AWO 2021 Annual Report | Page 3

“ AWO was crucial in enabling us to be both the steady hand at the helm in difficult times for our nation , and able navigators of change affecting our operations .”
AWO was crucial in enabling us to be both the steady hand at the helm in difficult times for our nation , and able navigators of change affecting our operations . As an industry , we continued to “ punch above our weight ” and made great progress in striking that balance as AWO :
■ Guided us through the complexities of the policy and political landscape as we defended and strengthened the Jones Act , entered the final year of Subchapter M implementation with heightened Coast Guard focus on proactive enforcement and consistent interpretation , secured historic waterways infrastructure investment , and fended off counterproductive policies in states across the country ;
■ Provided resources to help us continuously improve in safety and sustainability and demonstrate our commitment to leadership in these areas ; and
■ Equipped us to remain resilient in the face of today ’ s challenges while taking action to position our companies and our industry for future success .
Member engagement is key to AWO ’ s ability to produce results for our industry : when we go all in on our shared mission , we are a powerful force . Our ability to shape our future is in our hands ; it will take all of us – all hands on deck – to get the job done .
Thank you ,

“ AWO was crucial in enabling us to be both the steady hand at the helm in difficult times for our nation , and able navigators of change affecting our operations .”

Del Wilkins Illinois Marine Towing , Inc . Chairman of the Board