: The Ports of Indiana is a statewide port authority operating three ports on the Ohio River and Lake Michigan. Established in 1961, the Ports of Indiana is a self-funded enterprise dedicated to growing Indiana’s economy by developing and maintaining a world-class port system. Information: portsofindiana.com. Follow us on Twitter: @PortsofIndiana.

About the Inland Rivers, Ports and Terminals, Inc.: Inland Rivers, Ports and Terminals, Inc. (IRPT) is a nationwide trade association composed of ports, terminals, users and suppliers of the U.S. Inland Waterway system. IRPT promotes the use of our nation’s rivers as the most cost effective, and environmentally-friendly form of transportation.

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Media Contact: Shelley Triol, Ports of Indiana, striol@portsofindiana.com

Media Contact: Aimee Andres, AMPE, Inland Rivers, Ports and Terminals, Inc., admin@irpt.net