Posted on June 25, 2020
President of Wisconsin Domestic Maritime Coalition Available for Commentary
GREEN BAY – Wisconsin Domestic Maritime Coalition (WIDMAC), the unified voice for the domestic maritime industry in Wisconsin, issued the following statement ahead of President Donald J. Trump’s visit on Thursday, June 25 to Fincantieri Marinette Marine, builders of the Navy’s Freedom-class littoral combat ships.
“Wisconsin is a great American maritime state, supporting nearly 10,000 maritime jobs state-wide that generate over $2 billion in economic output annually. We are proud to welcome President Trump to Wisconsin to witness firsthand the strength of our American maritime workforce which has delivered over 1,800 American-made vessels expertly designed to support both commercial and national security needs,” said Michael Gerhardt, President of WIDMAC and Vice President of the Dredging Contractors of America.
Background on the domestic maritime and shipbuilding industry in Wisconsin:
- Wisconsin ranks among the top twenty states in the nation for the number of domestic maritime jobs, employing 9,670 individuals and generating more than $635.3 million in worker income. This thriving industry produces $2.2 billion annually for the Wisconsin economy.
- Wisconsin is a powerful shipyard state, home to numerous 2nd and 3rd family generation owned shipyards, including Fincantieri Marine Group which collectively employs over 2,000 Wisconsin residents from the local community.
- Great Lakes vessels, built and maintained in Wisconsin shipyards, move iron ore, grain and coal, and deliver salt, cement, stone and fuel to keep America’s economy moving forward. A new bulk carrier is being built by Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay, WI, and is expertly designed to transport raw materials to support manufacturing throughout the Great Lakes region, while creating hundreds of good-paying jobs. The keel laying ceremony took place on Tuesday, June 23.
Editor’s Note: Media interviews are available from local Wisconsin maritime business leaders and representatives of the shipbuilding industry. Please contact anna@nahigianstrategies.com or call 202-660-2567.
About WIDMAC
Wisconsin Domestic Maritime Coalition (WIDMAC) advocates for the Badger State’s strong domestic maritime industry, including shipping lines, shipbuilders, dredging operators, tug and barge operators, and labor unions. Wisconsin’s domestic maritime industry represents nearly 10,000 American jobs and generates a total annual economic impact of $2.2 billion.
