It has been three months since I became President of this fine club. What a whirlwind of activity we’ve enjoyed, and I wouldn't have it any other way!I want to give a huge thank you to our Board and our executive officers who are the ones who make this club happen. We couldn't do what we do without incredible teamwork. I also want to thank all of our Corporate Members. It is your generosity that allows us to give to the numerous charities that we support, and continue to fund our UNF endowment and scholarship.As you know, today (Oct. 1) is a somber day for our maritime community: the anniversary of the El Faro incident. Speaking on behalf of the Board, our thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends and colleagues of the crew. We will always remember them. The Seamen’s Church Institute established the El Faro Relief Fund last year and continues to accept donations to provide financial assistance to the families and dependents of the seafarers lost at sea. Click here for more info.Propeller Club EventsThank you to all who attended our Change of Command event in June. We had record attendance. We honored our wonderful past President Virginia Bailey, recognized Doug Straatsma as the 2015-2016 Robert J. “Bobby” Coppedge Maritime Person of the Year, and bestowed Jim Moseley with the Robert Coppedge Lifetime Achievement Award.Last month we also enjoyed record attendance at our Membership Social, which is an event dedicated to introducing new members to the club. My goal as President is to grow our membership. We signed on new members that evening and also welcomed a new Corporate Member. We have had 25 new members sign up since June, and I plan on having another 25 sign up in the next three months.Next on our event calendar is the club’s CEO Spotlight luncheon - Oct. 12 at the River Club Downtown. Tickets are still available, so be sure to sign up this week! Our keynote speaker is Capt. Jeff Dixon, Sector Commander/Captain of the Port, United States Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville. The Captain is an excellent speaker and I believe you’ll get a lot of very useful information about our local port. Click here to purchase tickets.Then of course we have our signature event, the 6th Annual Pirate Party Fundraiser benefiting Safe Harbor Maritime Academy/Boys Home on Saturday, Nov. 5! This year’s event will be held at the FOP Lodge 17 in Jacksonville Beach. Argggg! This party is the party of the year, it shouldn't be missed, and it is for such a great cause. All proceeds go to Safe Harbor. This year the money we raise will go to improving the facility’s front area, including signage, plumbing, landscaping and beautification of the school grounds.At this event, everyone dresses up, there is a full dinner, full bar, music, auctions, costume contest, picture opportunities, the list goes on. Bring your friends and family, but note that it is an adult event. I am still looking for sponsors and donations for this event. If you would like to be a sponsor or a donor, please reach out to Catherine Sarvis, our club’s Secretary at propclubjax@gmail.com or myself.Check it out and buy your tickets today!Last but not least for 2016 is the club’s holiday event: Holiday Tee Time at the new Top Golf facility on Dec. 8. We’re trying something new for the holidays with a networking and fun golf event there. We will be sending out information on this event soon.Have a great month and I hope to see you at many of our upcoming events! Don't be a stranger!Tammy EmersonPresidentThe Propeller Club of the United States – Port of Jacksonville
Letter from President - June 2016
As our 2015-2016 club year comes to a close this month, I wanted to extend my appreciation and gratitude for yet another exciting and successful year. In previous letters, I have been able to reflect on our events and thank specific individuals who continue to elevate the club and our missions. In January, we sponsored and held our first LNG 904 symposium. We were fortunate to host the who’s who of the maritime community along with key economic and regulatory agencies to discuss the benefits of this natural product. It was well received and attended. Jacksonville has become the center for LNG and its use for water-borne activities and commerce. A special thanks goes out to our event sponsors - Aqua Gulf Transport, Eagle LNG Partners, JAX LNG / Pivotal LNG, North Florida Transportation Planning Organization (TPO), St. Johns Bar Pilots Association and W&O Supply. To our event organizers and committee members, Scott Fernandez, Art Thomas, Mike Sheklin, Jeff Price, Lindsey Brock, Steve Hartsaw and Capt. John Redman – thank you for bringing together the professionals that brought LNG to Jacksonville.Annually, we celebrate the Jacksonville Port Authority’s highlights and achievements for previous year. We thank our friends at JAXPORT and Brian Taylor, for putting together an exciting overview. It is an event many look forward to each year, and each year we are well informed and excited about our waterborne activities.For several years, each March, we’ve co-hosted with the Mayport Council of the Navy League our US Coast Guard and Customs & Border Protection Appreciation evening. It is our turn to honor those who serve our community with the highest regard to our safety and security. We thank all our United States service men and women in Jacksonville and around the globe for your service to our great country.In the spring, we held our annual Spring Golf Outing and raised a donation to the families of the El Faro. We also sent a delegate to the Southeast Regional Area Conference (SERAC) in Charleston, SC. At the regional level, officers and delegates promote each club’s efforts and highlight each club’s achievements. Last month, despite the heavy weather, we celebrated Maritime Day, honoring those who have given their lives at sea. We thank the families who supported these maritime heroes and will never forget those lost. Collectively, the Board of Governors nominated and voted Michael Sheklin as our Member of the Year for all that he does with our Student Port at University of North Florida and for his work on our LNG 904 event. Congratulations Mike! We thank you for all that you do each year with our students and for your leadership.All our events, fund raising and support we are able to offer our community is thanks to you, our members and our Corporate Members. We are a generous club, with the desire to connect with our industry while supporting Jacksonville’s waterborne activities.In closing, I want to thank each of you for your endorsement of our club and supporting the betterment of our efforts. I wish our 2016-2017 Officers all the best and look forward to the events including our 6th Annual Pirate Party. Yes, planning has begun and we want and need you! For more information on how you can volunteer and/or sponsor, please send us a message to propclubjax@gmail.com. Your email will be directed to the appropriate committee chair for follow up.We look forward to seeing you on Thursday, June 16th for Change of Command Ceremony to support our incoming officers, board members and your 2016-2017 President, Tammy Emerson of W&O Supply.GOD Bless you and the United State of America.Sincerely,Virginia M. BaileyPresidentThe Propeller Club of the United States – Port of Jacksonville
