Business View Magazine | Volume 9, Issue 3

158 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 9, ISSUE 3 on the board of IAMPE, in order to provide the credentials that are now recognized in our industry as the only credential available for port directors. “We had our annual IRPT in-person 2021 conference in October in Biloxi, Mississippi and I saw a lot of business being done, a lot of networking and relationship building – it was a huge success. Our attendees were so excited to have been there. In-person meetings are resuming and business is good.” BVM: How will IRPT continue to innovate and be a voice for members in the future? Andres: “Along with social media platforms, we also have our own mobile app that is all about communication. To be able to say: “There is a rain event happening in Chicago and there’s a surge of water heading your way, so tie up your boats. Caution is needed.” This IRPT mobile app is the first of its kind in our industry to strengthen communications regarding safety and pilotage on the river system. We started that in 2020 during COVID, when everybody was sitting behind their computer instead of being out and about. “Whether you believe in climate change or not, the river system has always faced high water events. We’ve seen a fluctuation of 30 feet from one week to the next at one dock. That’s the way it’s always been. What has changed is the way our river system is managed. The decisions by the policy makers coming out of Washington have changed. Fish & wildlife and ecosystem restoration have become more prevalent in the conversation, whereas before, commercial navigation and economic growth was at the forefront. “As an association, we believe we can find a fair balanced approach to operating our river system that incorporates all of those things.”