Cruise To Connect Metal Industry Women With River Commerce
Women in the metal industry will have the chance to learn about business opportunities on and along the inland waterways during a first of its kind networking cruise July 17 in the Cincinnati area.
The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky chapter of the Association of Women in the Metal Industry (AWMI) will join members of the Central Ohio River Business Association (CORBA) for the evening cruise, during which there will be a live demonstration of the capabilities of the Central Ohio River Information System (CORIS). The CORIS app features live mapping of regional vessel traffic as well as information about shoreside facilities and their capabilities.
The cruise will also offer time for networking and casual conversation, said James Rose, who serves as both general manager for Cincinnati Barge and Rail Terminal and an advisory board member for CORBA.
The idea for the cruise grew out of an AWMI event last year when Rose was the only person present from a river business.
“There was a lot of interest in learning more about the river industry and how their companies could use it,” said Carol Schmidt, president of the AWMI Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky chapter. “It was very interesting to see that dynamic come to light.”
AWMI has 21 chapters in the United States and Canada, with 1,749 individual and 90 corporate members. The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky chapter has 51 members.
“Our four cornerstones are Educate, Network, Mentor and Grow,” Schmidt said. “This event touches on all four cornerstones in a very unique way. Learning more about CORBA and the waterway system that virtually connects the entire nation provides our members information to share with their nationwide organizations. Providing the CORBA membership information about AWMI will give them connections beyond the waterways.”
Rose said many of the women he met at the previous event already have experience with rail transportation and container services.
Organizers wanted to give participants a chance to see for themselves the infrastructure that exists on the river and to have a chance to ask questions, Rose said.
“This event is more than just a boat ride,” he said. “It’s a chance to connect logistics and manufacturing professionals in a relaxed and meaningful way. “We’re excited to show off how tools like CORIS make river-based shipping more accessible and efficient.”
The cruise will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. July 17 from BB Riverboats in Newport, Ky. Those interested in learning more about CORIS or CORBA are also welcome to attend. Ticketing information will be available soon. For more information, email Rose at jrose@barge2rail.com.
