Member Testimonials: Value of WCI Membership

"WCI is an important industry partner for the Cooper Group of Companies. As a board member I attend several meetings each year, including an important ‘fly-in’ to Washington, D.C., where I and others from WCI meet with Congressional leaders to educate them and stress the importance of having a well-maintained system of locks and dams throughout the U.S.

In addition to policy makers, WCI works to inform the news media and general public about the waterways’ critical importance.   We have to be proactive in the repair and rebuilding of these waterways, and Congress must continue to adequately fund maintenance and modernization efforts in order for the country to remain competitive in global markets.”  

- Chris Blanchard, Managing Director, Fleet Operations, Cooper Consolidated  

pictured: Chris Blanchard (far right) with Phyllis Hardin (Pine Bluff Sand & Gravel Co.), Sen. John Boozman (AR), and Spencer Murphy (Canal Barge Co.) during WCI's 2020 Washington Meetings