The Chicago Propeller Club (CPC) hosted a vibrant event at the City Winery on Chicago’s Riverwalk, drawing over 100 industry guests and marking the beginning of the American Great Lakes Ports Association (AGLPA) Conference. This conference took place in Chicago for the second consecutive year, emphasizing the city’s growing role in maritime networking on the Great Lakes.
Distinguished Speakers and Attendees
The propeller club reception featured notable speakers, including Adam Tindall Schlicht, administrator of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation; David Keehan, President of Advanced Polymer Coatings; Ed McNamara, CEO of Armada Risk Partners; and Steve Fisher, executive director of the AGLPA. Chris Carr, CPC President and managing partner of the SBSB Eastham law firm’s Chicago office delivered a welcoming speech to the AGLPA delegation, highlighting the club’s rapid growth. Since March, the club has gained 100 members, 20 sponsors, and over $35,000 in sponsorships.
CPC’s Mission and Growth
Carr expressed excitement over the club’s progress in his remarks, stating, “This was our fifth event in under a year after a 15-year absence. The enthusiasm for the club and the caliber of guests and businesses we welcome in such a short time is fantastic. We are determined to reestablish Chicago as one of the prime propeller clubs in the US and a home of maritime networking on the Great Lakes.”
Vision for the Future
CPC Vice President Ben Pennington, also the managing partner of Polaris Media PR firm, articulated the club’s goal of becoming a “power base” for maritime networking, promoting investment from the US and global maritime industry. He emphasized, “The Great Lakes economy is built on maritime. All segments of the maritime industry are here, including blue and brown water industries and leisure marine. All are welcome, but we are only as strong as our membership. The more businesses that join, the more opportunities we can create.”
Membership and Partners
The Chicago Propeller Club boasts a diverse membership, including organizations such as Ports of Indiana, Illinois International Ports District, Ingram Barges, Central Marine Logistics, Andrie LLC, Metro Ports, Northern Marine, NASCO, Benchmark Marine, Logistec, Regal Rexnord, Daubert Cromwell, Sonihull Ultrasonics, 5R, Lakes & Rivers Contracting, Tunley Environmental, Legacy Environmental, SBSB Eastham, Armada Risk Partners, Polaris Media, BDG International, American Equity Underwriters, Sompo, Gallagher, Intact, RLI, City Experiences, Crowley Yacht Yard, Wendella Cruises, US Great Lakes Shipping Association, American Great Lakes Ports Association, and the Western Great Lakes Pilots Association.
Leadership and Upcoming Events
The Chicago Propeller Club’s board includes Chris Carr and Ben Pinnington, along with Erik Varela, executive director of the Port of Chicago, serving as treasurer; Ian Hirt of Ports of Indiana and Benchmark Marine as secretary; Tara Pappalardo of RLI Insurance as VP of membership; and Warren Marwedel of MM&R law firm as Past President.
The club’s next event is scheduled for early November, featuring a cruise with club sponsor Wendella Tours & Cruises. For updates, follow the club’s LinkedIn page and register for its newsletter via its website.
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Source: American Journal of Transportation
