Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1505735
DULUTHPORT.COM | 15 DECC Director Dan Hartman, Duluth Mayor Emily Larson and Kate Ferguson of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority pose with the Viking Polaris shield after that vessel's initial turnaround visit on June 24, 2023. Approximately 300 passengers arrived in Duluth aboard the Polaris. Upcoming Viking cruise itineraries include a 79-day cruise to Antarctica that will begin in Duluth. Jayson Hron of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority presents first-arrival plaudits to Captain Ziolkowski Wojciech, master of the American Queen vessel Ocean Navigator, on June 9, 2023. The cruise ship docked at Duluth's Clure Public Marine Terminal. CRUISIN' DULUTH Congressman Stauber honored by Great Lakes Maritime Task Force On Aug. 18, 2023, the 80-member Great Lakes Maritime Task Force presented U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber with its 2023 Legislator of the Year Award during a ceremony at Duluth's Clure Public Marine Terminal. Stauber, R-Minn., has been a staunch supporter of mining efforts that supply the raw materials critical for America's steel production, and also for the Great Lakes maritime transportation network that moves those raw materials. Iron ore extracted from Minnesota's Iron Range sails from the Port of Duluth-Superior on U.S.-owned, U.S- crewed, and U.S.-flagged vessels to steel mills on the lower Great Lakes, contributing to more than 147,000 American jobs and $36 billion in economic impact. "Congressman Stauber is invested in America and its ded- icated workforce," stated GLMTF President John D. Baker of the International Longshoremen's Association. "I applaud his selection for his tenacious support of the fourth sea coast." The GLMTF first presented its Legislator of the Year Award in 1998, recognizing members of the U.S. Great Lakes delega- tion in Washington, D.C., who made significant contributions to keeping waterborne commerce on the Great Lakes a key component of the nation's transportation system. Stauber is the third Minnesota legislator to be so honored, joining the late Democratic Rep. James Oberstar, who won the award in 1999, and Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who won it in 2013. "Congressman Stauber is a fitting choice for this award, given his longtime advocacy on behalf of Great Lakes shipping and the nation's domestic supply chain," said Deb DeLuca, executive director of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority. "His support helps Great Lakes ports remain strong and vibrant links in America's supply chain, and we're especially pleased that the task force is honoring a legislator from our own backyard, a former commis- sioner on the Duluth Seaway Port Authority board, and some- one who is an effective advocate for regional industry." Tricia Hobbs, senior economic developer for the City of Duluth, exchanges commemorative plaques with Captain Ulf Wolter aboard the Hanseatic Inspiration on June 27, 2023. Hobbs was joined by Belle Wanke (left) and Dan Hartman from the DECC and Kate Ferguson from the Duluth Seaway Port Authority. The Hanseatic Inspiration brought approximately 200 passengers and a crew of 167 to Duluth.