Eze Burts

Location of Interview
Collection Name

Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project

Description

The Port of Los Angeles celebrated its Centennial on December 9, 2007.  As part of the Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project, these interviews feature various members of the Los Angeles Harbor Area community who were interviewed in 2007 to document different eras in Port history.

Interviewer
Transcribers

National Capital Contracting 

Audio
Transcript
Biographical Sketch

Eze Burt is recognized for his influential role as the former executive director of the Port of Los Angeles, a position through which he made significant contributions to the port's development and operations. His professional journey is marked by his tenure at one of the most critical maritime facilities in the United States, where he navigated complex political and economic landscapes. Burt's background reflects a deep understanding of the port's history and the intricacies of its management, shaped by the vision of influential figures such as Mayor Tom Bradley. His leadership at the Port of Los Angeles was characterized by a focus on fostering a symbiotic relationship between the city and the port, ensuring that the port's growth and success were aligned with the city's broader objectives. After a notable period of service, Burt transitioned to a new leadership role as the president of the Greater Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, carrying with him a sense of pride for his achievements at the port and a sentimental connection to the colleagues and staff he worked alongside.

Scope and Content Note
This interview with Eze Burt providds a comprehensive overview of his experiences and the strategic initiatives undertaken during his leadership at the Port of Los Angeles. The content delves into the myriad challenges and triumphs associated with managing one of the busiest ports in the world, including the execution of the Alameda Corridor project, which stands as a testament to the port's commitment to innovation and efficiency in transportation. Burt's narrative sheds light on the port's international marketing strategies, its competitive dynamics with the neighboring Port of Long Beach, and the evolving role of environmental considerations in port operations. The interview also emphasizes the strategic importance of securing long-term contracts with major shipping lines and the development of infrastructure, such as Pier 400, to accommodate the new generation of larger vessels. Furthermore, Burt reflects on the environmental repercussions of port activities and the significance of initiatives like the Alameda Corridor in mitigating these impacts. He discusses the port's relationship with the local community of San Pedro, addressing the socioeconomic shifts brought about by containerization, the closure of Todd Shipyard, the decline of the fishing industry, and the rise of intermodalism. The interview captures Burt's perspective at the conclusion of his twelve-year tenure, highlighting both his sense of accomplishment and the emotional difficulty of parting ways with the port community.


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