CGB Marine and Cooper Consolidated, LLC joined the inland maritime community as major sponsors of the 25th Annual River Bell Awards Luncheon on Dec. 11. The event drew a record-setting crowd of 600 attendees and raised $535,000 to support The Seamen’s Church Institute.
The River Bell Awards Luncheon is held each year to recognize individuals who contribute to America’s waterways and to support services for mariners. The funds raised will help provide chaplaincy, crisis response, advocacy, safety programs, and mariner training through The Seamen’s Church Institute. According to organizers, SCI chaplains visit more than 2,000 vessels annually to offer care and comfort for those working on the water.
This year’s River Bell Award was presented to George Leavell, CEO of Wepfer Group, LLC. Leavell was recognized for his leadership in the industry and his hands-on approach that has supported inland waterways over several decades. Wepfer Group is noted as a partner at several CGB locations along the Lower Mississippi River.
Lance Rase from CGB Enterprises played a key role in organizing this year’s event as part of the planning committee. Rase said: “Events like River Bell reaffirm the unity of our maritime community and the vital role the Seamen’s Church Institute plays in supporting mariners and seafaring communities, and the shared mission that binds our maritime family together.” He added: “The River Bell Awards are one way we can give back to the people who make this industry possible. These mariners sacrifice so much every day, it’s about showing up and letting them know that they’re never alone.”
CGB Enterprises includes notable personnel such as founder Bob Frane who pioneered innovative barge freight trading according to the official website. The company promotes diversity and inclusion within its workforce according to its official website, operates more than 113 grain sites with barge, rail, and truck access across the Midwest according to its official website, has been recognized for industry-leading safety results according to its official website, is affiliated with Zen-Noh Grain Corporation which is jointly held by ZEN-NOH and ITOCHU since the late 1980s according to its official website, and employs over 1,700 people across its network of facilities according to its official website.
The annual luncheon continues as an important gathering point for leaders in inland marine transportation while providing crucial support services for mariners.
