“I believe that the heart of every business, its very soul, is its culture, its values. We have been able to create a culture of common purpose, integrity, and respect, where every team member, in every role at every level, respects one another no matter the title and feels encouraged, inspired and driven to do their absolute best work every single day. It all goes back to people. I have always said ‘surround yourself with great people and great things will happen,’ and they have.” – WALTER E. BLESSEY, JR.

---

The Seamen’s Church Institute hosted Gulf and inland maritime leaders for the Maritime Training Benefit Luncheon in Houston on April 28, 2022. The luncheon, returning after a 2-year pause due to Covid-19 and Hurricane Ida, saw over 450 in attendance gathering in support and recognition of SCI’s Center for Maritime Education and pastoral mission to mariners.

   This year’s MTBL honored Walter E. Blessey, Jr., Chairman of Blessey Marine, with the Lifetime Achievement Award and featured reflections by Captain Serafin Madrigal (Blessey Marine), Steve Golding (Chairman, Golding Barge Line), David Lane (VP Marketing, Canal Barge Company), Christian O’Neil (President, Kirby Marine Transportation) and Walter’s son-in-law Clark Todd (President and CEO, Blessey Marine).

   The event was opened by SCI President and Executive Director Mark Nestlehutt, with a blessing by Senior Chaplain Thomas Rhoades and brief remarks by Center for Maritime Education Director Captain Stephen Polk.

---

For additional photos from this event, please visit our Flickr album.

---

Thank you to our Event Sponsors

CAPTAIN SPONSORS
AccuTRANS
Blessey Marine Services, Inc.
Coating Systems and Supply, LLC
Genesis Marine, LLC
Golding Barge Line, Inc.
Ingram Barge Company

PILOT SPONSORS
Aon
Campbell Transportation
Canal Barge Company
Channel Shipyard
Continental Underwriters Ltd.
Cummins Sales and Service
Enterprise Marine Services LLC
Hines Furlong Line, Inc.
Karl Senner Inc.
Laborde Products
Southwest Shipyard
Team Services, LLC
Turn Services

BELL SPONSORS
Cooper Consolidated, LLC
ERL, Inc.
Houston Pilots Association
Kongsberg Digital Simulation Inc.
Martin Midstream Partners
O’Rourke Marine Services, a Mansfield Service Partners Company
PSC Group
The American Waterways Operators
Vessel Repair

---

Thank you to our SCI Sponsors