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40 YEARS OF PROGRESS Forty years ago, the American Waterways Operators, Inc., was founded for the purpose of rep- resenting the national interests of the inland and coastal marine transportation industry. AWO was incorporated in 1944. On March 3-4, this premier organi- zation will hold its Annual Meet- ing in Washington, D.C. AWO's members include not only domestic waterways carriers and tugboat operators, but also the medium and small size ship- yards throughout the country which construct and repair all types of equipment for the shal- low-draft sector. AWO closely follows develop- ments that could impact on the industry, and provides its mem- bers with timely reports on is- sues of concern. The association also speaks out on legislative and administrative proposals of inter- est to the industry. In this re- gard, AWO places great empha- sis on anticipating governmental actions and providing input dur- ing the developmental stages. The primary objective of AWO is to promote the advantages of barge transportation — a safe, fuel-efficient and cost-effective mode — and to inform policy- makers and the public of the vital role the industry plays in the nation's integrated transport sys- tem. Association spokesmen fre- quently testify before Congres- sional committees and maintain a continuous dialogue with vari- ous federal agencies whose activ- ities affect AWO members. AWO keeps members informed through the popular Weekly Letter, and conducts educational, statistical and public relations programs on a national basis. As everyone in the industry is well aware, two legislative areas of major importance to the wa- terways industry in the recent past deal with "user charges" and the future of the Title XI Photo —Don Allen Donlen, Morgan City, La.
