Bergeron To Receive 2018 C. Alvin Bertel Award From New Orleans World Trade Center

Later this month, the World Trade Center of New Orleans will present its annual C. Alvin Bertel Award to William T. “Bill” Bergeron, CEO of Bergeron Resources LLC & Affiliated Companies and a former commissioner of the Port of New Orleans.

First presented in 1967, the C. Alvin Bertel Award honors individuals who have made a lasting impact on Louisiana’s port community.  The award ceremony will be held July 25 at the Intercontinental Hotel in downtown New Orleans.

“I am honored to receive this coveted award and be recognized by my peers for my many accomplishments,” Bergeron said in a statement. “The maritime industry is integral to our community’s culture and economy, and I have been fortunate to participate in all aspects of this industry.”

Bergeron’s impact on the maritime industry spans more than a half century. He got his start at a family-owned machine and fabrication shop in St. Bernard Parish, just downriver from New Orleans. Under Bergeron’s leadership, that business grew from a small machine shop with 10 employees into a marine manufacturing and service firm with as many as 1,400 employees and operations in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Venezuela.

In 1973, Bergeron negotiated a contract to build the Steamboat Natchez, building and launching the sternwheeler from the Bergeron Machine Shop fabrication yard in Braithwaite, La., in Plaquemines Parish. The Natchez, owned and operated by the New Orleans Steamboat Company, has offered New Orleans-area excursions on the Mississippi River since its launch in 1975.

Bergeron has received a number of accolades for his leadership in the regional maritime industry, including the Governor’s Lantern Award from former Louisiana Gov. Dave Treen and a special recognition from former Alabama Gov. Fob James for his barge construction facility in that state.

Most recently, Bergeron served as chairman of the board of commissioners for the Port of New Orleans. His term on the board expired earlier this year.

Each year, a committee of 11 New Orleans area international trade, transportation and economic development organizations selects the C. Alvin Bertel Award recipient. Nominating organizations include the Port of New Orleans; the City of New Orleans; the International Freight Forwarders and Customs Brokers Association; Louisiana Maritime Association; Jefferson Parish; the New Orleans Board of Trade; the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce; the Plaquemines Port, Harbor & Terminal District; the Port of South Louisiana; St. Bernard Port, Harbor & Terminal District; and the World Trade Center of New Orleans.

For tickets to the noon award ceremony and luncheon or sponsorship details, visit www.wtcno.org or contact Meaghan McCormack, vice president of marketing and communications, at by email at mmccormack@wtcno.org.