Legislators and staff from across the southeast gathered in Savannah, Georgia for Anchors Aweigh: Navigating the Policy of Ports. Sixteen officials from seven states – Alabama, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and South Carolina – participated in the event. 

Over three days, participants heard from experts around the country on port operations, the Jones Act, workforce development, dredging, and the logistical difficulties of the modern supply chain. Participants also toured the third busiest port in the United States, the Port of Savannah. The Masterclass ended with a conversation on how states can make strategic infrastructure investments to facilitate long-term and sustainable growth at their ports. 

Experts from Texas A&M at Galveston, the Georgia Institute of Technology, College of Charleston, The World Association for Waterborne Transport Infrastructure, The American Association of Port Authorities, Savannah Technical College, Roger Williams University School of Law, and the Georgia Ports Authority contributed an in-depth learning environment for participants. 

The Masterclass was hosted by CSG South, with a panel moderated by Women In Government Executive Director Meredith Martino. By interacting with colleagues and experts from around the region, participants gained a deeper knowledge of how ports in their states can not only affect local communities but can also have a broader economic impact across the region.  

Participants included: 

Ms. Archana Cadge, Louisiana 

Representative Mack Cormier, Louisiana 

Ms. Endra Curry, South Carolina 

Representative Dean Davis, Oklahoma 

Mr. David Fleenor, Kentucky 

Senator James Higdon, Kentucky 

Senator Jason Howell, Kentucky 

Senator Patrick McMath, Louisiana 

Ms. Wanda Mehrhoff, Missouri 

Senator John Morris III, Louisiana 

Senator Cody Rogers, Oklahoma 

Representative Troy Romero, Louisiana 

Senator Vickie Sawyer, North Carolina 

Representative Margie Wilcox, Alabama 

Ms. Tanisha Woods, Oklahoma 

Representative Mark Wright, Louisiana 

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