June 2009

PRESIDENT'S NOTES

Several months ago I received a call around 9PM EST from my husband who was dining at a restaurant overlooking the Miraflores Locks in Panama. He mentioned a ship that he had fixed was transiting the locks at that very moment and I should let our daughters watch it via webcam at www.pancanal.com. Dad is always good for keeping the girls up past bedtime, but it was an educational opportunity not to be wasted. It took a few minutes, but my youngest daughter took the bait, and proceeded to ask many questions about the canal.

After answering the easy questions, I began to wonder where I put that autographed copy of Philip Embiricos' children's book. After searching the bookshelves in the house I came up empty. The next day, unbeknownst to me, my daughter went to her elementary school librarian and asked for a book on the Panama Canal. At home she opened her back pack to show me and there it was the blue and yellowish green book, The Panama Canal Expansion and Its Expansion. Inside the cover was the autograph of Philip Embiricos. After Shipping 2008, I had donated the book to the school as Philip had recommended to the audience. The process worked and had come full circle. Philip I hope you're reading this.

Reflecting on that night, I have mixed feelings. Goodnight Moon (arguably the Story Hour introduction to celestial navigation) had been replaced by multimedia presentations on shipping and geography. Where did those years go? On the positive side, perhaps my youngest daughter is expressing an interest in a maritime education. Could it be Kings Point class of 2022 for her? If so, the value of capitalizing on that 9PM teaching moment could be worth, oh let's say $250,000 in today's dollars which could be much needed economic relief for the college savings plan.

Alberto Aleman, CEO of the Panama Canal Authority, who attended Shipping 2009, will be the recipient of the Seamen's Church Institute's Silver Bell Award this Thursday, June 11. CMA extends our congratulations to Alberto and to NY Waterways and Captain Richard Phillips, recipients of the Lifesaving Award and Courage at Sea Award, respectively. Gentlemen, your dedication, efforts and actions offer immense lessons to all of us.

The educational theme continues for our June luncheon as CMA will welcome Rear Admiral Allen B. Worley, Superintendent of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. He will update us on the latest changes in maritime education at Kings Point and what the Academy is doing to position itself for the future. Come be part of the conversation about the future of maritime education. CMA's Education mission is an important one. Those we inspire, help and teach about our industry will be the future of this industry. Proudly, we will celebrate CMA's high school, college and graduate level scholarship award recipients at the June luncheon. I do hope you'll join us!

Best regards,
Beth Wilson-Jordan
CMA President