The Maritime Commerce Club (MCC) is seeking nominations for the 2025 Old Salt Award. The Old Salt Award is a long-standing MCC tradition. It is presented to an individual, who through years of service and dedication, has advanced the Willamette and/or Columbia River maritime industry. Nominees should be contributors to the maritime community and have made a significant effort to progress the industry outside of their regular job activities. For a nomination letter to be considered, it must be accompanied by a detailed biography of the individual that includes the nominee’s industry involvement.
WHO IS QUALIFIED? HOW DO I NOMINATE SOMEONE?
» Nominees should be contributors to the maritime community and have made a significant effort to progress the industry outside of their regular job activities.
» For a nomination to be considered, it must be accompanied by a detailed biography of the individual, which includes the nominee’s industry involvement.
» Submissions will be reviewed by a committee consisting of the previous “Old Salt” winner, the Merchants Exchange Executive Director, and the Maritime Commerce Club President.
Submissions must be received by Thursday, January 23, 2025.
Please email your nomination to vis@pdxmex.com OR in an envelope marked “CONFIDENTIAL” to:
Old Salt Committee Chairperson
c/o Maritime Commerce Club
200 SW Market Street, Suite 190
Portland, OR 97201
Questions? Please contact Margerie Vis at vis@pdxmex.com or (503) 220-2093.
Suggested topics/questions for the nomination letter:
1. Provide a background of the nominee.
2. How did he/she become involved with the Columbia River and/or Willamette River?
3. What company does the nominee currently work for?
4. What are the current responsibilities of the nominee?
5. What companies/organizations has the nominee worked with?
6. What companies/organizations has the nominee been involved with?
7. What organization(s) is the nominee currently involved with?
8. How has the nominee advanced the Columbia and/or Willamette River maritime industry?
9. How has the nominee been a contributor to the maritime community?
10. Has the nominee made a significant effort to progress the industry outside of their regular job activities?
Previous Old Salts
2011 Larry Paulson – Port of Vancouver
2012 Ken O’Hollaren – Port of Longview
2013 Jim Townley – Columbia River Steamship Operators Assn.
2014 Richard Lauer – Sause Bros.
2015 Dan Knox – Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt
2016 Paul Amos – Columbia River Pilots
2017 Sebastian Degens – Port of Portland
2018 Liz Wainwright – Merchants Exchange
2019 David Bartz – Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt
2020 Rob Rich – Shaver Transportation
2022 Fred Harding – Shaver Transportation
2023 Kristin Meira – American Cruise Lines
2024 Dave Harlan – State of Oregon