b'LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORThank You for Your AT THE HELMContinuing Support of PVAJOHN GROUNDWATER // EXECUTIVE DIRECTORY ourcontinuingsupportofthePassengerVesselthe Prevention of Cruelty to Animals where he led a team Association (PVA) is appreciated. It is also criticallyof lobbyists and government relations professionals. While important as the association creates and expandsthere, he was involved in setting federal legislative and reg-programs to support the needs of its members companies.ulatory goals for the organization and oversaw implementa-Thepassengervesselindustryisdiverse,andasaresulttion of the organizations strategic vision for federal policy.requiresanextensivemenuofproducts,services,and directmemberassistancefunctionsrelatedtoongoingEarlyinhiscareerRichardalsoworkedwithPVAsEd operations.ThisnecessitatesanassociationthatisbothWelch when both were staff members on the Committee nimble and responsive to ever-changing member operatingon Merchant Marine and Fisheries of the U.S. House of environments. That is where your membership comes in.Representatives. Richard was also a personal aide to Com-Your membership dues directly underwrite PVAs membermittee Chairman Walter B. Jones. We look forward to hav-services. Through these types of activities, PVA has saveding Richard on PVAs expert staff and to his many future members millions of dollars by assisting them in solvingcontributions to PVA and its members.complexU.S.CoastGuardissues,developingprograms and products to improve operations, and combating costlyEd Welch is still engaged with PVA but in an emeritus role. and uncoordinated government regulation. PVAs staff ex- He is now PVAs senior legislative advisor, and we are fortu-perts support PVA members with their interactions withnate to be able to continue to tap into his considerable gov-Coast Guard inspectors and others, providing direct adviceernment and maritime experience to support our ongoing and even intervening when necessary. advocacy efforts. Having both Richard and Ed on board gives PVA substantial bench strength in its government This month, PVA members will receive a membership duesrelations activities and influence. invoice for their 2024 dues under the Summer Billing Pro-gram. PVAs Board of Directors developed this program forPVA 2023 CONGRESSIONAL FLY-IN the added convenience of paying dues when business is mostAfter a multi-year interruption brought on by the COVID-19 active. In considering the FY 2024 PVA operating budget,pandemic, we are pleased to announce the 2023 comeback of the PVA Board has approved a three percent increase inthe PVA Congressional Fly-In. This important annual event member dues for 2023. In addition, the user fee per vesselwill be held Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023, in Washington, D.C. for the PVA Alternate Security Program (ASP) will increasePVA staff are currently scheduling meetings with members by three percent for 2024. These modest increases are neces- of Congress, their staff, and appropriate committee staff to sary for PVA to continue to provide the ever-growing arraydiscuss important issues facing the passenger vessel industry. of member services and programs that PVA members haveThis is a tremendous opportunity for PVA members to par-come to expect and rely on.ticipate first-hand in the legislative process and contribute directly to PVAs advocacy efforts. Past PVA member par-WELCOME TO PVAS ticipants have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and come NEW LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR away with a greater appreciation for PVAs work on behalf of I am delighted to welcome Richard Patch, PVAs new Legis- the passenger vessel industry in Washington, D.C.lative Director to the PVA staff. Richard comes to PVA with significant Congressional lobbying experience. He was mostThe days activities will begin with a morning briefing and recently Vice President, Federal Affairs for the Society fora question-and-answer period, after which you will be bro-Continued on page 657 AUGUST 2023'