Lowe’s, one of the largest users of The Port of Virginia®, is the recipient of the port’s 2023 Shipper of the Year award.

The annual award is presented by the port at the Virginia Maritime Association International Trade Symposium. It recognizes an exceptional shipper that works with the port to make it better for all users.

left to right: Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, Kara Matzko, director of strategic accounts for The Port of Virginia, Sean Conner, Lowe’s senior manager of government affairs, Brian Bernarding, Lowe’s senior director of international transportation and logistics (at the podium) and Pennie Ayers, Lowe’s vice president of supply chain transportation

The award was presented Oct. 5, by Thomas D. Capozzi, chief sales and marketing officer for Virginia International Terminals LLC., the port’s private operating company. On hand to receive the award for Lowe’s were Pennie Ayers, vice president of supply chain transportation and Brian Bernarding, senior director of international transportation and logistics, and Sean Conner, senior manager of government affairs. Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin was also present at the ceremony and congratulated the Lowe’s team.

“Lowe’s imports a growing number of products for its retail locations through The Port of Virginia,” Capozzi said. “Not only is Lowe’s an import customer for the port, it is also a significant corporate citizen in Hampton Roads. We’re working with the Lowe’s team to help it grow its cargo volumes through the port and leverage our assets and operating model to better ensure predictability and stability in the company’s supply chain.”

In October 2022, Lowe’s announced plans to develop the 1.5 million-square-foot import distribution center in the Virginia Port Logistics Park in Suffolk, VA.