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January Luncheon: Bill Crow Presents VSRA Annual Report

JANUARY LUNCHEON: VSRA PRESIDENT BILL CROW, ADDRESSES VSRA MEMBERSHIP

 

The first General Membership meeting of 2021 was held virtually on Tuesday, January 26th via VSRA's Zoom account. The speaker for the meeting was Bill Crow, President of the Virginia Ship Repair Association. Bill presented the VSRA Annual Report - an overview of VSRA activities, initiatives, and successes in 2020, and a look ahead at the goals for 2021.

Bill began by saying that, in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges it created, the success and achievements VSRA had accomplished in 2020 were emblematic of the resilience, perseverance, grit, determination, pride, and patriotism of its member companies. These words defined ship repair in 2020, Bill emphasized.

He went on to convey that VSRA helped keep its members on an even keel during this crisis by providing resources such as the Safety Committee's "Best Practices / Resources Guide" and several webinars, which included a Contracts Committee's CARES Act Webinar and the joint webinar presented by both the Human Resources and Safety & Environmental Committees. 

Furthermore, VSRA was able to launch and maintain the new Workforce Development Committee, resume trainings conducted in safe learning spaces, and establish VSRA / Navy solutions-driven working groups.

In 2020, VSRF's efforts, Bill explained, actually led to the breaking of several records. This included: 

  • VSRF Golf Tournament: most funds raised in 34-year history. 
  • LEGO Competition: 26 schools registered to compete.
  • Tradesperson of the Year: 31 nominees, more than ever before. 
  • VSRA Member Companies: Ended at 303, a major milestone.

Continuing the list of VSRA and the Foundation’s achievements, Bill stressed the achievements of the Women in Skilled Careers (WISC) program, which included 4 classes having successfully graduated. Bill emphasized that the program was made possible through successful partnerships with many local community and educational groups.

Pausing for a reflective moment, Bill then praised VSRA’s membership for all their hard efforts, making sure to thank the VSRF Board of Directors, and gave special thanks to the outgoing VSRF leadership, Brian Daughtery and Dawn Angrisani. After briefly talking about what the road in 2021 looks like, Bill ended by emphasizing that the organization serves those who MAKE SHIP HAPPEN.

Click Here to View the VSRA 2020 Annual Report!


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