Fall 2014 - Turn Services

Tu r n S e r v i c e s
FALL 2014
David Fennelly Honored with C. Alvin Bertel Award
On June 26, 2014, David
Fennelly, Director of Turn
Services and Associated
Terminals, was honored as
the recipient of the 2014
C. Alvin Bertel Award. The
award was established in 1967 and is
presented each year to an individual
who has made significant contributions
to the Louisiana port community.
The award recipient is selected by
a committee of eleven international
trade, transportation and economic
development organizations in the
New Orleans area. Nominating
organizations include the Board
of Commissioners of the Port of
New Orleans, City of New Orleans,
International Freight Forwarders
and Customs Brokers Association,
Louisiana Maritime Association,
Jefferson Parish, New Orleans Board
of Trade, New Orleans Chamber of
Commerce, Plaquemines Port, Harbor,
& Terminal District, Port of South
Louisiana, St. Bernard Port, Harbor, &
Terminal District, and the World Trade
Center of New Orleans.
A luncheon was held at the Sheraton
Hotel in New Orleans to honor
David. Over 300 individuals attended
the event including industry peers,
government leaders, representatives
from the major South Louisiana port
authorities, individuals associated
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with non-profits in which David is
involved and friends and colleagues
from Associated Terminals and Turn
Services.
David Kearney, chairman of the World
Trade Center of New Orleans, served
as the master of ceremonies of the
luncheon. Father Jose Lavastida, S.T.D.,
Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos Catholic
Church, gave the invocation and Paul
Aucoin, Executive Director of the Port
of South Louisiana, led the Pledge of
Allegiance.
After lunch, a moving and humorous
video montage was shown where
colleagues shared stories about
their association and friendship with
David. Following the video, Associated
Terminals and Turn Services Director
Gary Poirrier made a congratulatory
statement introducing David and
shared why he felt David was
deserving of the award. Last year’s
recipient, Judge Joel Chaisson,
presented the award.
David accepted the award on behalf
of his team members at Associated
Terminals and Turn Services. He stated:
“You have no idea how I feel to be part of
a team that probably are the greatest
group of people who have ever worked
on the Mississippi River. They are second
to none and we are so proud.” He
thanked his family and friends and the
corporate and port relationships which
have been so vital to the success of
Associated Terminals and Turn Services.
David Kearney, Chairman of the WTCNO,
and David Fennelly at award ceremony.
He spoke of the importance of respect, kindness,
politeness and the importance of giving to those
less fortunate. He explained that Turn Services’
slogan “One Good Turn” speaks volumes about
the cultures at Turn Services and Associated
Terminals and what the companies want to be
known for in the community.
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Left: Gary Poirrier introducing
and congratulating David.
Right: (pictured from left to
right) Judge Joel Chaisson,
Mario Muñoz, Frank Morton
and David Fennelly
David Fennelly accepts the award on behalf of his colleagues
He shared that he learned the important life
lesson that everyone was equal and should
be treated exactly the same despite physical
and mental challenges from his mother,
Kay Fennelly. He stated: “My mom had a
Montessori School connected to our house.
About 30 children came every day. Some
had physical disabilities, some were kids
with Down’s syndrome, some with speech
impediments. It just did not matter to
my mom.”
After entertaining the audience with
anecdotes about his youth and his early
years in the maritime industry, he changed
focus to discuss the port system in Louisiana
and our responsibility to invest in our ports.
He stated: “How long can we sing this song
about the gateway to the greatest economy
in the world without reinvesting major dollars
in infrastructure, when our neighboring
states are investing hundreds of millions a
year in their ports annually?”
“We have the most amazing natural port
infrastructure in the world and we know it and
we love it. We have to find creative ways to
reinvest in it. One day, its got to be done. One
day, we have to be the “ones” to do it. One day,
we will band together and demand change!”
said David Fennelly, as he ended the speech.
David Fennelly speaks to the crowd regarding the
need for the maritime industry to be “ONE” and
band together to reinvest in our port infrastructure.
Above: David and his mother, Kay Fennelly.
Right: Alex Boudreaux congratulates David after his speech.
Far Right: C. Alvin Bertel award.
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Devlin Award
The M/V Jean Lafitte and
the M/V Sir Barton crews
were awarded the Jones F.
Devlin Award for two years
of no lost time due to injuries.
Captain Jason Pitre accepted
the award on behalf of M/V
Jean Lafitte and Captain Ellis
Pitre accepted the award on
behalf of M/V Sir Barton.
The award publicly recognizes the skills and
dedication of the men and women who are
responsible for safe vessel operations. Certificates
are awarded to all manned merchant vessels that
have operated for two full years or more without a
crew member losing a full turn at watch because
of an occupational injury. The award was presented
at the Chamber of Shipping of America’s Annual
Safety Award Luncheon. Congratulations to our
award winning team members!
