In the News

The annual Waterways Symposium and Waterways Council, Inc. (WCI) annual meeting was held last week in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Michael Granché, manager of market development, along with Corn Board member and Illinois farmer, Kenny Hartman, attended the conference. While there, the two toured the United Associations Training Center and also had the opportunity to engage with WCI staff and other industry members discussing the opportunities and challenges along the inland waterways.

When asked about the relationship between corn and the inland waterways, Hartman said, “Corn farmers continue to work closely with the Waterways Council because we understand the competitive advantage a reliable and efficiently operated waterways system means to our industry.  However, to maintain our ability to compete globally, additional investments must be made to accelerate the modernization of the U.S. inland waterways. The inland waterways represent the safest, most environmentally sustainable, and cost-effective way to transport grain, equipment and other goods.”

During the symposium, Senior Vice President of WCI Deb Calhoun, was presented the National Rivers Hall of Fame National Achievement Award. The award was presented to Deb for her career’s worth of hard work contributing to the success of the inland waterways. “I’m very excited for Deb. Congratulations and thank you for your commitment to the waterways,” said Michael.