Congratulations to our President Chris Carr for being named International Propeller Club member of the year.
Chris collected the award at the International Propeller Club convention in Lyon, France from Maria Conatser and Joel Whitehead
Chris said: “I am deeply honored and humbled to receive this award. I have tremendous respect for this organization, its leadership, and the core principles that it embraces.
“The Port of Chicago chapter has grown because we’ve had a very strong group of people. I’m not being recognized today if it weren’t for the efforts of some very committed individuals who donated their time and talents over the last two and a half years. There are three people in particular, who have all worked from the beginning and I owe a great appreciation and share this recognition with: Ian Hirt, of the Benchmark Vessel Agency and the Ports of Indiana, Erik Varela, the Executive Director of the Illinois International Port District, and my very good friend, Ben Pinnington of Polaris Media, who many of you have had the pleasure of meeting and working with over the last couple of years.
“Thank you to my partners and colleagues at Schouest, Bamdas, Soshea, BenMaier & Eastham PLLC law firm. They have provided tremendous financial support for the Chicago Propeller Club, as well as their encouragement and resources to greatly assist in this endeavor.
“Thank you to the Propeller Club de Lyon for organizing this excellent conference. I have enjoyed meeting so many new members of this community this week. Thank you to the leadership of the international club for the support through the years and this recognition.
“My involvement with the IPC, the relationships developed and the work done over the last 2-1/2 years have been some of the most rewarding of my professional career.”
‘The standout candidate’
Chicago Propeller Club Vice President Ben Pinnington added: “I was a pleasure to nominate Chris for this award as the stand out candidate from the region.
“The club would not have been rechartered without his effort, network and investment.”