The Chicago Maritime community needs to work together more than ever and be proud to talk of its successes, leading voices in the industry have said.
This message was to the fore during the Chicago Propeller Club’s final event of 2025, a Chicago River Cruise held in conjunction with tour boat operator Wendella, who are a club bronze-level sponsor.
As with all CPC events, the cruise brought together those who work in the maritime sector in Chicago and the Great Lakes region. It was an opportunity to network, enjoy superb company, wonderful views – and the complimentary food and drink.
And it was also a day for celebration, honouring Club President Chris Carr being named International Propellerist of the Year by the International Propeller Club.
Chris, managing partner of SBSB Eastham, has invested considerable time and money to help recalibrate the club. His dedication was honoured in tributes and speeches led by Vice President Ben Pinnington, managing partner of silver sponsor Polaris Media.
But as well as highlighting progress, the cruise was also an opportunity to hear from those with unique insight into the industry and both the opportunities and challenges faced.
Events always include a series of speeches, and on the cruise we heard from Jonathan Dunn, head of Communications at American Commercial Barge Line and Patrick Kelly, CEO of Fraser Shipyards.
And both spoke passionately about the strength of the maritime sector but of the need for greater unity and sharing of success, even lobbying those in government both at state and national levels.
“We have to do more in maritime across the country,” Kelly said.
“How can we all work together? There is a lot of talk but there are not many contracts that have been awarded. We need to mobilize in the Great Lakes. You would be surprised how little members of Congress know about us. It is up to us to attract talent.
“We need to be growing our footprint. There is bipartisan support and we have to reach out and engage with our members of Congress.”
And suggesting that there was a need for more to engage the services of professional PR support to showcase their own successes, Dunn added: “The biggest headwind we face is that there are not enough PR people. This industry has not talked about itself.
“The maritime industry has been afraid to talk about itself. There is such a great opportunity, especially in Chicago. We are one of the largest barge companies in the country. We have to do a better job of spreading the word.”
And Dunn’s passionate speech also touched on how without self-promotion, the industry could struggle to attract talent.
“One of the biggest challenges is workforce development,” he added.
“We need good quality talent and that is where we are struggling. People do not know about our industry.”
Attendees of the cruise included the following Chicago and Great Lakes businesses and organisations. To add your voice to our community, please consider joining the Chicago Propeller Club – a range of membership packages available.
Cruise attendees
- Marwedel, Minichello & Reeb PC Law Firm
- Illinois International Port District
- Port City Marine Services, Inc.
- Ports of Indiana
- The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative
- Middle River Marine
- Western Great Lakes Pilots Association
- CME Inc.
- Crowley’s Yacht Yard Lakeside LLC
- MAKA Logistics
- Poseidon Risks
- 5R Enterprises, LLC
- Stella Maris Chicago
- Southern Shore Yacht Club