VMA Annual Business Meeting Press Release ( 2022)

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Norfolk, VA December 15, 2022 Contact: Will Ward Marketing Coordinator 757-435-8449 (m) or 757-628-2667 (o) wward@vamaritime.com

Virginia Maritime Association Holds Annual Business Meeting New officers and Directors Elected

Judy Barrett, Sr. Vice President Townebank elected President for 2023 NORFOLK | On December 12th, 2022, the members of the Virginia Maritime Association convened for the Annual Business Meeting. The Association’s activities were highlighted, including the involvement of the VMA to ensure the growth of Virginia’s maritime supply chain industries in the past year. In 2022 the association enjoyed strong membership growth and resumed a full calendar of meetings and events, including among its statewide regional chapters and its Maritime Leadership Certification Program. This past year may have been VMA’s most successful year ever in terms of government affairs. Congress fully funded the “Wider, Deeper, Safer” effort to make Virginia the deepest port on the East Coast. The General Assembly appropriated over $900 million towards VMA’s top legislative priorities - which included 1

building new capacity at Norfolk International Terminals, investing in business-ready sites, finishing widening I-64, offshore wind supply chain attraction, workforce development, and expanding the state’s international trade programs.

Industry highlights of 2022 included record-setting container volumes and recognition of The Port of Virginia as the most productive port in the U.S. It was a year of unprecedented port-related economic development announcements across the commonwealth, including by well-known companies such as Amazon, AutoZone, Hitachi, Lowe’s, and many others. Marine terminal expansions totaling nearly $90 million were announced along the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River by Perdue AgriBusiness and Titan America. Fairwinds Landing announced a long-term lease and plans to invest $100 million to repurpose the former Lambert’s Point Docks to attract new port business and become a center of offshore wind ongoing operations and maintenance activities. Across the river at Portsmouth Marine Terminal work has begun to bolster the facility to become a marshalling facility for offshore wind construction. Just weeks ago, Carnival Cruise Line announced in 2023 it will double the number of cruises it offers from Norfolk and plans to offer weekly cruises year-round in 2025.

VMA’s Strategic Plan for 2023-2027 was presented to the membership. The plan includes five goals which will focus VMA’s activities on helping member companies grow their businesses, strengthening port and supply chain-related economic development, increasing public sector support for Virginia’s ports and associated industries, workforce development, and strengthening the association’s membership.

The annual business meeting concluded by welcoming these individuals who were newly elected to the board of directors. For the full slate of officers and directors click here

Virginia Maritime Association’s New Board Members

Randy Bayles Norfolk Southern Corporation

Darrick Lemaster

Jim Ford CP&O

Commander Elspeth McMahon

Arketa Ford Crowley Marine Services

Jay Prock 2

CMP Global, Inc

Amanda Robinson McAllister Towing of Virginia

Old Dominion University

Andrew Sinclair Virginia Port Authority

Tidewater Staffing

Steven Sloan Huntington Ingalls Newport News

Ryan Turman Turman Wood Group

About the VMA: The Virginia Maritime Association (VMA) continues to promote, protect, and encourage international and domestic commerce through Virginia's Ports since 1920 through advocacy, industry intelligence distribution, and networking events. With a membership of over 450 companies from maritime and supply chain sectors, employing over 70,000 Virginians, the Virginia Maritime Association is widely recognized as "The Voice of Port Industries," the premier business organization to enhance competitiveness and promote commerce through Virginia's ports.

For more information: http://www.VAmaritime.com

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