Virginia Beach, Va. – May 8, 2025 – The Hampton Roads Global Commerce Council (HRGCC), a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing together and serving the industries in Hampton Roads associated with national and international commerce, has awarded the prestigious Commerce Builder Award to Roger J. Giesinger in recognition of his 28 years as President and Chief Negotiator of the Hampton Roads Shipping Association.
The Commerce Builder Award has been awarded annually since 1956 to an individual or company whose contributions have significantly influenced the growth of commerce and trade in the Commonwealth of Virginia. This year’s presentation took place at the State of the Port of Virginia luncheon on May 8th at the Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront.
Roger J. Giesinger’s distinguished career in labor relations has been marked by his exceptional ability to create enduring partnerships between employers and labor groups, particularly the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA). His leadership at the Port of Hampton Roads resulted in an unbroken record of labor peace, with no work stoppages during his tenure. Giesinger was a key negotiator for four Master Contracts and numerous local agreements that simultaneously supported the port’s competitiveness and protected workers’ interests.
Beyond labor negotiations, Giesinger made a lasting impact on workforce development and safety. In 1995, he founded a training program for the ILA that significantly enhanced operational safety and efficiency, while also generating financial gains for employers. He played a pivotal role in recruiting and training thousands of longshoremen and pioneered the implementation of the nation’s first random drug testing program at a U.S. port, reinforcing a safety-oriented culture that contributed to exemplary safety records.
Giesinger’s forward-thinking approach also brought transformative innovations to port operations. He introduced an electronic hiring system that streamlined workforce management and improved quality of life for laborers. Additionally, his efforts in developing the top-performing container-on-barge operation and supporting the semi-automation of the Virginia International Gateway demonstrated his commitment to technological advancement and industry modernization.
His influence extended well beyond the port, as he served on prominent industry boards such as the U.S. Maritime Alliance and the Virginia Maritime Association. Giesinger’s ability to harmonize the needs of labor and management earned him widespread respect and several honors, including the Virginia Maritime Association Distinguished Service Award in 2014. His legacy was further celebrated in 2024 with a dedicated exhibit at Nauticus, recognizing his nearly three decades of contributions to Virginia’s maritime industry.
About the Hampton Roads Global Commerce Council
Founded in the early 1950s, the Hampton Roads Global Commerce Council (HRGCC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the international commerce of the United States through the Hampton Roads region. Through education, information-sharing, and networking, the Council fulfills its mission to bring together and serve industries in Hampton Roads that are associated with national and international commerce. Since 1956, the Commerce Builder Award has been presented to recipients who have displayed extraordinary vision and outstanding leadership qualities.
