CNBC's morning financial news show, Squawk Box, was broadcast live from Port of Seattle's Terminal 18 this morning. The show highlighted how the port is driving economic growth for the region. Squawk Box correspondent Carl Quintanilla is featuring five cities this week that are outpacing the rest of the country in economic growth as part of his "Opportunity U.S.A." series. Quintanilla called Seattle's port the "port of economic promise."

The Port of Seattle had record cargo year in 2010, with 2.1 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) crossing the docks. Port Commission President Bill Bryant noted on the broadcast how the port serves as an economic engine for Washington. "One of the most important policy decisions we can make is to reinvest in our transportation infrastructure," Bryant said. "If we are going to be able to move more products from Asia to the American Midwest, and more American products to Asia through Washington, we need a road and rail system that can adapt to changing demands."

Bryant was joined by ILWU Local 19 President Cam Williams and SSA Vice President Bob Watters; the three men highlighted how the port's partnership with labor and the private sector is generating new jobs and revenues that are fueling the region's economic recovery.

Governor Chris Gregoire was also interviewed during the broadcast. Governor Gregoire highlighted the importance of trade to the Evergreen State, where one in three jobs depends on the movement of goods to and from markets across the globe.

Terminal 18 was a hub of activity during the show, with three container ships at berth - two Hapag-Lloyd vessels and one CMA CGM. The Mediterranean Shipping Company's vessel Vienna was at anchor, awaiting the shipping line's inaugural call at the Port of Seattle.

For clips of today's show and information about the Opportunity U.S.A. series, visit www.cnbc.com.