Louisville Propeller Club Takes New Strategic Direction For 2022
By Andrew Cannava
Commencing in 2022, the Louisville Propeller Club is embarking on a new path with the intention of being a relevant and rewarding venue for its constituents.
The club has adopted a simple two-part strategy:
1) United We Stand: The club will become a forum through which united groups of members can advance maritime-related issues. These issues, at the majority rule of members, could be a broad spectrum of maritime causes: political, safety, waterways improvement, etc.
By way of examples, the U.S. Maritime Administration has awarded $44.6 million in grants to date under the general heading of Marine Highway, and the U.S. Department of Transportation made 2021 awards of $241 million for port improvements, which included projects in neighboring Tell City ($1.6 million) and Paducah ($3.3 million). USDOT has announced that it will award $450 million each year in years 2022 through 2026. A united voice from the club would speak louder than an individual applicant in such matters,
2) Make a Friend Before You Need a Friend: The Louisville area at present does not have a gathering point for maritime-related companies to meet, talk and provide a networking opportunity. The Louisville Propeller Club intends to fill that void again, provide a luncheon, relevant speakers and a few minutes to “make a friend, before you need a friend.”
New Format
The club has adopted a new meeting format to support our new strategy. Our meetings will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 4417 River Road, Louisville. For now, subject to input from our members, we will meet on the third Monday of every month.
Lunches will be provided free of charge to members and to employees of sponsor companies. All guests are welcomed and will be asked to make a nominal contribution for their meals. Of course, all guests may decide to have their company become a sponsor or to become an individual member, as best suits their situation.
Schedule
In keeping with the United We Stand theme, check out the near-term lineup:
February 21: Capt. Amy Beach, commander, Coast Guard Sector Ohio Valley—Recent Cases, MarAd Interface and Container-on-Barge Issues.
March 21: Eric Thomas, executive director, Central Ohio River Business Association—Learn How CORBA United Its Area.
April 18: Chad Dorsey, U.S. Maritime Administration—How To Become Part of a Marine Highway Designation.
Mark your calendars, bring your ideas and join us.
Andrew Cannava is president of the Louisville Propeller Club.