Pictured left to right: VP of Compliance Bob Mueller, Port Captain Wayne Bishop, Captain Ellis Pitre, Captain Jason Pitre and
Vice President of Vessel Operations Brad Chauvin at the Devlin awards ceremony.
Turn Services Steersmen Development Program
Turn Services recognizes that the inland
transportation industry is facing a shortage
of licensed personnel qualified to operate
towing vessels. In response to this need, Turn
Services like many industry leaders has instituted
a Steersmen Development Program aimed at
assisting motivated candidates to progress from
deckhand to captain.
Turn Services is committed to developing qualified
mariners through the Steersmen Development
Program. Candidates are chosen based on
possession of an Apprentice Mate (Steersman)
of Towing Vessels license, evaluations by the
captains and teammates on the vessel, as well as
the Company’s port captains, their service time
with the Company, and their ability and willingness
to lead.
Since the Steersmen Development Program
began, Turn Services has seen several team
members receive their Master of Towing Vessels
license. Just this year, two members of the Turn
Services team received their credentials: Roy Veal
and Brian Murphy.
Top: Brian Murphy aboard the M/V Whirlaway.
Bottom: Roy Veal operating the M/V Alydar
.
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ABOUT ROY VEAL
Roy joined the Turn Services team as a supervisor
at the Armant Fleet cleaning facility in 2004. He
soon proved to be an effective facility manager
and managed various facilities until 2010. In
2010, Roy decided to move to vessel operations
and he transferred to the M/V CITATION as a
deckhand. In 2011, he received his Apprentice
Mate (Steersman) of Towing Vessels license and
entered the Steersmen Development Program.
He received his Mate (Pilot) of Towing Vessels
license in 2012 and stood his own watch aboard
the M/V’s BLACKBEARD and AFFIRMED during
this period. This year, Roy received his Master of
Towing Vessels license and is currently operating
the M/V ALYDAR at St. John Fleet.
ABOUT BRIAN MURPHY
Brian joined the Turn Services team as a green
deckhand on the M/V AFFIRMED in 2009. He
soon realized that a long-term career in the
industry offered great potential for personal
growth and development. Recognizing there was
an opportunity for growth with the Company, he
received his Apprentice Mate (Steersman) of
Towing Vessels license in 2011. Brian officially
entered Turn Services’ Steersmen Development
Program in 2012 and earned his Mate (Pilot) of
Towing Vessels license later that year. As a Mate
(Pilot), Murphy operated the M/V Secretariat.
Earlier this year, Brian received his Master of
Towing Vessels license and is currently operating
the M/V Whirlaway.
Roy and Brian represent Turn Services’
commitment to developing its team to meet the
Company and the industry’s needs. Turn Services
is proud to have them both as leaders and
captains on its vessels.
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AEU Awards Turn Services 2013 Safety Award
Pictured left to right:
Mike Lapeyrouse,
This August, the American Equity Underwriters, Inc. (AEU)
presented the 2013 Safety Awards at the annual American
Longshore Mutual Association (ALMA) Conference in San
Diego, California.Turn Services was one of the recipients in the
Shipyard category. The awards are given each year to ALMA
members with the best safety performance for that year. Mario
Muñoz, President of Turn Services, accepted the award on
behalf of the Turn Services team.
CEO, American Equity
Underwriters, Hardie
Edgcombe, VP, Arthur J.
Gallagher & Co., Mario
Muñoz, President, Turn
Services and Jimmy
Burgin, SVP, American
Equity Underwriters
Turn Services Recruitment
Turn Services is partnering with the
Louisiana Workforce Commission in its
recruiting efforts. The Louisiana Workforce
Commission is a state agency dedicated
to helping businesses reach potential
future team members. The Commission
accomplishes its mission through
community outreach, job counseling, training
and support services.
Turn Services has been helping the LWC
to understand the needs of the inland
river industry. The Company has been
working with other partners, such as
AWO, to educate the Commission on
training requirements, crewing needs and
career opportunities. Turn Services has
participated in several job fairs to help
educate the local workforce about the
opportunities offered by the Company and
the industry. Additionally, representatives of
Turn Services have made several visits to
the Business and Career Solutions Center to
work with potential future teammates.
The LWC also offers services to veterans to
help them transition back to civilian life. Turn
Services, like many others in the industry,
believes that the inland river industry is
very well suited for veterans making this
transition. The Company has been working
closely with the LWC to educate veterans
on opportunities not only for immediate
employment, but also on opportunities for
advancement and making a career at Turn
Services and in the industry.
Turn Services is proud to partner with
the LWC as they work to achieve their
mission. To learn more about the Louisiana
Workforce Commission and their mission,
visit www.laworks.net.
Turn Services Begins Vessel Operations at Cote Blanche Salt Mine
On January 1, 2014, Turn Services took over the fleeting and vessel
operations at Cote Blanche salt mine. The salt mine is owned and operated
by Compass Minerals, who delivers the salt to various destinations in the
northern states by barge. When the salt reaches its destination, it is used
for ice and snow control. The Cote Blanche salt mine produces approximately
nine tons every minute. The salt can be transferred directly from the mine to
barge. Two barges can be loaded simultaneously. Cote Blanche is an island
in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana and the name comes from the French Côte
Blanche, which means “White Coast.”
