January 2012

PRESIDENT'S NOTES

"Ring out the old, ring in the new!" Alfred, Lord Tennyson gets credit for that, but I invite you to ring in the new with us at CMA. As an association we are 28 years young and full of the energy accustomed to most 28 year olds! From bowling, darts, softball, fencing, books, and luncheon speakers, to our signature shipping conference or our Education Foundation there is something for everyone. One of the first opportunities in 2012 to join us is for lunch on January 26 to listen to shipowner Ted Petrone, President of Navios Corportation. Make it your New Year resolution to get more involved in CMA this year!

Plans are underway for Shipping 2012, which takes place March 19, 20 and 21. I am very pleased to announce that Mr. Øivind Lorentzen, III Chief Executive Officer, SEACOR Holdings Inc. has been selected as our 2012 Commodore. Mr. Lorentzen has a distinguished position within the international maritime community, and has built much of his career in the CMA's backyard. Mr. Lorentzen's accomplished career not only includes his recent responsibilities at SEACOR but also: Northern Navigation America, a Stamford based investment and ship-owning agency company; Lorentzen Empreendimentos S.A an industrial and shipping group in Brazil; NFC Shipping Funds, a private equity fund; Blue Danube, an inland marine service provider; and Genessee & Wyoming, an owner and operator of short line and regional freight railroads. Always supportive of CMA, he is a multi-faceted, multi-modal, modern shipping executive and a deserving recipient of the Commodore Award.

One year ago, in my January President's Notes I mentioned Connecticut's new governor and his verbal commitment to Connecticut's maritime industry in his inaugural message. Governor Malloy comes from CMA's hometown of Stamford and on December 28, 2011 officials announced the state hired a consulting group to do a complete study of the state's ports in Bridgeport, New Haven and New London and to develop a strategy to boost their economic potential. Governor Malloy said the state's maritime industry is an important part of Connecticut's economy. This is good news for Connecticut. We at CMA appreciate the maritime value of our big backyard and know that it extends well beyond Connecticut's borders and the terminal operators, shipping companies and truckers who work directly at our ports. We believe CMA represents the center of the shipping industry in the United States. Good things are happening here!

Best regards,
Beth Wilson-Jordan
President