b'LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENTAT THE HELM Looking Back, Moving ForwardPATRICK MURPHY // PRESIDENTO ver the past year, Foghorn has contained manyits members, and we have built a great culture of openness articles and reports about issues and topics ofthrough a great group of members. No matter what their importancetothoseinthepassengervesselbackground, geographic location, or size of business, the industry.Topicssuchasenvironmentalissues,marinepeople of this organization have always been willing to propulsion,operations,shipbuilding,safety,newtech- share their experiences. This is a standard at this associ-nology, human resources,ation,andhopefullythat customerservice,andstandard will never change. securityhavebeendis- I can truly say that iscussed in great detail. Forwhat I enjoy most about theBythetimeyoureadthis each of these subjects, thearticle, you will have a new Foghorn has had PVA staffPassenger Vessel Association president. Steve Jones, from andseveralofitsmem- the people. The organization istheGatewayClipperFleet berscontributetopro- inPittsburgh,Pa.Ihave ducefantasticcontent.only as strong as its members,gottentoknowSteveover This issue is no exceptionand we have built a greatthe past few years and have asthemagazinefocusesculture of openness through beenveryimpressedwith onsalesandmarketing.hisknowledge,especially We are fortunate to havea great group of members. from the safety and regula-manyassociatemembersThe people of this organizationtory side of the world. The thatcanharnessthead- incomingvicepresident, vantages of having a goodhave always been willing toAndrew Sargis, from Wen-advertisingplan,strongshare their experiences.dellaSightseeingBoatsin ticketingplatform,orChicago,Ill.,hasbeena publicrelationsfirmstovery strong leader and is ex-help with your companys brand imaging. With that said,tremely knowledgeable, especially on the legislative side. instead of focusing on sales and marketing, I would likeYour new incoming secretary/treasurer will be John Lake to take a moment to thank the many people who havefrom City Experiences in Alexandria, Va. I have enjoyed helped me through this past year as president.getting to know John, who is very committed to the orga-nization, and I am confident he will do a wonderful job. It is hard to believe that almost a year has passed since I addressed the membership in Portland, Ore., at the PVAI could not have done it without the support of past pres-Annual Convention at MariTrends 2024 closing banquet.identsJimSwindler,BobBijur,andColleenStephens. As I reflect on the year, I again think about the time I spentTheir support is unwavering and helped give me the con-writing these articles for Foghorn. Each topic forced me tofidence to lead the organization. I value my relationship reflect upon and dig deep into my PVA relationships thatwith each of them and PVA is stronger having had them I built over the years. Each topic made me realize what alead us over the past few years. I also want to thank my great group of members and staff we have. I can truly sayfellow board members. We are fortunate to have a great that is what I enjoy most about the Passenger Vessel Asso- group of professionals who are dedicated and volunteer ciationthe people. The organization is only as strong astheir time to the organization. Continued on page 49FOGHORN 4'