The Port of Bellingham plays a vital role in the economic development of Whatcom County. Supported by tax revenues, the Port manages transportation in the area, holds a sizeable real-estate portfolio and is charged with creating jobs in the private sector. Charlie Sheldon was named Executive Director of the Port in October of 2010, succeeding long-time ED Jim Darling. It's been somewhat of a bumpy ride so far - the Port is involved in an ongoing airport expansion and the redevelopment of the former Georgia Pacific mill site on the downtown waterfront, a controversial effort that has been challenged by the economic decline that has occurred since planning began.

In October of last year, one year after taking the job, Sheldo...