The North Star Awards program recognizes customers and stakeholders doing business in the Seattle/Tacoma gateway for outstanding achievement and their contributions to the economic and environmental vitality of the Puget Sound region.
The annual awards celebrate companies demonstrating leadership through actions and initiatives that support the NWSA gateway.
Frequently asked questions
What are the North Star Awards?
We realize that strong, supportive relationships are key to our customers’ success. The NWSA created the North Star Awards program to recognize and reward partners in our gateway that exemplify leadership and through their actions demonstrate a commitment to the overall economic and environmental well-being of the gateway and our region.
What are the award categories?
- The Environmental Stewardship Award recognizes customers for innovative minds and adaptive measures that support the continued health of our region’s environment. Winners are selected based on leadership and activities that promote environmental sustainability in an industrial setting or demonstrates an overall commitment to the natural environment. Award criteria.
- The Cargo Anchor Awards recognize companies for business initiatives that grow cargo volume in the gateway and drive economic activity in our region. Winners are selected based on measurable marine cargo volume growth in the gateway and related jobs generated, whether from specific initiatives, improvements, or investments. Award criteria.
- The Service Excellence (Supply Chain Partner of the Year Award) recognizes a supply chain partner or stakeholder for activities and efforts that delivered a measurable, quantitative improvement in service levels, thereby enhancing the supply chain of their partners and the gateway as a whole. Award criteria.
- In 2025, The Northwest Seaport Alliance, in collaboration with the Washington Trucking Associations (WTA) and our marine terminals, announced two new Partner Awards for the North Star Awards program. Award Criteria
- The Terminal Partner of the Year Award recognizes a marine terminal (as a partner to the trucking community), for operational efficiency, ease of use and a high-level of customer service, contributing to a quality experience for truckers in the gateway.
- The Trucking Partner of the Year Award recognizes a trucking company (as a partner to our marine terminals) for consistent and reliable service and business practices that encourage collaborative working relationships and operational excellence at our marine terminals.
Who is eligible?
NWSA tenants, shippers and supply chain partners (ocean carriers, terminal operators, 3PLs, property developers and warehouse companies), stakeholders and non-profit entities. Companies are invited and encouraged to self-nominate, or feel free to nominate a firm deserving of recognition. If you are unsure about whether a company qualifies, contact Larry Kvidera at 253-428-8650.
What is the nomination process?
- Complete the application form and submit before the end of the nomination period.
- NWSA will notify nominees of receipt of their nomination form and confirm details of the application as necessary.
- Nominations will be reviewed by a selection committee comprised of NWSA Managing Member Co-Chairs and representatives from the local business and environmental communities.
When will winners be announced?
Winners will be notified by NWSA Staff on a date tbd. The North Star Awards will be presented at the NWSA Fall Customer Appreciation event.
Why compete for the North Star award?
We believe in celebrating success. The North Star Awards are a unique platform for companies to highlight their achievements and initiatives while building brand recognition in the NWSA gateway and across the maritime and transportation industry. Winners will be recognized throughout the year at port-related events, a presence on the NWSA web site, in NWSA digital communications and social media and in the industry press.