b'LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENTStronger TogetherAT THE HELMCOLLEEN STEPHENS // PRESIDENTI have had the privilege of representing the Passenger Vessel AssociationFor additional information and meeting registration information membershiprecentlyatvirtualmarineindustryseminarsandclick here.meetings. During these sessions I was asked about industry trends and what the path to recovery looks like for vessel operators and associateRest assured that creating a safe meeting place is the top priority for PVA members. The one common thread to most of my remarks was aboutleadership and staff .COVID-19 guidelines for PVA Region Meetings the value of the networks that exists at PVA. It is my strong belief thathave been developed to ensure the safety of meeting attendees and staff . the willingness of our membership and staffto share information, lessonsPVA will follow all federal, state, and local guidelines set for in-person learned, and openly discuss fi nancial paths to recovery has allowed manygatheringsaswellasrecommendationsprovidedbytheCentersfor of us to survive the challenges of the past two years. Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for all Region Meetings.In September of last year, I wrote about the trusted networks that areIn-person attendees can anticipate:maintained informally and formally between PVA members. At thatPVAwillprovidePVAmasksforallattendeeson-siteand timethePVAleadershipandstaffstronglyencouragesmemberstowear hadmadethechallengingdecisionmasks indoors as required by the federal not hold any region meetings and toRest assured that creating agovernmentmaskmandateforall hold MariTrends in a virtual manner.safe meeting place is the toptransportation conveyances.Even though we were unable to meet inperson,weweresuccessfulinpriority for PVA leadership PVA will promote social distancing infi ways to connect, share, and all meeting spaces. nding support one another.and staff .COVID-19 guidelines for PVA Region Meetings havePVA will follow all local guidelines and Now, almost exactly one year later,mandatesforeachregionbasedupon wearelookingforwardtoholdingbeen developed to ensure thecorrespondingstatemandatesinplace in-person meetings for both Regionsafety of meeting attendeesat the time of the event.As we approach MeetingsthisfallandMariTrendsthe Region Meetings, PVA will update in 2022. I have had a chance to peekand staff . attendees with changes to local mandates at the proposed agendas for each ofas they occur.ourmeetingsandIcanguarantee you that they are designed around current issues, changing trends andFALL BOARD MEETING AND USCG QUALITY PARTNERSHIPregulations,and,mostimportantly,theycreatethevenueforustoThe Board of Directors and the USCG Quality Partnership has been reconnect in person and learn from one another. The PVA meetingmaintaining a full virtual meeting schedule since February 2020. During schedule is as follows: the fi rst week of October your PVA Board will be hosting the fi rst face-to-face meeting series for the Board and Quality Partnership. At the same Region Meeting in 2021 time, if Congress is allowing for office visits, key appointments will beSeptember 27-28:Southeast Region Meeting inmade with board members to support PVAs legislative initiatives. Fort Lauderdale, Fla.I want to thank the PVA team of staffand contractors for organizingOctober 1820: Great Lakes Region Meeting in Put-in-Bay, Ohio the meetings and for the members who will be hosting us on board their vessels in each location for dedicating their time to make our gatherings aOctober 25-27: Western Region Meeting in San Diego, Calif. success. If you have any items that are specifi c to your region or ideas for presentation, please contact us. November 2-1: Original Colonies Region Meeting in New London, Conn. We hope that you all have a successful fall operation and I look forward to seeing everyone in person over the next few months. Please reach out atNovember 10-12:Rivers Region Meeting in Pittsburg, Pa. any time with your concerns. PVA Annual Convention at MariTrends in 2022 February 58 in Long Beach, Calif.Colleen Stephens,PresidentLETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT 4 FOGHORN'