Member Spotlight: Get to know Chris Sloope

Get to know Chris Sloope, Chief Operating Officer at The JZ Expedited Companies and Propeller Club Board Member in this month's Member Spotlight.

Where are you from/hometown?  I was born and raised here in Jacksonville, FL but spent much of my adult life in Tampa, FL so am a little conflicted as to where I call home.

If not Jacksonville, how long have you lived in Jacksonville? I moved back to Jacksonville 3-years ago to join the JZ companies.

Briefly explain your job and major responsibilities: I am the Chief Operating Officer for The JZ Expedited Companies, a family of companies dedicated to solving all facets of the supply chain for our clients. I focus on leading the daily activities of our business units and their continued growth. Our companies have experienced rapid growth over the last few years and I am looking forward to continuing to be a part of this progress.

Any prior employment you’d like to share? I worked for Crowley here in Jacksonville to start my career. Before joining JZ, I was Vice President of Americas World Group, in Tampa, FL. AWG was a group of trade & transportation companies focused on international building material distribution as well as international shipping through our in-house NVOCC.

If you went to college, where did you go and what was your major/minor/degree? Saint Leo University, Bachelors of Science in Business Administration

How long have you been a member of the Propeller Club? 2 years.

Why did you join the club? Please also include your favorite thing about the Propeller Club. I joined the club because of the networking opportunities when I returned to Jacksonville. While the networking is excellent I was immediately impressed by the positive contribution the Propeller Club makes to the maritime industry as well as the broader Jacksonville community.

What is your favorite Propeller Club event? The Pirate Party is my favorite. It raises money for a worthwhile charity and is a very fun evening.

Family/Significant Other/Pets? In this regard I am the luckiest guy you know. I have an amazing wife, Nicole, two daughters, Faith and Lucy, and the most handsome dog you’ve ever seen, Duke.

What is your proudest moment/achievement? I enjoy being a part of a successful team. One of the most notable projects I have been a part of was Msheireb Downtown Doha which was a revitalization of a downtown area in Qatar bringing it to a modern, beautiful, yet traditional city center. We supplied millions of feet of high-quality building materials chosen specifically for their safety and performance ratings. Successfully navigating the numerous challenges, such as the introduction of this product into a new market, international financing, obtaining requisite certificates/warranties and other political and logistical tests remains a proud achievement.

What is something unique about you that you’d like to share…hobby/hidden talent/award? I don’t think I have any great talents but my wife thinks I do pretty good impressions so I guess that qualifies.  

Student Club: UNF Coggin at the IANA Expo

University of North Florida Coggin College of Business had a team of three students recently compete in the Intermodal Association of North America’s Intermodal EXPO 2019 Student Case Competition in Long Beach, California.

About a month before the competition, groups were given a set of data related to intermodal transport over the last 20 years. They were asked to simply assess the data and prepare a presentation discussing the factors that contributed to the fluctuations in the given areas of intermodal transport (long-haul trucking, international intermodal, domestic intermodal).

Teams were asked to create a PowerPoint and present in front of a panel of judges for ten minutes. After all eight schools presented, the top three schools moved on to a second-round where they were shown a new set of data and forced to analyze it and answer questions on the fly. Coggin was one of these top three schools.

In addition to competing in the Case Competition, UNF's team members and five additional students attended the Expo. They attended learning sessions and were able to network with transportation and logistics professionals from around the country. Students from every university represented were also treated to a boat tour of the Port of Long Beach and the Port of LA.

Please join us in congratulating UNF on this accomplishment!

Member Spotlight: Get to know Whitney Croxton

Get to know Whitney Croxton, Senior Marketing Coordinator, Jacksonville Port Authority, who now serves as the club’s Vice President of Programs in this month’s Member Spotlight.Where are you from/hometown? I am a Jacksonville native (#ilovejax).Briefly explain your job and major responsibilities: Each day I have the opportunity to promote one of our region’s greatest economic drivers – JAXPORT. I am responsible for managing the port’s trade show and events calendar as well as assisting with the port’s marketing efforts. I also serve as the Editor of JAXPORT publications.How long have you worked at your current job? 3 yearsAny prior employment you’d like to share? After graduating college, I spent two years on the marketing team at W&O Supply where I met former club president Tammy Emerson.If you went to college, where did you go and what was your major/minor/degree? University of North Florida, Bachelor  of Science, CommunicationsHow long have you been a member of the Propeller Club? A few years off and on since 2012, but 2 years consistently since joining the port.Why did you join the club?  I have come to have a deeper appreciation for what this industry means to our community since joining the JAXPORT team. As a daddy’s girl, I spent most of my summers riding along in his big rig moving cargo in and out of the port. I have grown up watching this port grow and I am proud of the work we continue to do today to build the port of the future.  Being a part of this organization is one small way I can give back to a community that supported my family’s livelihood when I was growing up and ensure it continues to do so for generations to come.What is your favorite Propeller Club event? I enjoy every event! But I would have to say my favorite is State of the Port. I serve in dual roles for this event – both with my job at the port as well as my role in the club, working behind the scenes to assist in the event production. From where I stand, which is off to the side or in the back, I get to watch the audience’s reaction to the message being delivered.Family/Significant Other/Pets? I have a fiancé Jeff, two boys – Garrett and Grant – and a dog named Bailey

What is your proudest moment/achievement? Professionally, I would say was when my team received the Award of Excellence, the American Association of Port Authority’s highest honor, for a video profiling Jacksonville Bar Pilot Captain Chris Mons last fall. Click here to check it out!

