PIONEERS

In 2000, the Florida Foreign Trade Association (F.F.T.A.) made the commitment to undertake a project that would entail recording and showcasing Miami’s historic rise in international trade during the 1950s, 60s and 70s. It was during those decades that a dedicated and spirited group of entrepreneurs began transforming our city from its tourist based economy – and an almost insignificant role in foreign trade – to its current prominent leadership position in international commerce.

F.F.T.A. selected 194 Pioneers in International Trade Transportation industry (ocean, air, trucking and rail) for their vital contributions to the development of our thriving international trade community. The persons selected have been honored through various events. The Florida Foreign Trade Association now welcomes and applauds the project that the Port of Miami spearheaded to preserve and salute those individuals whom we recognize as having made a difference in promoting business relations between South Florida and the rest of the world.

The desire of F.F.T.A. to honor those men and women it has selected as Pioneers goes beyond the luncheons, gala dinners and the website that documents some of the individuals and their contributions.

The monument -commissioned by the Pioneers- located at the entrance of the Port of Miami, was designated Historic Landmark in 2014.

The Tribute clearly conveys the positive spirit, the innovation, dedication and optimism of our Pioneers. We believe the project represent the celebration of a wonderful, powerful and dynamic period in our community, which was propelled by the synergism of many factors and individuals. The Pioneers provided the momentum and the foundation upon which the Gateway of the Americas was built, thereby fueling Miami’s spectacular rise to prominence in international trade.

TRIBUTE VIDEOS

LIST OF PIONEERS

The Florida Foreign Trade Association (FFTA) is a non-profit trade organization incorporated in July 1985 that represents the most diverse group of individuals and companies in the foreign trade.