The VMA celebrates finale of their 100th year by hosting “Feeding Virginia,” a virtual uplifting program and fundraiser for the Federation of Virginia Food Banks

The Virginia Maritime Association announced today that their fundraiser, in honor of their 100th anniversary, successfully raised $104,125 for the Federation of Virginia Food Banks. Being a statewide association that connects businesses and professionals throughout the entire maritime supply chain, the VMA is extremely aware of the challenges the past year has presented to its members, their partners, their employees, and their families. The VMA saw the finale of their centennial commemorations as an opportunity to celebrate not only 100 years of maritime industry growth, but also to support Virginians during struggling times.

“Feeding Virginia: VMA’s 100th Year Finale & Charity Event” was held on February 12, 2021, the last day of VMA’s 100th year, as a virtual program featuring VMA leadership and the guest appearances of Governor Ralph Northam, inspirational speaker Cal Fussman, and the new CEO and Executive Director of the Virginia Port Authority, Stephen Edwards. Topics highlighted VMA’s role as an industry advocate for more than 100 years and provided a glimpse into the future of the maritime supply chain of tomorrow.

“In 1920, 56 business leaders recognized there was promise in Virginia’s waters and sheltered harbors, promise that would only be recognized through collective effort,” explained David White, VMA Executive Director. “Understanding that a rising tide lifts all boats, in the spirit of cooperation and collaboration, they formed an alliance, today’s Virginia Maritime Association.”

“The port has flourished in the 100 years since VMA was established and they have been at the center of every development along the way, defending and promoting the best interests of the maritime supply chain. I have seen firsthand how the culture of collaboration that VMA fosters is a competitive advantage for Virginia and it must be maintained. I have noticed how the association has continued to raise the profile and the stature of the port and the goods that move through it to positively impact the economic wellbeing of our Commonwealth,” stated Governor Ralph Northam.

“The VMA has a long, proud history of advocacy and growth. As a second-generation leader of a Virginia based shipping company, I have seen firsthand in my career the value that the VMA brings to our maritime industry. The VMA is the voice of port industries,” stated Michael Coleman, VMA President and President/CEO of CV International and Capes Shipping Agencies.

“Because of the VMA’s advocacy, because of Virginia’s commitment, we now have the most modern and most capable port in the United States,” said Stephen Edwards, CEO & Executive Director of the Virginia Port Authority. “The VMA has been a great advocate for us for 100 years. I look forward to fostering our relationship and working with the VMA as we go forward.”

“We wanted to do something that would give meaning to VMA’s 100th year conclusion, and we wanted to provide immediate benefits, so it was decided to help fellow Virginians in our Commonwealth who have been directly affected as a result of the pandemic,” said Raymond Newlon, VMA’s Anniversary Chair and Principal Owner of Newlon Consulting, LLC.

“We’ve never seen a year like 2020. Our network of pantry kitchens and shelters have seen a surge in demand for emergency assistance and food donation sources have become more unreliable due to disruptions in the food supply chains. We are spending significantly more resources responding to the demands of the moment,” said Eddie Oliver, Executive Director of the Federation of Virginia Food Banks.

The donations directly support Feeding Southwest Virginia, Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, Capital Area Food Bank, Feed More (Richmond, VA), Virginia Peninsula Foodbank, Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia, and the Eastern Shore.