Welcome to WISTA USA!

Dear WISTA Members and Visitors:

At its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in New Orleans in May 2008, I was elected President of WISTA USA, an opportunity that I'm find exciting, energizing, exhausting, and challenging.  My fellow elected Board Members are Vice President Linda Turnbow (Ocean Shipholdings, Inc., Houston); Treasurer Kathleen C. Haines (Holbridge Capital Partners, Stamford, CT); Membership Secretary Parker Harrison (Shipowners Claims Bureau, Inc., New York); Recording Secretary Julie D. Kuchta (Bowen, Miclette & Britt, New Orleans); and National WISTA Association Liaison to WISTA, Mary T. Reilly (Hill, Betts & Nash, LLP, New York).

2008 was a very exciting year for WISTA USA, as we hosted the Annual Conference in New Orleans this past October, with over 220 women from 18 different countries in attendance.  The theme of the Conference, "Raising the Profile - Reducing the Footprint," highlighted two of WISTA's main goals - fostering women in the marine industry and reducing the industry's impact on the environment.  Based on feedback received both during and after the Conference, it was a huge success - the program was substantive and formative, the speakers impressive, and the networking opportunities abundant.  The energy and excitement evident at both the Conference and the evening events exceeded our expectations and made all the hard work worth the effort.  WISTA UK will host the 2009 Conference in London from September 16-18, 2009, and we hope to see you there!

While 2008 was a great year, there's still a lot to be done in 2009.  Our goals include raising the WISTA USA profile within the US maritime industry, focusing in particular on the West and Gulf coasts; energizing existing chapters and forming additional chapters; and increasing our membership.  We will continue publishing THE WATCH on a quarterly basis and plan to institute a monthly e-mail.  Additional thoughts for 2009 activities and goals are most welcome.

Please pencil in May 14, 2009 for our next Annual General Meeting, scheduled to be held in Northern California.  This will be one of our first major efforts at establishing a West Coast Chapter.  More details will follow on logistics and agenda.

If you are not yet a member, it's time to become one!  To join, simply click on "Join Us," which appears on the top of this page in the red banner.  This will take you to our online application form.  Just follow the instructions and you'll be on your way.  Our membership dues for 2009 are $75.00.

We look forward to working with you to build WISTA USA even further over the next year, and hope to see you at the Annual General Meeting in May 2009!

Jeanne M. Grasso

President

WISTA USA

Jeanne is a partner at Blank Rome, LLP, in Washington, DC.  She can be reached at Grasso@BlankRome.com or by phone at (202) 772-5927.