BETTER CONNECTED, BETTER INFORMED, BETTER REPRESENTED: HIGHLIGHTS FROM VMA’S ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING
NORFOLK, VA | The Virginia Maritime Association held its Annual Business Meeting on December 10, 2024, at the Neon House in Norfolk, to review strategic goals and legislative priorities, and to highlight the past year’s activities and achievements in port, business, and workforce development. Members gained valuable insights into the many ways VMA keeps them Better Connected, Better Informed, and Better Represented. Key organizational updates included the launch of the Northern Chapter, Chaired by Sean Magness of Cornerstone Systems, completing VMA’s statewide chapter coverage, a new structure to increase member employee participation, and the election of VMA’s board of officers and directors.
In the spirit of giving, VMA partnered with the United Way to collect essential items such as hats, gloves, and personal care products, making a meaningful impact in the community. Attendees were encouraged to bring donations to the meeting and holiday celebration, embodying the season’s spirit of generosity.
Election of Officers and Directors
During the meeting, the Association conducted its annual election of Officers and Directors. VMA extends a warm welcome to the newly elected leadership team.
Introducing Lang Williams
Lang Williams, a VMA member since 2007 and board member since 2015, was elected President, bringing decades of expertise and leadership. As Executive Vice President, Principal, and Board Member at Colliers International Virginia, Lang has dedicated his 30year career to providing creative value-added solutions to businesses on their real estate needs. Lang has helped business clients reduce real estate occupancy costs by over $100 million and has served numerous
L-R: Lang Williams, Judy Barrett, Michael Cuomo, Ray Jalkio, Jim Michalski, Kathy Alexander, Rick Holden, Rachel Shames, Clark Ambrose, Troy Erb, and Patrick Shim
OFFICERS
Chairman of the Board
Michael Coleman
President
Judy Barrett
Vice Presidents
Lang Williams
Capt. Kenneth Flowers
Capt. Whiting Chisman
Executive Director & Secretary
David White
Treasurer Camille Cherry
Assistant Treasurer Tracy Gregorio
STAFF
Senior Vice President....................... Will Fediw
Vice President of Finance & Administration.............................. Sam Davis
Director of Membership
Development............................ Kristen Greene
Executive Assistant.................... Shayla Prince
Event Manager & Accounting Assistant................ Jennifer Parham
Marketing Manager ................ Jennifer Deason
Membership & Publications
Coordinator........................... Susan Wisniewski
ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING CONT.
developers and owners in the leasing and sale of over 13.1 million square feet of warehouse & logistics properties. During his career, Lang has completed 803 assignments valued at $1.84 billion globally on behalf of his valued clients. As Executive Vice President, Principal, and Board Member at Colliers International Virginia, Lang has dedicated his 30-year career to providing creative value-added solutions to businesses on their real estate needs. Lang has helped business clients reduce real estate occupancy costs by over $100 million and has served numerous developers and owners in the leasing and sale of over 13.1 million square feet of warehouse & logistics properties. During his career, Lang has completed 803 assignments valued at $1.84 billion globally on behalf of his valued clients.
Beyond his professional success, Lang has shown a steadfast commitment to serving the community and to workforce development. Lang serves as a member on the Board of Trustees at Norfolk Collegiate School, having just completed a three-year term as Chairman of the Board. In addition, Lang is co-founder of the Hampton Roads LogistXGames, which has raised over $143,000 for scholarships, fostering the next generation of maritime professionals. His extensive knowledge of logistics, real estate, and his passion for supporting Virginia’s maritime industry position him to lead VMA with distinction as it continues to champion the state’s maritime and supply chain sectors.
Lang stated, “I am honored to be elected president of Virginia Maritime Association. For over twenty years, I have seen the positive impact VMA makes on behalf of its members in promoting and protecting the critical Virginia maritime assets, and I look forward to supporting VMA’s mission, members, and staff in service as president.”
