Highlights of the Annual Meeting
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Executive Director Curtis Cannizzaro set the stage for a day of informative discussions and collaboration, extending a warm welcome to all attendees.
President’s Report
Board President Kent Cash delivered a comprehensive report, highlighting the achievements and milestones of the past year, including the active FPAAC training program, the conclusion of MFSA’s triennial exercise cycle, and the work staff put into other projects such as the Radio Communications System and MARVIN, the system used to track vessel enrollments. This report underscored the dedication of our leadership in steering the organization toward continued success.
Summary of Business Meeting
Kent then provided a detailed summary of the pre-luncheon Business Meeting including the review and approval of the January 2023 Annual Meeting minutes, approval of the December 2023 financial report, and the election of three directors to three-year terms. Your participation in these essential decisions is crucial to our organizational governance.
As a final note, he announced that due to conservative budgeting and efficient operations, there would again be no increase to vessel fees for 2024.
Partnership Award
Before introducing the first speaker, Kent honored Elizabeth Wainwright for the guidance and dedication she has provided to the MFSA throughout her 27-year tenure as Executive Director. Liz was at the helm for countless advancements including those pertaining to the MFSA VHF radio communications system, the Fire Program training and logistics objectives, obtaining federal funding to ensure the Program’s growth, working with stakeholders and regulators to address compliance issues, multiple Oil Spill Response Plan updates, and so much more.
To her surprise, she was also honored by esteemed FPAAC Fire Chiefs Sammy Brown (Cowlitz #5, FPAAC Chair) and Steve Sharek (Clatskanie, FPAAC Vice-Chair) for her longstanding commitment to the FPAAC Training Program.
It would be impossible to encapsulate the fullness of the work Liz has done the advance the Mission of the Maritime Fire & Safety Association. Thank you, Liz!
Federal Legislative Update
Members received a comprehensive and always entertaining update on federal legislative matters from Peter Friedmann, providing insights into the broader legislative landscape and its potential impact on our region.
Columbia River Dredging – US Army Corps of Engineers
Attendees were briefed on the critical topic of Columbia River Dredging by Jessica Stokke from the US Army Corps of Engineers. While this subject may not seem as electric as the title would suggest, Jessica provided one of the more memorable presentations we’ve seen in recent years and the feedback from membership echoes that sentiment.
United States Coast Guard – Year in Review/Search and Rescue/Coast Guard Pollution Response Activities
Our last presentation of the afternoon was from Jim Merten, United States Coast Guard (CIV). Jim provided a comprehensive overview of the past year’s activities including Search and Rescue activities and Coast Guard pollution response incidents, most notably, a recap of the M/V Breeze vessel fire that occurred January 31, 2023 in Portland, OR.
Adjourn
The meeting concluded with an official adjournment, wrapping up a day filled with valuable insights, discussions, and collaborative efforts.
We extend our sincere gratitude to all members who attended the Annual Meeting and contributed to its success. For those unable to join, we missed your presence and hope to connect with you in future events.
Thank you for your ongoing support, and we eagerly anticipate another year of growth and collaboration within our organization.