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LOTT, SLATER, CARD HONOR RESPONSIBLE SAFETY PROGRAM IN CAPITOL HILL CEREMONY

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Important leaders in Congress and the Administration turned out on Thursday evening, April 6 to congratulate AWO members for achieving a marine safety and environmental protection milestone at a special recognition reception in the Mansfield Room of the Capitol. Guest speakers, including Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-MS), U.S. Secretary of Transportation Rodney Slater, and U.S. Coast Guard Vice Commandant James Card, celebrated the success and innovation of the government-industry partnership to establish the AWO Responsible Carrier Program, and congratulated AWO members on the achievement of 100% compliance with the program.

The reception was attended by more than 150 AWO members, Members of Congress, high level Administration officials, and officers of the U.S. Coast Guard. Majority Leader Lott, Secretary Slater, and Admiral Card each made laudatory remarks about the program and AWO for demonstrating leadership in safety and environmental stewardship. The guest speakers also commended the Coast Guard-AWO Safety Partnership as a critical complement to the program, and emphasized the importance of waterways transportation to the nation's economy. AWO Chairman Fred Raskin acted as emcee and introduced a video on the Responsible Carrier Program developed when the program was selected for a 1999 Summit Award by the American Society of Association Executives, as an example of outstanding initiatives that benefit America.

Senate Majority Leader Lott conveyed his enthusiasm about the Responsible Carrier Program this way: "I think this is fantastic. I hope we can emulate this particular program in other sectors of our economy, particularly in transportation . . . We need more of this type of program." He also pointed out, "This [program] shows that we don't need the extensive government regulation we often have."

Secretary of Transportation Slater described AWO members' development of the program as "standing behind your word and more importantly, it's standing up for your commitment to safety and environmental protection and your respect for the power of the good of commerce." He also observed that, "We rely on the members of this great organization for the transportation links that you provide to the United States and to the rest of the world."

Coast Guard Vice Commandant Card asserted, "[The Coast Guard] is proud to be partners with you and we look forward to working to improve safety and environmental protection in the 21^st century."tion Week provides an opportunity to promote greater awareness about the importance of waterways transportation to America's economy, environment, and quality of life. National Maritime Day is traditionally observed on the third Saturday in May, and is the concluding day of National Transportation Week.