MR. Gary p. lAGRANGE
MR. EUGENE J. SCHREIBER
(posthumous)
2012 Recipients
International Achievement Award
In 2012, The International Achievement Award was presented to two globally recognized gentlemen. Mr. Gary LaGrange, President and Chief Executive officer of the Port of New Orleans and—posthumously—to Mr. Gene Schreiber, former Managing Director of the WTC In N.O.
The World Trade Center of New Orleans and the Port of New Orleans have both greatly influenced the history of Louisiana, particularly its business economy and international prestige. Both organizations have influenced not only the New Orleans region, but all of Louisiana, the Gulf Coast and beyond—and both have made concerted efforts to assist with the economic development of the Acadiana area. As Louisiana celebrates the bicentennial of its statehood, the ITDG Board believes it is appropriate to recognize the collaborative efforts and accomplishments of these two organizations historically and in recent times. Notably, the New Orleans port was the primary impetus for the 1803 Louisiana Purchase, which led in turn to the 1812 statehood.
Gary P. LaGrange has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Port of New Orleans since September 10, 2001. Under LaGrange’s direction the Port made great expansions in spite of great adversity. LaGrange’s leadership brought the Port of New Orleans back into operation two weeks after Hurricane Katrina. During his tenure, the Port opened new, state-of-the-art container, cruise, and refrigerated terminals. Before taking leadership at the Port of New Orleans, LaGrange served as the executive director of the Mississippi State Port Authority in Gulfport, Miss., and executive director of the Port of South Louisiana on the Mississippi River as well as the Port of West St. Mary. While at the Port of WSM Gary participated in many of Le Centre’s international events and promoted international business between Central America and Acadiana.
Eugene J. Schreiber served as Managing Director of the World Trade Center of New Orleans for over 32 years. Schreiber was very passionate about the city of New Orleans, and under his direction, the city’s World Trade Center organized more than 1,500 seminars, conferences, country briefings, inbound and outbound trade missions, and other international trade programs in support of Louisiana’s export-import growth, port activity, and economic development. His energy and optimism motivated everyone he met, and his tireless work for New Orleans and Louisiana made a lasting and positive imprint on the economy of our state and region. In spite of his accomplishments, Schreiber remained a modest and selfless individual who was an eloquent advocate for the city of New Orleans. Schreiber passed away on July 20, 2011. Mr. Schreiber's widow accepted the award on his behalf.