Holland America Line Hosts 22nd Annual South Florida Business Leaders’ Luncheon for Seafarers’ House at Port Everglades
Bob
Swindell, president and CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, honored
Seattle, Wash., Nov. 27, 2017 — Holland America Line hosted the 22nd annual South Florida
Business Leaders' Luncheon for the Seafarers' House aboard ms Oosterdam Friday,
Nov. 17, 2017, at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Holland America
Line President Orlando Ashford was in attendance to celebrate the long-standing
partnership with the local organization.
During the event, Seafarers' House honored Bob Swindell, the 2017 Business
Leader of the Year. Swindell is president and CEO of the Greater Fort
Lauderdale Alliance, Broward County's official public/private partnership for
economic development.
"Seafarers' House is a vitally important organization for our crew when our
ships are visiting Port Everglades, giving them a place to turn for guidance or
simply relax when they are so far away from their own homes," said Ashford.
"I'm thrilled that I was able to come in from our Seattle headquarters and
attend the luncheon, which is a highlight of our community giving season in
South Florida."
Swindell, a lifelong Broward resident, has served in several business and
community leadership roles. He was appointed commissioner for the Florida Board
of Harbor Pilot Commissioners by Florida governors Martinez, Chiles and Bush;
and in 2012, Governor Scott appointed him to the Board of Pilot Commissioners
for a two-year term.
He serves on several boards including CareerSource Broward, United Way of
Broward County, Junior Achievement of South Florida, Winterfest and the Broward
Education Foundation. He is a past chairman of the Florida Economic Development
Council (FEDC). Since October of 2005 he has served on the Florida Atlantic
Research & Development Park Authority as an appointee of the Broward County
Commission. Swindell also served on the board of directors for NAIOP and
Enterprise Florida.
"Holland America Line and Seafarers' House have built an incredible
relationship over the years, and it's because of our community partners that
we're able to provide so many services to the deserving crew members that visit
Port Everglades," said Lesley Warrick, executive director of Seafarers' House.
"Every year we look forward to our annual luncheon on board a Holland
America Line ship, and we're thankful for another memorable event and the
generous cruise donation that we raffled off to raise funds."
Seafarers' House at Port Everglades is a multi-faith cooperation that is open
throughout the year as a safe, friendly place where mariners can connect with
their families, relax or get emergency assistance if needed. Seafarers' House
offers many services including low-cost international phone calls, free
transportation, internet access, counseling services and recreational
facilities.
Seafarers' House hosts more than 150,000 visitors annually by cruise and cargo
ship crew members. For additional information visit seafarershouse.org.
About Holland
America Line's Charitable Giving
Each year, Holland America Line hosts more than 25 shipboard charity luncheons
for nearly 5,000 guests in its homeport cities. In addition, Holland America
Line and its corporate foundation's charitable-giving programs provide cash
sponsorships, in-kind donations, free- and reduced-fare cruise donations for
nonprofit fundraising events, donations of usable shipboard items around the
world, employee volunteerism and other philanthropic activities.
For more information, contact a travel professional, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.
CONTACT: Sally Andrews PHONE: 800-637-5029 EMAIL: pr@hollandamerica.com
