As director of the Washington Public Ports Association    Washington Public Ports Association Latest from The Business Journals Questions for: Eric Johnson, Exective Director, Washington Public Ports AssociationWashington ports exports up, imports below expectationsAs large ports struggle, some small competitors shine Follow this company , Eric Johnson advocates for the state's 75 port districts in the state Legislature, seeking support for the investments needed to help the state stay competitive in global trade. See the March 3 print edition of the Puget Sound Business Journal for more questions with Johnson.

About why ports are especially important in Washington: One of the things our state's ports take advantage of is the tremendous trade route we have here through Puget Sound and the Columbia River. When you're sitting on a trade route that has vessel calls, trains and good air connections, it helps everybody in the economy who grows things and build things. You want to be connected to the world — the more connections you have, the better off you are.

About the difference between the big coastal seaports and the more numerous inland ports: The seaports provide the maritime links to the world and a lot of very good waterfront jobs. The inland ports typically provide industrial property and rail spurs, warehouses, (and) manufacturing centers that support our manufacturing base. The inland ports also provide a lot of critical cargo movement facilities for the state's agricultural exports.

On the changing role of smaller seaports: The smaller seaports try to find niche markets and niche cargoes, and many of our ports have been very successful doing that. Bulk exports of grains, fertilizer, are great commodities for those smaller seaports. Anacortes exports calcined coke, Olympia exports logs, Grays Harbor is exporting most of the GM cars being driven in Asia — these are success stories. I see it continuing fairly strongly. A lot of those commodity streams show strengths and likelihood for future growth. Our marine cargo forecasts show continued moderate growth.

Steve Wilhelm covers manufacturing, aerospace and trade for the Puget Sound Business Journal.