Congratulations to all appointees! The complete listing of the Board of Directors may be found at VAmaritime.com.
2025 Officers:
• President: Lang Williams, Colliers
• Vice Presidents: Capt. Kenneth Flowers, Moran Norfolk; Capt. Whiting Chisman, Virginia Pilot Association; and Camille Cherry, Crofton
• Treasurer: Dana Truxell, World Fuel Services
• Assistant Treasurer: Clyde Clark, Blue Ridge Bank
• Chairwoman: Judy Barrett, Towne Bank
New Directors:
• Kathy Alexander, Newport News Shipbuilding
• Clark Ambrose, Kuehne + Nagel
• Nick Chamberlin, Norfolk Southern
• Michael Cuomo, Ocean Network Express (North America)
• Troy Erb, Wildcat Propellers
• Rick Holden, Riverside Logistics
• Ray Jalkio, Service Transfer
• Jim Michalski, ZIM Integrated Shipping
• Rachel Shames, CV International
• Patrick Shim, LS Greenlink USA
A sincere thank you to our sponsors for their generous support. Your contributions make our success possible!
Leadership Sponsors: CMP Global Inc., CV International, Givens Logistics, and McAllister Towing of Virginia
Membership Sponsors: Blue Ridge Bank and LS Greenlink America
Industry Sponsors: Crofton and VHS Ventker, Henderson, Stancliff
Benefits Sponsors: Capes Shipping Agencies, Colliers International, Mid-Atlantic Leasing Corporation, SeaGate Terminals, Virginia Pilot Association, W.M. Jordan Company, and Woods Rogers
$2.4 MILLION IN PORT HOST COMMUNITIES REVITALIZATION FUND AWARDS ANNOUNCED
RICHMOND, VA | On December 4, 2025, Governor Glenn Youngkin announced the allocation of $2.4 million in Port Host Communities Revitalization Fund (PHCRF) awards to the cities of Newport News, Norfolk, and Portsmouth. These grants will support transformative projects, including the development of essential shipyard enhancements in Norfolk, a dual rail transload facility in Portsmouth, and a seafood market in Newport News.
“We are making crucial investments in both our port infrastructure and our port communities,” said Governor Youngkin. “By breathing new life into these structures, we are able to turn dilapidated, abandoned buildings into sources of job creation, economic prosperity, and community pride.”
These targeted investments will not only revitalize port host communities but also advance economic development and create new opportunities in key regions. Photo
The General Assembly previously allocated $1.5 million in PHCRF grants through 2023 to assist in removing, renovating, or modernizing port-related structures in Virginia’s five port host communities: Front Royal, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Richmond.
VIRGINIA NAMED BUSINESS FACILITIES’ 2024 STATE OF THE YEAR
RICHMOND, VA | Virginia has been recognized as Business Facilities’ 2024 State of the Year, marking its third time earning this top honor. Governor Glenn Youngkin credited the Commonwealth’s skilled workforce, strategic infrastructure, and pro-business policies for driving record job growth and attracting major investments.
Key initiatives like the Virginia Business Ready Sites Program and the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, along with significant investments from companies like Microporous LLC and Beanstalk Farms, were pivotal in earning this recognition.
This accolade highlights Virginia’s leadership in economic development and its collaborative approach to creating a business-friendly environment, further solidifying its position as a top destination for investment and job creation.
With a focus on infrastructure readiness, workforce development, and legislative incentives, Virginia continues to solidify its position as a premier destination for business investment and economic growth.
VIRGINIA
BOOSTS
BUSINESS READY SITE DEVELOPMENT WITH $50M INVESTMENT
RICHMOND, VA | Governor Glenn Youngkin announced an additional $50 million investment in the Virginia Business Ready Sites Program (VBRSP) as part of his 2026 budget package, further solidifying Virginia’s leadership in economic development. This funding builds upon over $282 million previously committed to preparing sites statewide, ensuring Virginia remains America’s Top State for Business.
