Letter from President - June 2016

As our 2015-2016 club year comes to a close this month, I wanted to extend my appreciation and gratitude for yet another exciting and successful year. In previous letters, I have been able to reflect on our events and thank specific individuals who continue to elevate the club and our missions. In January, we sponsored and held our first LNG 904 symposium. We were fortunate to host the who’s who of the maritime community along with key economic and regulatory agencies to discuss the benefits of this natural product. It was well received and attended. Jacksonville has become the center for LNG and its use for water-borne activities and commerce. A special thanks goes out to our event sponsors - Aqua Gulf Transport, Eagle LNG Partners, JAX LNG / Pivotal LNG, North Florida Transportation Planning Organization (TPO), St. Johns Bar Pilots Association and W&O Supply. To our event organizers and committee members, Scott Fernandez, Art Thomas, Mike Sheklin, Jeff Price, Lindsey Brock, Steve Hartsaw and Capt. John Redman – thank you for bringing together the professionals that brought LNG to Jacksonville.Annually, we celebrate the Jacksonville Port Authority’s highlights and achievements for previous year. We thank our friends at JAXPORT and Brian Taylor, for putting together an exciting overview. It is an event many look forward to each year, and each year we are well informed and excited about our waterborne activities.For several years, each March, we’ve co-hosted with the Mayport Council of the Navy League our US Coast Guard and Customs & Border Protection Appreciation evening. It is our turn to honor those who serve our community with the highest regard to our safety and security. We thank all our United States service men and women in Jacksonville and around the globe for your service to our great country.In the spring, we held our annual Spring Golf Outing and raised a donation to the families of the El Faro.  We also sent a delegate to the Southeast Regional Area Conference (SERAC) in Charleston, SC.  At the regional level, officers and delegates promote each club’s efforts and highlight each club’s achievements. Last month, despite the heavy weather, we celebrated Maritime Day, honoring those who have given their lives at sea. We thank the families who supported these maritime heroes and will never forget those lost. Collectively, the Board of Governors nominated and voted Michael Sheklin as our Member of the Year for all that he does with our Student Port at University of North Florida and for his work on our LNG 904 event.  Congratulations Mike! We thank you for all that you do each year with our students and for your leadership.All our events, fund raising and support we are able to offer our community is thanks to you, our members and our Corporate Members. We are a generous club, with the desire to connect with our industry while supporting Jacksonville’s waterborne activities.In closing, I want to thank each of you for your endorsement of our club and supporting the betterment of our efforts. I wish our 2016-2017 Officers all the best and look forward to the events including our 6th Annual Pirate Party. Yes, planning has begun and we want and need you! For more information on how you can volunteer and/or sponsor, please send us a message to propclubjax@gmail.com.  Your email will be directed to the appropriate committee chair for follow up.We look forward to seeing you on Thursday, June 16th for Change of Command Ceremony to support our incoming officers, board members and your 2016-2017 President, Tammy Emerson of W&O Supply.GOD Bless you and the United State of America.Sincerely,Virginia M. BaileyPresidentThe Propeller Club of the United States – Port of Jacksonville