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T his issue of MarineNews touches on the public standing of the workboat industry of both modern and historical times. In our Insights section, Jennifer Carpenter, Senior Vice President of National Advocacy for the American Waterways Operators (AWO), talks about the professional association’s current plans to bring more recognition to an indus- try that works too quietly in the shadow of land and air based modes of transportation. Contrast this with our feature story about the little known WWII merchant mariners of coastal tugs and barges, in which Don Horton, now 78 years old, describes his family’s work on these vessels beginning in 1942 and the loss of his brother to a German U-boat off the East Coast. He explains how these tugs and barges provided a vital service to the war effort, how coastal mariners faced great threat to life and limb, and how, even in those days, they remained obscure in the eye of the public. It is a reminder, as we celebrate our veterans during the month of November, to demonstrate our appre- ciation for the merchant mariners who served on both sea-going and coastal vessels, which transported 99 percent of the war materials during the Second World War. Meanwhile, for today’s coastal and inland mariners, it seems that the modern day formula for capturing the general public’s attention could be reality television. Maybe Miracle Marine, who will be presenting a new workboat to Collins River Logging, the stars of the History Channel’s “Ax-Men” show, has some tips to share (see coverage of Miracle Marine’s boat on pg 66). Before I sign off I want to invite readers to look me up in December at the 2010 International WorkBoat Show in New Orleans. Visit our publishing group’s booth (#1735) featuring MarineNews, Maritime Reporter & Engineering News, Marine Technology Reporter and our newest print publication, Maritime Professional, a companion to the popu- lar blog site (www.maritimeprofessional.com). SUBSCRIBE Subscribe to the print or electronic edition of MarineNews at www.marinelink.com/renewsubscr/Renew04/subscribe.html or e-mail Kathleen Hickey at mrcirc@marinelink.com DAILY NEWS via E-MAIL Twice every business day we provide breaking news, tailored to your specification, delivered FREE directly to your e-mail. To subscribe visit http://maritimetoday.com/login.aspx POST & SEARCH JOBS Job listings are updated daily and help match employers with qualified employees. Post a position or keep abreast of new employment opportunities at http://www.maritimejobs.com ADVERTISE MN offers a number of print and electronic advertising packages. To see our editorial calendar and advertising rates, visit www.marinelink.com/AdvRates/Rates.asp Raina Clark, Managing Editor, rainaclark@marinelink.com Want to hear more from behind the editor’s desk? Visit the MarineNews Notes blog at www.MaritimeProfessional.com. Online Resour ces 6 MN November 2010 EDITOR’S NOTE rainaclark@ marinelink.com