“Business Ready Sites drive economic growth and job creation,” said Governor Youngkin. “This investment strengthens Virginia’s ability to attract transformative projects like Microporous and the LEGO Group, which collectively bring billions in investments and thousands of jobs to the Commonwealth.”
Administered by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP), VBRSP certifies and prepares sites for diverse business needs.
The program accelerates site readiness, enhances infrastructure, and supports localities through competitive grants and strategic partnerships with local governments, utilities, and agencies. Between 2022 and 2024, $282 million in grants supported site development in 23 localities, with additional awards planned for 2025 and 2026.
Jason El Koubi, VEDP President and CEO, emphasized the program’s role in achieving Virginia’s economic goals, noting its substantial return on investment and recognition as a national leader in site development. The continued funding underscores Virginia’s commitment to fostering business growth and creating high-paying jobs across all regions of the Commonwealth.
photo courtesy of Microporous
CUSTOMS RECEIPTS
MAKE A KID SMILE FOR CHRISTMAS BIKE DRIVE
On December 18, 2024, the ILA Hampton Roads District Council, along with Local 970, Local 1248, Local 1624, Local 1963, and Local 1970, partnered with the Hampton Roads Shipping Association and The Port of Virginia to donate nearly 200 bikes and helmets to children at five local schools.
This heartwarming tradition, the “Make a Kid Smile for Christmas Bike Drive” started in 2012 by ILA retiree Keith Clark, has grown tremendously over the years. HRSA is incredibly thankful for the chance to serve and support the community that means so much to us, especially during this holiday season. A huge thanks to everyone who made this event possible.
ASSOCIATION IN ACTION
Simply stated, active VMA members are Better Connected, Better Informed, and Better Represented. This segment of the Bulletin aims to provide insights into some of the ways in which the interests of VMA members were Better Represented during the previous month.
The November elections resulted in the re-election of Donald Trump to the Presidency and three changes in the House of Representatives for Virginia. The VMA will work to educate our new representatives about the concerns of our industry. The VMA will be paying attention as the new administration takes shape, communicating our interests, and determining if we need to advocate for any specific approaches.
VMA held the annual Virginia Navigational Summit in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Virginia Port Authority, to advance priority navigation projects in pursuit of the goal of unrestricted navigation.
As a member of the Advisory Board of the Dock-to-Door Coalition at Virginia Tech, VMA participated in discussions about solutions to supply chain challenges. Topics included data-sharing, automated and connected vehicles, carbon-neutral & sustainable freight, and community engagement & workforce development.
VMA filed a letter in opposition to a petition the Virginia DEQ had received seeking new state regulations on passenger cruise ships. VMA demonstrated that sufficient federal and state regulations already exist, and any additional regulations would be redundant and harmful to Virginia’s
cruise ship industry, threaten our broader maritime economy, and unnecessarily increase the cost of government bourn by the citizens of Virginia. The petition was denied.
Other notable events and meetings in which VMA made presentations or represented the membership included:
• National Association of Maritime Organizations Semiannual Meeting
• National Port Partner Emergency Response Summit
• Virginia Economic Development Partnership Advisory Committee on International Trade
• WHRO Public Media Board of Directors
• Old Dominion Port Week Panels
• Virginia Freight Advisory Committee, Chaired by VMA’s David White
• Elizabeth River Project Board of Directors
Navigational Summit
ODU Port Week
ODU Port Week
VMA NEW MEMBERS
DOLLAR TREE CORPORATION
Bronze Anchor
Exporters and Importers 500 Volvo Parkway Chesapeake, VA 23320 dollartree.com
Puneet Jain
Vice President, Global Logistics (757) 321–5380 pjain@dollartree.com
STIHL, INC.