What is something unique about you that you’d like to share…hobby/hidden talent/award? It’s definitely a hidden talent these days – but I can carry a tune in a bucket. I sang in church as a child and performed in my high school choral program – even won my high school pageant with a song and dance to Natalie Cole’s ‘L-O-V-E’. Now I prefer to save my vocals for carpool karaoke.Connect with Whitney on LinkedIn & Twitter (@WhitneyCroxton) or via email: Whitney.Croxton@JAXPORT.com

Member Spotlight: Get to Know Thomas Cancellare

Get to know Thomas Cancellare, Director of Sales, Courtyard Jacksonville I-295/East Beltway, who now serves as the club's of Vice President of Membership in this month's Member Spotlight.Where are you from/hometown? Ft. Lauderdale, FL- Queens, NYIf not Jacksonville, how long have you lived in Jacksonville? 6 yearsBriefly explain your job and major responsibilities: I am responsible for all Sales and Marketing efforts. This includes all group and special corporate business as well as revenue management.How long have you worked at your current job? I just celebrated 10 years with Shaner Hotels.Any prior employment you’d like to share? I worked in my families photography business for over 20 years.If you went to college, where did you go and what was your major/minor/degree? University of Florida majoring in Fine Arts.How long have you been a member of the Propeller Club? 6 years. My father was a member of Propeller Club Port Everglades over 40 years ago.Why did you join the club? When I first saw the close proximity of our hotel to JAXPORT's Blount Island/Dames Point terminals I knew I needed to get involved and learn everything I could about JAXPORT. My favorite thing about Propeller Club is the people. From day one I was made to feel welcomed and part of the Propeller Club family.What is your favorite Propeller Club event? Pirate Party Aargh!Family/Significant Other/Pets? My wife and I celebrated our 25^th wedding anniversary last year. We have a son Thomas and two dogs Marley and Bindi.What is your proudest moment/achievement? I was named Sales Associate of the Year for Shaner Hotels a few years back.What is something unique about you that you’d like to share…hobby/hidden talent/award? When I worked as a photographer I had the opportunity to meet and photograph many famous politicians and celebrities such as Presidents Reagan, Bush-41, and Ford. I also photographed Beyonce when she was just starting out with Destiny’s Child. Nice kids but who knew they would become such big stars!Connect with Thomas: tcancellare@shanercorp.com

Jacksonville Propeller Club Seeking an Executive Secretary

To support the efficient operation of the club, the Propeller Club - Port of Jacksonville is seeking an Executive Secretary. The full job description for this part-time role is available below. Club President Lindsey Brock and his leadership team will accept resumes through end of business on Friday, July 5.  Resumes can be sent to propclubjax@gmail.com._____________________________________________________________________________________________PROPELLER CLUB OF JACKSONVILLEEXECUTIVE SECRETARYJOB DESCRIPTIONSummaryUnder the direct supervision of the president this position provides administrative and secretarial support for the president, officers and board members to facilitate the efficient operation of the club.  The duties and responsibilities include a wide range of administrative and office support activities such as, but are not limited to,  financial record keeping, coordination of meetings and events, obtaining supplies, answering both mail and email correspondence and working on any special projects.  Also, independent judgment is required to plan, prioritize and organize a diversified workload.Job Duties and ResponsibilitiesFinancial / Accounting

• Check P.O. Box weekly for mail and checks payments to the club for membership, events, etc.

• Record checks and deposits in spreadsheet according to the club’s template.

• Ensure club invoices are paid on time.

• Prepare deposit slip and make deposits to the club’s bank account.

• Collect all funds during events.

• Coordinate with club officers to ensure petty cash is available for events.

Membership & Corporate Membership

• Record and maintain club membership records and Corporate Membership records according to the club’s processes.

• Update regional and international club records.

Board Meetings

• Coordinate monthly board meetings with appropriate venues to reserve date, choose menu selection, and follow up to report headcount.

• Send out Board Meeting reminders via email to all officers, board members, immediate past presidents, and ex-officio’s.

• Attend meeting and take minutes.

• Prepare an agenda for the board meeting by working with the President and officers of the club.

• Prepare enough copies of minutes, agenda, etc to hand out at meeting.

Events

• Coordinate with VP Programs (or Event Chair) to assist in reserving venues, reviewing contracts, choosing menu selection.

• Attend the events, welcome guests and handle registration.

• Run any errands necessary to prepare for that event.

• Prepare a check-list of responsibilities for each event.

Administrative/Office

• Assist with reservations for all events.

• Check email every workday and respond to inquiries as necessary.

• Prepare and log checks for events, bills, etc., and have signed by President or Treasurer.

• Maintain files on events, sponsorship info, membership info, board meeting info, any related administrative issues with regional and the International club.

• Prepare printed mass mailings.

• Send reminders regarding events, deadlines for contracts, deposits on events, etc.

• Contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.

Supervisory ResponsibilityThis position has no supervisory responsibilities.Work EnvironmentThis job operates in an executive and professional environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, software applications, photocopiers, etc.Physical DemandsThis is largely a sedentary role; however, some lifting, standing or bending may be required as necessary.Position Type and Expected Hours of WorkThis is a part-time position. Days and hours of work vary depending on the club’s meetings and events.TravelNo travel is expected for this position with the exception of within the local Jacksonville area.Other DutiesPlease note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.  Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.Required Education and Experience

• High School Diploma

• At least one year of administrative experience

• Knowledge of clerical and administrative procedures and record keeping

• Knowledge of principles and practices of basic office management

• Proficient computer skills and knowledge of relevant software such as Microsoft Office Suite

Key Competencies / Qualifications

• Communication Skills (written and verbal)

• Organizational and Planning Skills

• Attention to Detail and Accuracy

• Ability to Prioritize and Be Flexible

• Judgment and Decision-Making Ability

• Problem Assessment and Problem Solving

• Teamwork

• Initiative

• Integrity