RECEIVING THE 23nd ANNUAL “FRIEND OF CHILE” AWARD
Frank W. Manfredi, President, Manfredi Cold Storage & Dist. Inc.
Frank Manfredi, President of Manfredi Cold Storage, has been a part of The Manfredi Companies since he was 11 years old. He grew up in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania on his family’s mushroom farm, and attended the University of Delaware where he studied engineering and accounting. After leaving college, Frank moved into business full-time with his father and his brother, John Manfredi. Frank started out working on the loading dock receiving and shipping fresh mushrooms while his brother handled the sales. Over time they saw a need for more cold storage space and together founded Manfredi Cold Storage in 1985.
Working with Chilean companies, growers, and products is a major part and function of Frank’s business. This work includes offering Chilean growers solutions with drayage services from the Delaware River waterfront, to warehousing, storage, repacking, reconditioning, ripening, and transportation to their end customers. Working as a grower himself allowed Frank to develop a sense of urgency and commitment to all product that moves through his facility. Frank is involved in all facets of the cold storage business from hands-on design, all construction, information and temperature control systems, as well as warehouse execution. Frank works with a team of dedicated people, always challenging one another to strive for excellence while moving the company forward.
RECEIVING THE 2022 ALBERT S. MARULLI “LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT” AWARD
Theresa DePietro, Director of Pier Operations, William H. Kopke, Jr., Inc.
This December will mark Terry DePietro’s 40th anniversary working with William H. Kopke Jr. Inc. As Kopke’s Director of Pier Operations, she has always been on the move, working on the waterfront at the Port of Wilmington, DE, Holt Terminal, Packer Ave., Tioga Marine Terminal, and Pier 84, among others. Terry’s incredible work ethic suited her well to handle the 24/7 demands of the Chilean fruit business.
Terry’s dedication and leadership would come in handy during her career working for Kopke, the world’s largest importer of Chilean grapes. Over the last 40 years, Terry has seen many changes in the industry and has seamlessly met all demands by thinking and acting quickly on her feet. In 2019, Terry’s dedication to the industry led to her induction as a Board Member of the Chilean American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia.
SPECIAL MEMORIAL PRESENTATION IN HONOR OF
The Late Dennis Rochford, Past President, Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River and Bay and Past Board Member, Chilean & American Chamber of Commerce
Dennis Rochford, a true champion of the Delaware River ports, passed away on July 31, 2021.
Dennis became President of the Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River and Bay in 1994, and worked tirelessly to advocate for the organizations’ members throughout the tri-state region. A few of Dennis’ significant accomplishments include the development of Maritime On-Line and the partnership developed with the Transportation Security Administration in the development of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). Additionally, Dennis worked closely with local and federal elected officials, providing on-going and up to date information to the Maritime Exchange’s tri-state Congressional delegation concerning a range of key issues critical to the success of the regional port complex.
Generous with sharing his expertise, Dennis served on the board of directors of the American Metals Supply Chain Institute, the Chilean American Chamber of Commerce, the Ports of Philadelphia Maritime Society, and the Port of Wilmington Maritime Society. Dennis was a founding member and past president of the National Association of Maritime Organizations and served as Chair of the North Atlantic Ports Association Maritime Committee. Dennis was elected a Member of the American Bureau of Shipping in 2001. He also served on the board of directors of the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation and was a former long-standing member of the Delaware Health Care Commission. In 2009, Delaware Governor Jack Markell appointed Dennis Chair of the Sports and Video Lottery Commission. In January 2010, Dennis began serving as Chair of Delaware’s New Castle County Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Council.
For more than 14 years, his expertise on issues of government and business resulted in weekly Monday evening appearances on the former WHYY-TV 12 news program, Delaware Tonight.
Far more than his professional accomplishments, Dennis was a confidante, a natural leader, and a great friend. He is dearly missed.