Challenges Facing Inland Waterways Subject of March 28 WorkBoat.com Webinar; Joseph Pyne, Kirby Corporation, and Thomas Allegretti, American Waterways Operators Featured Speakers

    NEW ORLEANS, LA, March 23, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- What is the biggest challenge facing the inland waterways system today? What is the outlook for barge companies in 2012? With the price tag for the Olmsted Lock and Dam project ballooning to an estimated $2.9 billion, what does that do as far as the industry's lobbying efforts in Washington for funds to repair other lock and dam structures on the system?

Those questions and others will be discussed with Joseph Pyne of Kirby Corporation and Thomas Allegretti of the American Waterways Operators (AWO) during the next WorkBoat.com webinar on Wednesday, March 28, at 3:30 p.m. (eastern).

"Joe Pyne and Tom Allegretti are two of the biggest players in the inland waterways industry," said Ken Hocke, Senior Editor for WorkBoat magazine. "This is a unique opportunity to have them together for a comprehensive discussion of the issues facing brownwater transportation."

Hocke said the future of the Capital Development Plan will also be addressed during the webinar. "Given the fact that it hasn't moved an inch on Capitol Hill and given the current budget climate, is it doomed?" Hocke asked. "Is it time to go back to the drawing board and rewrite some of the more controversial points as seen by members of Congress?"

Hocke also said that the current state of the U.S. Coast Guard's towing vessel inspection regulation implementation will be discussed.

To register for the webinar, visit www.WorkBoat.com.

Joseph H. Pyne is the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Kirby Corporation, based in Houston. Pyne has been with Kirby for 33 years, serving as President of its principal marine transportation subsidiary prior to becoming President and Chief Executive Officer. Kirby Corporation is the premier tank barge operator in the United States, transporting bulk liquid products throughout the Mississippi River System, the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway and coastwise along all three U.S. Coasts, Alaska and Hawaii. Kirby's service includes the transporting of petrochemicals, pressurized products, black oil products, refined petroleum products and agricultural chemical products by tank barge. Kirby also owns and operates four ocean-going barge and tug units transporting dry-bulk commodities in United States coastwise trade.

Thomas Allegretti is the President and CEO of the American Waterways Operators. AWO is the national trade association representing the owners and operators of tugboats, towboats, and barges serving the waterborne commerce of the United States. Its mission is to promote the long term economic soundness of the industry, and to enhance the industry's ability to provide safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible transportation, through advocacy, public information, and the establishment of safety standards.

Cost to attend the webinar is $39. Individuals can also purchase the WorkBoat Professional Series Online Pass for $159 and get 12 months of webinars for one low price (includes 11 webinars).

The popular WorkBoat.com webinar series allows the marine industry to stay on top of what's going on in the industry and what's in store for the future -- from business management to marine industry specific topics. The WorkBoat Professional Series Pass allows participants to get year-round 24/7 access to the same great face-to-face experience they get at the WorkBoat Professional Series Conference Program. The Pass also allows participants to see the upcoming live webinar schedule as well as view on-demand webinars.

The Pass can be used for individuals as well as groups (webinar participation must be from one location). This allows a company to educate an entire team.

About the WorkBoat Professional Series
The webinar is presented as a part of the WorkBoat Professional Series and is designed to keep the commercial marine business community informed and on top of what's going on in the industry today and what's in store for the future.

WorkBoat.com is the largest commercial marine member-supported website, with over 24,000 members. Each registrant for the webinar receives a free membership in WorkBoat.com.

For more information visit www.WorkBoat.com.

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