MARCH 2018 • FOGHORN 5 LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR John Groundwater ticipates in PVA-sponsored Congressional Fly-Ins. Bob Lawler, PVA Vice-President 2018 Bob Lawler is General Manger of Boston Duck Tours in Boston, MA.  Boston Duck Tours operates 28 amphibious vehicles carrying over 600,000 passenger each year.  Prior to joining Boston Duck Tours, Bob was General Manager and Vice President of Marine Operations with Entertainment Cruises and managed a fleet of 38 vessels in six ports until 2017. Bob served as 2016 PVA Secretary-Treasurer, as a member of the PVA Board of Directors and was Chairman of PVA Safety and Security Committee from 2014 to 2016. Colleen Stephens, PVA Secretary-Treasurer 2018 Colleen Stephens is President of her family’s business, Stan Stephens Glacier & Wildlife Cruises in Valdez, AK. Stan Stephens Cruises operates two catamarans in Prince William Sound, Alaska. Colleen started her career in the maritime industry in 1978 working alongside her parents and sisters as they operated a variety of Subchapter T vessels between the ports of Valdez, Whittier and Cordova. She coordinates the operations of the company, overseeing crew and vessel safety training, as well as facilitating their marketing and promotions. Colleen has served on the PVA Board of Directors from 2015 to 2017. PVA Board members Bob Bijur, Island Queen Cruises, Miami, FL and Jim Swindler, Golden Gate Ferries, San Francisco, CA were each reelected to their second three- year terms on the Board. In addition, Steve Jones, Gateway Clipper Fleet, Pittsburgh, PA was elected to his first three- year term on the Board. Each of these individuals will contribute their knowledge, energy and expertise to help shape and guide PVA in the months and years ahead. A Very Successful PVA Convention in Savannah The PVA Convention at MariTrends 2018 proved to be a spectacular event on many different levels. Nearly 100 seminars, sessions and special events were held during the convention. Each of these provided an opportunity for PVA members, to learn, to share information and to build relationships. A MariTrends 2018 exhibit floor of 101 exhibitors provided a valuable gathering place for exhibi- tors to showcase a vast array of products and services for passenger vessel operators but also served as the main “gathering place” throughout the convention. In addition to involving large numbers of PVA member vessel operators, the PVA Annual Convention at MariTrends 2018 also attracted representatives from gov- ernment entities such as the Coast Guard, NOAA and the PVA Volunteers Are Very Important Members are at the core of any association. Their energy, expertise and knowledge help drive continued success and progress. The Passenger Vessel Association (PVA) is no different in that its members provide a driving force that propels our association forward. And, we are particularly fortunate because we have benefitted from a vast array of PVA members who have unselfishly volunteered and contributed their time, and most importantly provided leadership, which has contributed to the advancement of our association and our industry. There are many paths to volunteering in PVA. Some PVA members have chosen to participate in working groups that are chartered through the PVA/Coast Guard Quality Partnership. These working groups tackle specific industry challenges or problems with the goal of devel- oping non-regulatory guidance. A recent example of this important work was the publication of guidance on pre- venting slips, trips and falls aboard passenger vessels. Other PVA members choose to volunteer for standing committees such as the Legislative, Regulatory, Membership and Safety and Security Committees. These committees recommend policy for the association, guide PVA membership outreach activities and develop training tools and other resources for PVA member use. The fact is, member volunteers help chart the future of our association and the passenger vessel industry at-large. Very often, these volunteers work up the ranks to take leadership roles as PVA Officers and as members of the PVA Board of Directors. PVA Leadership for 2018 During the PVA Annual Convention at MariTrends 2018 in Savannah, GA, PVA members elected a new slate of officers and members of the PVA Board of Directors for 2018. These individuals will play an important role in shaping PVA policies and programs. Gus Gaspardo, PVA President 2018 Gus Gaspardo, President and owner of the Padelford Packet Boat Co. Inc. in St. Paul, MN was elected PVA President for 2018. Founded in 1969 by Capt. William Bowell Sr., Padelford provides a wide variety of public cruises and private events on the Mississippi River with three passenger subchapter K vessels at Harriet Island Park in downtown St. Paul, MN. The company was a founding member of PVA and has been an active member in the association. Gus has been Chairman of the Regulatory Committee for PVA, Rivers Region chair, participates in the PVA/ Coast Guard Quality Partnership meetings and also par- LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CONTINUED ON PAGE 38