Pacific Northwest Waterways Association (PNWA)

10/23/2026

10/21/2026

Congratulations to PNWA's 2026 Distinguished Service Award Recipients!

During our 2026 Annual Convention Honors Reception on October 13 in Vancouver, Washington, PNWA proudly recognized five outstanding individuals whose leadership, dedication, and service have made significant contributions to our association and the Pacific Northwest maritime community.

Please join us in congratulating our 2026 Distinguished Service Award recipients:

- Dale Lewis – Port of Longview

- Jennifer Riddle – Tidewater

- Steve Shaver – Shaver Transportation

- Tom Stiger – Port of Everett

- Jessica Stokke – U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

These individuals have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to advancing PNWA's mission through their leadership, active involvement, collaboration, and advocacy for the region's waterways, infrastructure, and maritime industry.

Thank you to each of our honorees for your dedication, contributions, and continued support of PNWA's priorities. Your leadership helps strengthen our organization and the future of the Pacific Northwest's waterways.

10/21/2026

Congratulations to Kim Puzey – 2026 Walter H. Evans Memorial Award Recipient!

PNWA proudly recognized Kim Puzey, General Manager of the Port of Umatilla, with the 2026 Walter H. Evans Memorial Award during our Annual Convention Honors Reception on October 13 in Vancouver, Washington.

A longtime PNWA leader and former President, Kim has dedicated more than three decades to advancing maritime infrastructure, economic development, and the interests of the Columbia-Snake River region.

Beyond his leadership and advocacy, Kim is known for his commitment to mentorship, collaboration, and creating a welcoming environment for PNWA members. His efforts to connect people, encourage participation, and build lasting relationships reflect the legacy of Walt Evans, for whom the award is named.

Congratulations, Kim, and thank you for your exceptional leadership, dedication, and service to PNWA and the Pacific Northwest maritime community!

10/20/2026

Thank You for Making the 2026 PNWA Annual Convention a Success!

PNWA extends a sincere thank you to our members, partners, speakers, and sponsors who joined us October 13–15 in Vancouver, Washington, for our 2026 Annual Convention!

We appreciate everyone who attended, connected with colleagues, and participated in meaningful discussions about the opportunities and challenges facing the Pacific Northwest’s maritime industry and waterways.

A special thank you to our speakers and panelists for sharing their expertise, providing valuable industry insights, and engaging with attendees on important topics ranging from infrastructure investments and navigation to trade, environmental issues, and maritime policy.

To our generous sponsors, thank you! Your continued support helps PNWA advance our mission, strengthen regional partnerships, and advocate for the interests of our members and the Northwest's waterways.

And a special thank you to our Happy Hour Sponsors, Ecological Land Services and Van Ness Feldman, for hosting a wonderful evening of networking and camaraderie!

We are grateful for the dedication, collaboration, and support of our PNWA community. We look forward to continuing our work together to strengthen the future of the Pacific Northwest's waterways!

10/20/2026

PNWA was pleased to attend, sponsor, and participate in the M-5 & M-84 Marine Highway Roundtable, held October 12–13 in Vancouver, Washington.

The two-day event brought together maritime industry leaders, port representatives, vessel operators, and transportation professionals to explore opportunities and challenges facing the region’s marine highway system. Discussions focused on business development, trade opportunities, terminal operations, infrastructure investments, marine highway initiatives, and regulatory challenges.

PNWA Executive Director Neil Maunu moderated the Terminal Operators & New Insights panel, featuring representatives from Tidewater Barge Lines and Harbor Industrial Services Corp. The discussion offered valuable perspectives on terminal operations, industry trends, and opportunities to strengthen regional maritime transportation.

PNWA appreciates the opportunity to support this important event and thanks the organizers, speakers, panelists, and attendees for their commitment to advancing marine transportation, strengthening regional partnerships, and supporting the future of the Pacific Northwest’s waterways.

10/20/2026

In mid-August, a group of 15 congressional staffers got a crash course in why the lower Snake River dams are so important to the Pacific Northwest. The staffers spent a day hearing from river system stakeholders while they took a jet boat ride through Lower Granite Dam, toured fish research faciliti...

10/20/2026

The lower Snake River dams create the navigation pools that barges travel through.
Locks allow those barges to move between different water levels.
Together, they connect inland grain terminals with the Columbia River and downstream export facilities.
For wheat farmers, that connection is part of the route to market.

10/20/2026

Congratulations, Commissioner Stiger!

Congratulations to Port of Everett Commissioner Tom Stiger for receiving the 2026 Pacific Northwest Waterways Association (PNWA) Distinguished Service Award! Distinguished Service
Award recipients are selected for their significant contributions to the Northwest navigation, energy, irrigation, and recreation communities. Commissioner Stiger has a long history of public service, and we are proud to have him on our Port team.

10/19/2026

The Pacific Northwest Waterways Association (PNWA) is pleased to announce its newly elected officers for 2026–2027, selected during the October 15 Annual Membership Meeting in Vancouver, WA.

Please join us in congratulating our new leadership team!

President: Patrick Harbison, Port of Kalama, WA

Vice President: Kayla Dunlap, Port of Grays Harbor, WA

Treasurer: Scott Corbitt, Port of Lewiston, ID

We also extend our sincere appreciation to Paula Miranda, Port of Newport, for her dedicated leadership and service as PNWA President. We look forward to her continued involvement as Past President.

Additionally, we are pleased to welcome Leslie Druffel, The McGregor Company, as an At-Large Member of the Executive Committee.

Congratulations to our leadership team! We look forward to another successful year of collaboration, advocacy, and advancing the interests of Pacific Northwest waterways and the communities they serve.