With nearly a quarter century of distinguished Florida port leadership, SeaPort Manatee Executive Director Carlos Buqueras is globally renowned for his visionary achievements in all facets of seaport business development and operations, including containerized, bulk and breakbulk cargos, as well as cruise and ferry industry prominence.

Prior to taking the helm at SeaSeaPort Manatee in January 2012, Mr. Buqueras served 22 years as director of business development at Port Everglades in South Florida’s Broward County, responsible for $100 million
en ingresos portuarios anuales.

In 2014 Mr.Buqueras noticed Manatee County and Florida as a whole was missing a vital piece in today’s growing economy and globalization. That’s when the International Trade Hub at SeaSeaPort Manatee was made. A HUB like no other, focusing soly on International Trade.

As the International Trade HUB Manager at SeaPort Manatee, Roxana Santoyo has been overseeing day-to-day operations, as well as long-term planning for the last five years. She creates and delivers proposals and programs while working directly with the senior leadership of international companies seeking to relocate to Florida. She collaborates with International Trade Commissioners and C-level executives to identify opportunities in the region. Proactively advocates Florida’s international advantages through participation in international conferences, seminars, workshops, and webinars – through speeches, presentations, and panel discussions. While establishing a synergy of promotional programs with other economic development and strategic alliance partners.