Though Western Fumigation has worked in many ports along the Eastern Seaboard, including those in North Carolina, New Jersey, Virginia, New York, Baltimore, and Tampa and Jacksonville, FL, the Parsippany, NJ-based company is committed and closely tied to its operations along the Delaware River.

Western Fumigation’s Barbara Hunter, Don Chrobak, Miriam Borja-Fisher, Kurt Reichert and Michael O’Connor. (Photo courtesy of Western Fumigation)“The ports of the Delaware River have so much to offer and are uniquely positioned to grow into the future. With the go ahead for the 45-foot channel, the network of trucking, warehousing, cold storage and transportation, this hub has everything to offer potential port users,” said Division Manager Michael O’Connor.

Despite ample experience in other ports of call, it is clear Western feels a special connection to the Delaware River region. Since 1978, Western has been performing U.S. Department of Agriculture quarantine treatments, and during that time has become one of the larger companies in the treatment of perishables in the United States.

That track record in no small part accounts for Western’s deep integration into all the major port organizations in the tri-state area and has created a culture of giving back.

“Supporting the Delaware River community has been a consistent part of Western’s business philosophy for over 34 years,” said Barbara Hunter, Western marketing expert and industry veteran. “Being deeply involved in the ports gives us the opportunity to learn how to serve our clients in more meaningful ways. Making a contribution has always been indicative of our corporate culture.”

Western’s contributions to the region come in many forms, from technical innovations that keep Delaware River cargo moving to membership, support and participation on key industry boards and committees and in all the tri-state organizations that keep the ports viable and growing as a community.

On the technical side, Compliance Officer Kurt Reichert serves on three key committees affecting port security, operations and worker safety. On the community side, Western supports key charities in the port community, including the Seamen’s Church Institute of Philadelphia and South Jersey, Seamen’s Center of Wilmington, The Chapel of Four Chaplains and Autism Speaks.

“Being the largest company in this business brings with it a sense of social responsibility,” said Business Development Manager Miriam Borja-Fisher. “We are proud to be sponsors of numerous worthwhile charities.”

“The ports of the Delaware River have a great sense of community despite the competitive spirit that exists and the numerous trade organizations and port associations in the three states that operate here,” said Don Chrobak, a 38-year Western veteran. “This is unique.”

“Given our history and loyalty to the community, you could say we strive to bring new meaning to the term ‘port support,’“ said Ms. Borja-Fisher.

Western maintains a seat on the boards of key port organizations like the Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River and Bay, the World Trade Association, Ship Philly First and the Chilean American Chamber of Commerce. Western personnel are also active members and supporters of both the Philadelphia and Wilmington Maritime Societies and the Women’s International Trade Association.

Those efforts have not gone unnoticed. Among the many awards in the Western trophy cabinet are the CACC Friend of Chile Award; the SCI Spirit of the Port Award; the WITA Outstanding Achievement Award; the Ports of Philadelphia & Camden Cocoa Award; the Chilean Exporters Association Award of Recognition for contribution to the development of the fresh produce industry; the Chapel of Four Chaplains Legion of Honor Award; the SCW Seafarers’ Friend Award; and recognition by the Produce Marketing Association for its support of the Chilean Earthquake Relief Campaign.