On October 18, 2007, David Fennelly, president of Associated Terminals, was honored as the 2007 Maritime Person of the Year. David is the 48th person to have received this annual award.

A reception was held at the World Trade Center in New Orleans to honor David. The gala was held in conjunction with National Maritime Day, the premier event for the Propeller Club of the United States, Port of New Orleans Chapter. The event was attended by industry peers, local and regional business leaders, representatives from the major South Louisiana port authorities, and many of David's friends and colleagues from the companies he represents: Associated Terminals, Turn Services, and Monroe Marine.

In his customary manner, David deflected praise from himself and asked attendees to instead honor the men and women with whom he works.

He said, “the truth is, I know only a little about stevedoring and tow boats and barge fleeting, but I am surrounded by amazing people who know a tremendous amount about all these aspects of our business. I am honored to place my trust in their abilities and in their knowledge.”

He talked about cherished values: respect, politeness and understanding. He said that one of the hallmarks customers will notice when doing business with the Associated family of companies is that we “strive to place the customers second and our team members first.”

Because, he says, “if there is one thing I’ve learned, its that when you do that, the employees put the customer first and you essentially have two number ones!”

He thanked his family and close friends, talked about his earliest dreams for a career path, and even provided insight as to how a young man from County Cork, Ireland came to be a part of the maritime industry in South Louisiana.

David’s remarks, made after the presentation of the award, reflected two themes. He first spoke about his personal values and how they have not only shaped him as a person, but have also helped shape the companies he has founded. Secondly, he talked about one of his greatest concerns, a pressing issue that everyone in the local maritime business should think about: The Mississippi River and its port system.

David told the gathering that we all have a collective responsibility to make the ports of Louisiana a top priority for funding and innovation in business so we can continue to utilize the river as our greatest natural resource.

He talked about cargo lost to competing ports in Texas and Alabama. He talked about a lack of attention paid to our ports’ infrastructure by those at the highest levels of state government, and he took this moment to make a promise to everyone. Fennelly said: “I will commit personal time and resources to organize a maritime summit for the state of Louisiana. It is our responsibility to enact positive change for Louisiana.”

He continued: “we have the greatest port network in the world. We are in the best place, at the best time, and the most important time is now.” With this call to action, Louisiana can return to the forefront as an innovative state with a large ports industry. An industry that can offer others lessons in strategic daring, precise execution and dramatic growth.