2011 EVENT TO BE SCHEDULED SOON.
Check out the 2010 photos from the menu above...
The first-ever Maritime Industry Congressional Sail-In was a resounding success. Everyone involved is very appreciative of our sponsors and attendees for their commitment to this effort. A special vote of thanks goes out to all the members of Congress and their offices who took time to meet with representatives of the maritime industries.
Welcome
You have arrived at the organizing website for the first-ever Washington advocacy day celebrating the maritime industry’s contributions to America’s national strength and prosperity. From this page you can learn all the details of the event.
Purpose
The purpose of the Maritime Industry Sail-In is to increase the awareness of the importance of America's maritime industry to the economic and national security of the United States, and to generate support for the programs and policies important to the survival and growth of the United States-flag merchant marine and to the jobs of American merchant mariners and America's maritime workforce.
Over the past decade, most of our traditional maritime supporters in Congress have retired or left the Hill for various reasons. So the purpose of the Sail-In is to extend maritime’s reach and visibility across the Hill and to powerfully demonstrate the value our industry brings to the nation and the U.S. economy. The idea is to meet with as many Members and Congressional offices as possible with a significant number and diversity of industry representatives.
What’s In It For You
The Sail-In is a powerful and direct way to protect and advocate for your job, your company or union, and the maritime industry as a whole. Participants will be actively engaged in the democratic process that the U.S. Constitution guarantees. It will be motivational and inspiring and attendees will leave Washington with a much better view of how government affects our industry and vice versa.
Costs and Expenses
Travel expenses are the responsibility of the individuals attending the event. However, there is no registration fee and the group meals and events will be underwritten by sponsorship. The organized events begin at 7:30 am and conclude about 6:00 pm with a celebration reception. For budgeting purposes, flight and hotel (one night) should run about $1000 per person. A number of hotel rooms will be secured at discount rates and these arrangements will be accessed by a link provided as we get closer to next year's event.
Deadlines
A notice of commitment of interest from you and/or your organization by the date publicized closer to the event will be very helpful to the planners of the event. We will need a hard commitment and your name and address by that date. Elected officials care first and foremost about serving their home constituents and therefore the congressional appointments will be arranged for you based on where you live and who represents you in Congress. Call teams and assignments for the day will be distributed at the morning briefing. We will then be able to organize the call teams, schedule the congressional meetings and ensure the success of the event.
Organizing Committee
An ad hoc organizing committee has been formed consisting of concerned maritime political advocates who are volunteering their time and resources to make the Sail-In happen. We have room and responsibilities for more volunteers and would welcome additional help. 2010 Committee members included:
- Eric Ebeling, American Shipping & Logistics Group, 301.941.1855
- Jim Patti, MIRAID, 202.463.6505
- Matt Dwyer, American Maritime Congress, 202.347.8020 ext.301
- Jim Henry, Transportation Institute, 202.347.2590
- John DeCrosta, APL, 202.496.2495
- Rob Whitney, ABS, 202.366.3076
- Brenda Otterson, AMOS, 703.615.0948
- Chris Johnsen, Jones Walker, 202.203.1012
- Rick Hegg, Venable LLP, 202.344.4417
- Clint Eisenhauer, Maersk, 703.351.0543
For additional information please call
Linda Arquette at (703) 351-0129
or view a brief presentation on the FAQ page