b'LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENTPVA Is Member Focused for approval on October 13 and a contract is scheduled to be awarded in November. The Passenger Vessel Associations membersThe new marketing campaign will be of Committees and the Board of Directorsfocused. The Board wants to ensure thatwork with the associations Staff andany investment of PVA funds has a Contractors as a leadership team to ensurepositive return with clear goals and that the needs of members are identifi ed andmeasurable successes. addressed. During my tenure as President, I have been amazed by the dedication of ourColleen StephensIdeally, the initial campaign will be associations leadership. They have provenactive with producing positive impacts that they can expand services by adaptingfor members by spring of 2021. As we and responding to a crisis and keep the core programsmove forward, the Marketing Advisory Committee will cruising forward.consider ways to expand the scope of a PVAs marketing Each action taken, be it a letter to the Administrationand if feasible. or a member of Congress relative to COVID-19 economicThe Marketing Advisory Committee will strive to keep relief or new impacting regulations, a statement to theall members informed on the digital marketing outreach public record relative to National Park Concessions orthat PVA will be conducting by publishing updates in Broadcast Notice to Mariners, communications to themember emails and in the FOGHORN. U.S. Coast Guard on mariner credentialing, inspectionsFinally, I want to thank the following members processes or developing guidelines for reopening in afor joining me and John Groundwater on the new COVID world, is done with the health and economicPVA Marketing Advisory Committee. Your time and fi tness of each vessel and associate member in mind.dedication to the Passenger Vessel Association is truly Responsive to Member Suggestions:appreciated. the new PVA Marketing Advisory Committee Dave Anderson, Fire Island Ferries, Bay Shore, NYPVA works constantly to respond to member requestsBen Bernstein, BB Riverboats, Newport, KYand suggestions. A perfect example of PVA quickly imple- Terri Bernstein, BB Riverboats, Newport, KYmenting ideas brought forward by members started thisBob Bijur, Island Queen Cruises, Miami, FLAugust when a group of PVA members approached theAmanda Bombard, Catalina Express, San Pedro, CAPVA leadership and asked us to consider dedicating asso- Mike Borgstrom, Wendella Sightseeing Boats, Chicago, ILciation resources to assist member businesses by creatingDustin Mantell, Hornbloweran outward-facing, customer-focused marketing program. Simply stated, the concept that was brought forwardPatrick Murphy, Blue and Gold Fleet, San Francisco, CAwould initially feature a digital communications plan thatGus Gaspardo, Padelford Packet, St. Paul, MNwould encourage travelers to cruise Americas waterwaysCraig Parkhurst, Wheelhouse Technologies, Inc., Hudson, MAno matter where or how they are traveling. The messagesCarrie Stier, Riverboat Excursions, Scales Mound, ILwould also allow PVA the chance to promote the safetyKevin Stier, Riverboat Excursions, Scales Mound, ILfocus of our U.S. fl eet of small passenger vessels.Hannah Wirginis, Gateway Clipper Fleet, Pittsburgh, PAAt the September PVA Board of Directors meeting theTerry Wirginis, Gateway Clipper Fleet, Pittsburgh, PAnew PVA Marketing Advisory Committee was created.Jen Wilk, PVAThe Marketing Advisory Committee has been given the following focus and directives:Work to develop a Request for Proposal (RFP) to beThe PVA leadership team is working to support circulated to fi rms with expertise in digital marketing.members to ensure business success. Please reach out to The RFP asks for bidders to create a cost effectiveus at any time with how we can maintain strong member and measurable digital marketing campaign forbenefi ts for you. PVA that considers the inclusion of communicationsWishing everyone a safe and healthy October!channels such as a new website focused on marketing members, social media, or paid digital advertis-ing. We also asked that the initial campaign include promotions where PVA members can cooperatively participate and cross-promote the PVA message inColleen Stephens their locations with the hope of increasing the overallPresident nmarket reach. This RFP will be brought to the Board 4OCTOBER 2020FOGHORN'