Rejoined - Cargo/Maritime Related Manufacturers and Distributors 536 Viking Drive Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Chris Keffer President & CEO (757) 469–5015 nicole.carter@stihl.us
HAMPTON ROADS EXECUTIVE ROUNDTABLE
Non-Profit Organization/Education
Non-profit Organization 3 Commercial Place Suite 1320 Norfolk, VA 23510 roundtablehr.org
Drew Lumpkin VP of External Affairs and Strategic Initiatives (336) 926–2649 dlumpkin@roundtablehr.org
TST FAB AND MACHINE
Cargo/Maritime Related Machinist 1060 W 27 Street Norfolk, VA 23517 tstfab.com
Jeff Yeager VP of Strategic Planning (251) 229–6924 JYeager@tstfab.com
Matt Hemsley* President (757) 692–2565 mhemsley@tstfab.com
MEMBER UPGRADES
COLONNA’S SHIPYARD, INC.
Platinum Anchor
Randall Crutchfield Norfolk, VA
CMP GLOBAL, INC. Silver Anchor Darrick Lemaster Suffolk, VA
ADDITIONAL MEMBERS
Julie Wuerth
Strategic Sourcing Manager julie.wuerth@buschusa.com (757) 463–7800
BUSCH VACUUM SOLUTIONS Virginia Beach, VA
Keith Lewis
Director of Inbound, Production, IC klewis@favors.com (434) 835–0068
UNIQUE INDUSTRIES, INC. Blairs, VA
LT APPAREL GROUP
Cargo/Maritime Related Services
Exporters and Importers 101 Crawfords Corner Road Suite 2402 Holmdel, NJ 07733 ltapparel.com
Richard Recupero VP Global Logistics Customs Compliance (732) 438–5566 richard.recupero@ltapparel.com
VIRGINIA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Non-Profit Organization/Education
Education and Training 150 Boush Street Suite 201 Norfolk, VA 23510 virginiasymphony.org
Shannon Kelly Vice President, Development (757) 213–1417 skelly@virginiasymphony.org
LEARN MORE ABOUT ANCHOR & MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS @ VAMARITIME.COM/MEMBERSHIP Contact Kristen Greene, kristen@vamaritime.com
Jessica Baker
Customer Success & Growth Manager j.baker@dcsmarineservices.com (832) 350–6747
DEAD CALM SEAS MARINE SERVICES
Saint Louis, MO
Alexander Merz* Manager, Fleet & Operations Workflow amerz@usmmi.com (757) 619–9015
U.S. MARINE MANAGEMENT, LLC Norfolk, VA
Olivia French* Project Coordinator olivia.french@keynvormorlift.co.uk +44(0)7557 516946 KLM MARINE CONTRACTORS VA Norfolk, VA
Arketa Howard Manager of Strategic Initiatives & Community Engagement arhoward@southernco.com
VIRGINIA NATURAL GAS Virginia Beach, VA
*Young Maritime Professional
Photo by: Independent Docking Pilots
P.O. Box 3487
Norfolk, Virginia 23510 PRESORTED
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
NORFOLK, VA
PERMIT NO. 1930
PLATINUM ANCHORS
Bay Power Solutions
CIE Manufacturing Colliers
CSX Transportation
AdvanSix
Amazon
BAE Systems
Capes Shipping Agencies
CMA CGM (America)
CMP Global
Coastal Design & Construction
Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters
Ferguson Enterprises
GOLDEN ANCHORS
CV International, Inc.
Excel Truck Group
Greater Richmond Partnership, Inc.
T. Parker Host
SILVER ANCHORS
FORVIS Mazars
Givens Logistics
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co.
H&E Rentals
KITCO Fiber Optics
Kokosing Industrial
Kuehne + Nagel
LS Greenlink USA
Pender & Coward, P.C.
Perdue Agribusiness
VHB
Virginia Pilot Association
Wood Rogers
Port City Transportation
SeaGate Terminals
Tecnico Corporation
TMEIC Corporation
Truist
Virginia Business
Virginia Natural Gas
Virginia Tech Corporation Research Center