Turn Services is managing and maintaining the fleet with the M/V ZENYATTA,
an 800 hp towboat, as well as servicing the loading dock. Crew quarters are
provided on the island, which is accessible only by ferry.
Left: Captain Aaron Terrebonne working the loading dock at Cote Blanche.
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Turn Services Corporate Headquarters Receives
Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation
Turn Services administrative and operations complex was a winner of the inaugural
Louisiana Awards for Excellence in Historic Preservation. Fifteen winners were
announced at a reception on April 9, 2014 held at the New Orleans Lakefront Airport.
The award honors projects completed in Orleans Parish (located outside of the French
Quarter) in 2012 and 2013 that represent outstanding examples of restoration or
rehabilitation of historic buildings.
Top: (pictured left to right) Representatives from Donahue Favret, WDG I Architects and Turn Services at the Louisiana
Landmarks Society Ceremony. Bottom: Interior shots of restored third floor of Turn Services headquarters.
Turn Services Awards Inaugural One Good Turn Scholarships
“One Good Turn Deserves Another” is the phrase that came to mind when Turn Services established its charitable giving program
in 2010. When Turn Services decided to start a scholarship program for the children of its employees, it was determined that it
was only fitting that the program would share this slogan. Three scholarships were awarded for the 2014-2015 school year. To
be eligible for the scholarship, the applicant has to be a first, second or third year student currently enrolled in a fully accredited
college or university and must meet minimum eligibility requirements.
2014 -2 015 R E CI P I EN T S
Sarah Bolotte, daughter of Russell Bolotte,
will be a junior at Spring Hill College in Mobile,
Alabama. She is a Communication Arts major
with a concentration in PR & Advertising with a
Minor in Business Administration. She has been
on the Dean’s List since she enrolled at Spring
Hill College. She is the pitcher of her school’s
softball team. Sarah loves to travel and will be
studying abroad this fall in Bologna, Italy. Her
philosophy is to “Laugh often, love much and
live well.” She states in her essay that Bill Nye
is quoted for saying, “Everyone you will ever
meet knows something you don’t.” She believes
that this is the most inspirational quote for her
because it motivates her to learn from others
and through experiences.
Rachel Bolotte, daughter of Russell Bolotte, will
be a sophomore at Delgado Community College
and is enrolled in the Dietary and Nutrition
Program with the goal of becoming a Registered
Dietary Technician. Rachel received a Bachelor
of Science from Nicholls University where she
attended the John Folse Culinary Institute. She
is currently working full-time at Restaurant
R’evolution while pursuing her degree. Rachel
summed up her essay with the following
statement: “Food is everything in our lives. For
us down here, it is our way of living. It’s how we
pass our stories from generation to generation
and keep traditions alive. It is what I know and
love.”
Lauren Jaubert, daughter of Marcel Jaubert, will be a freshman at University of Louisiana at
Lafayette and is pursuing a degree in Nursing. A graduate of St. Charles Catholic High School,
Lauren was on the Honor Roll and participated in numerous extracurricular activities including
cheerleading, campus ministry, bowling, theatre and cross country. She believes that the technology
and hands-on training provided through the nursing program at ULL will prepare her for a career
as a nurse. She is excited to begin this new chapter and plans to be extremely involved in the ULL
community where she hopes college life will be full of fun, learning and new experiences.
Top: (pictured from left to right) Sarah Bolotte, Russell Bolotte and Rachel Bolotte
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Bottom: Lauren Jaubert, daughter of Marcel Jaubert
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Turn Services
3333 Chartres Street
New Orleans, LA 70117
4th Annual Glenn Otero Memorial Golf Tournament
Benefits Children’s Hospital
Turn Services held the 4th Annual Glenn Otero Memorial
Golf Tournament on Wednesday, March 26, 2014 at
Lakewood Country Club.
The tournament is named in honor of Glenn Otero, a Port
Captain at Turn Services who inspired everyone who knew
him. Unfortunately, Glenn lost a long fought battle with
cancer in 2011. The first golf tournament was held to benefit
Glenn in his fight against cancer.
This year’s proceeds from the tournament benefitted
Children’s Hospital in New Orleans. The hospital is a regional
medical center for the state and offers a full range of
inpatient and outpatient services for children in need. Over
200 golfers took to the course in support of the charity and
over $15,000 was raised for the hospital.
Mario Muñoz, President of Turn Services, presented the
check to Roger Gorman of Children’s Hospital in front of
the golfers before they teed off. Mark your calendar for next
year’s tournament on March 25, 2015!
In his remarks, Muñoz stated: “The people in this industry are always so willing to stand up
for those less fortunate and the participation is indicative to our industry’s commitment.
Over 50 teams are playing today to help the patients of Children’s Hospital.”
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