Steve Balaski, interim director of Business Development for the Northwest Seaport Alliance, a marine cargo operating partnership of the ports of Seattle and Tacoma, will be coming to Minot this month as the keynote speaker for the Minot Area Chamber EDC’s annual meeting.

The meeting will be Monday, Feb. 21, in the Sleep Inn & Suites Convention Center. Registration/social hour begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by the 6:30 p.m. program/dinner. Those planning to attend are asked to register online by Feb. 18. For more information, call the Chamber EDC office at 852-6000.

The Northwest Seaport Alliance is the fourth largest container gateway in North America, according to Alliance information.

At the Alliance, Balaski is focused on developing new opportunities with global exporters and importers to utilize the Northwest Seaport Alliance container gateway in their supply chains. He also works on initiatives to improve the agriculture export supply chain at the port to help businesses expand into global markets. He works with ocean carriers and other service providers to increase their use of Alliance facilities.

Balaski’s background includes over 25 years in the maritime transportation and logistics industry. Prior to joining the Alliance, he held positions in operations, project management, marketing and sales with Crowley Maritime, Horizon Lines and APL.

He received his master’s degree in business administration from Seattle University and his bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington.