Polaris founder Ben Pinnington spoke of the need to ramp up awareness of Chicago’s ‘underestimated’ maritime status at a sold out event at the city’s University Club.
Pinnington is vice president elect of the club which is reforming after a 15 year absence.
“Chicago is not that well know in the international maritime industry and we need to change that. We remain the principle interior trade route route for the Americas and we need to promote it better. Our first events have attracted more than 200 maritime professional relationships are being forged and deals are being done.” Watch
More than 70 guest gathered at the University Club of Chicago’s Gallery Room including Spliethoff BP Shipping, U.S. Coast Guard Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation The American Equity Underwriters, Inc. QSL stevedores, Gallagher Insurance, Travellers and Tunley Environmental.
Speakers at the event included Ryan McCoy from Ports of Indiana Jeff Zuercher, PE, PMP from the US Army Corps of Engineers and Grant Crowley on behalf of Stella Maris Org
Pinnington, pictured above with the US Coastguard and consul general of Ukraine, said the club is determined to offer members and sponsors value staging a cruise ship reception on May 22 Maritime Day and August 7 at the American Great Lakes Ports Association conference. He also pointed to events being staged by the International Propeller Club including its Salute to Congress in June and the Annual Convention in October.