SEPTEMBER 2018 • FOGHORN 5 LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR John Groundwater Welcome to PVA’s New Staff Member, Zackery Reed I am pleased to welcome, and to introduce, Zack Reed who joined PVA in August as its new Manager, Special Projects. Many of you met Zack at the PVA Annual Convention at MariTrends 2017 in Seattle when he was an intern with PVA, while a student at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. Zack graduated from Mass Maritime this past spring and eagerly accepted PVA’s offer to join the staff. In this new position, Zack will work with members to help answer regulatory and non-regulatory questions, he will develop a solid understanding of Coast Guard regulations and, among other things, will actively participate in PVA’s legislative and advocacy activities. Zack can be contacted at 1-800-807-8360 x23, cell: 703-915-7866 or zreed@passengervessel.com. PVA Convention at MariTrends 2019— January 17-21 in New Orleans It’s not too early to begin making plans to attend the PVA Annual Convention at MariTrends 2019 scheduled January 17-20, 2019 in New Orleans. We have a great convention program in the works with thought-provoking, information packed seminars and sessions, inspiring keynote speakers and a MariTrends 2019 exhibit floor that is jam packed with products and services for passenger vessel operators. And, New Orleans offers an inviting backdrop for the PVA members. Known for its exciting nightlife, vibrant live-music scene and diverse cuisine at over 1,400 restaurants, New Orleans is a melting pot of French, African and American cultures, literally offering something for everyone.  I hope to see you there. In the meantime, please let me know whenever we can be of assistance to you. Sincerely, John R. Groundwater Executive Director n PVA Membership Growth Means a Stronger Voice, Expanding Services We have seen a steady stream of new member companies join PVA this year. These companies have included not only vessel operating companies, but also companies that provide products and services to the passenger vessel industry. This is great news for our association because it represents con- tinuing membership growth spanning several years. A growing directory of new members serves to strengthen our voice as we advocate for the passenger vessel industry in the Nation’s Capital. As PVA staff and members meet with Members of Congress and staff, as well as with individuals in the Coast Guard and other federal regulatory agencies, a strong mem- bership base adds weight to our message and improves our credibility is important to reference far-reaching PVA member representation and participation. Expanding membership rolls also provides resources, and corresponding demandsforPVAtodevelopnewproducts and services for members to use directly in their businesses. The PVAOnline Training Portal, which gives members access to a variety of electronic crew training tools, is a recent addition to PVA’s members-only tool bag. The voluntary PVA Flagship safety management system program and the PVA Alternate Security Program are also good examples of products that provide benefits to PVA members. Acore benefit to PVAmembers is the ability to contact PVAstaff for advice on pressing operational, Coast Guard, vessel and facility, security, media relations issues. PVA staff members, who have years of experience in a host of topics and issues related to passenger vessels, work hand- in-hand with members on problem solving and offer suggestions or advice on ways to address a current opera- tional challenge. The PVALegal Hotline is an example of a useful legal service that is available to PVAmembers-only. The hotline allows PVA members to get quick, “off-the- clock” answers to legal questions. As PVA’s membership grows, so too does the need to provide ongoing services and benefits to meet expanding member needs. Recognizing this future demand, the PVA Officers and Board of Directors voted to add an addition- al staff person to the PVA staff team. This decision was made to ensure that PVA does not miss a beat in terms of providing excellent service to its members in the coming years. Zack Reed, PVA Manager, Special Projects