CONCORD, CA - The California State Legislature recognized Mr. George Hayashi, Chairman, President & CEO of MOL (America) Inc., for 38 years of exemplary leadership in the development of marine transportation, in the growth of maritime commerce and in community affairs. Mr. Hayashi was honored at the California State Capitol on May 13, 2002. The awards ceremony, held on the floor of the Assembly, launched the first annual “California Marine Intermodal Transportation System Month,” a legislated celebration of the California maritime industry.
In a joint rules committee resolution authored by the Honorable K. Maurice Johnnessen, 4th Senatorial District, and the Honorable Alan Lowenthal, 54th Assembly District, Mr. Hayashi received special honors and the highest commendations for bringing credit and distinction to himself through his career and civic achievements. The resolution highlighted Mr. Hayashi’s contributions to the ocean transportation business, the United States-Asian business and cultural communities and local San Francisco Bay Area charities.
The joint resolution highlighted Mr. Hayashi’s career contributions to the ocean transportation industry. Those cited were his corporate executive leadership of two premier companies, MOL and APL his participation and contributions to the development of containerization in the Pacific; his distinction of being the first non-Japanese citizen to become a Board Member of a Japanese shipping company, which required a special act of legislation in Japan; his commitment to high service standards; his leadership in the development of integrated transportation and logistics capabilities; his foresight in recognizing the importance utilizing information technology to standardize and simplify shipping industry processes; and corporate adherence to the highest moral and ethical standards.
Also cited were Mr. Hayashi’s leadership in maritime industry associations, which included his current position on the Board of the Pacific Maritime Association; past Chairmanships of VASCOR, Inc. and the Trans-Pacific Stabilization Agreement; as well as former Board Member of the American Bureau of Shipping and the International Council of Containership Operators.
Additionally, Mr. Hayashi was recognized for his contribution of time, commitment and leadership in community and cultural organizations and activities. Those referenced were his current position as Vice Chairman of the Japan Society of Northern California, past Vice Chairmanship of the Bay Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, Board Member of the Summit Medical Center of Oakland, Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, National Center for Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation, Alameda County Economic Development Advisory Board, and Japanese Executive Council of the Bay Area United Way.
A reception was held in the state capitol rotunda following the ceremony honoring Mr. Hayashi and three additional California maritime professionals, as well as celebrating the beginning of “California Marine Intermodal Transportation System Month” (CA-MITS).
Media Contact:
Ann Elleflot
Manager, Advertising/Communications
MOL (America) Inc.
Telephone: (925/688-2604)
e-mail (ann.elleflot@molamerica.com).