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River Bell Awards Luncheon

Our 2026 River Bell Awards Luncheon Date is set. Join us on December 5, 2024.

Further details for this event will be available later. For information about attendance or sponsorship opportunities, contact the Development Office at 212-349-9090.


Thank you to our generous sponsors, supporters, and everyone who joined us at the 2023 River Bell Awards Luncheon! This record-breaking event welcomed nearly 600 attendees, and raised over $500,000 to support SCI’s vital services and programs. We congratulate this year’s award recipients, applauding their outstanding contributions and unwavering dedication to the inland maritime community. Your support makes a significant impact, and we are truly grateful.

Thank you to our sponsors and supporters

2023 Honorees

River Bell Award
Darin Adrian
President, River Division
Marquette Transportation Company, LLC

River Legend Award
Gerald E. “Jerry” Clower
President
Harbor Towing and Fleeting, LLC

Distinguished Service Award
Rear Admiral Richard Timme
U.S. Coast Guard (Ret.)

Lifesaving Award
The Crew of the M/V Mike Sanders
American Commercial Barge Line

The Crew of the M/V Mary Ellen Jones
Amherst Madison, Inc.

The Crew of the M/V San D
Parker Towing

View the 2023 Lifesaving Award recipient videos here:


2023 Award Winners

View the photo album from the 2023 River Bell Awards Luncheon HERE.

https://flic.kr/p/2pm1v8L
2023 River Bell Award
Pictured from left to right:

Damon Judd – President and CEO Marquette Transportation Company (River Bell Committee Co-Chair)

2023 River Bell Award recipient Darin Adrian – President, River Division, Marquette Transportation Company

John Eckstein – Executive Chairman, Marquette Transportation Company

Merritt Lane – President and CEO, Canal Barge (River Bell Committee Co-Chair)

The Rev. Mark Nestlehutt – President and Executive Director, The Seamen’s Church Institute
007 - 2023 SCI Riverbell Awards - 37445 - BRS
2023 River Bell, River Legend Award
Pictured from left to right: 

Damon Judd – President and CEO Marquette Transportation Company (River Bell Committee Co-Chair)

River Legend Award recipient Gerald Clower – President and Owner, Harbor Towing and Fleeting

Todd Clower – CEO and Owner, Harbor Towing and Fleeting

Merritt Lane – President & CEO, Canal Barge (River Bell Committee Co-Chair)

The Rev. Mark Nestlehutt – President and Executive Director, The Seamen’s Church Institute
001 - 2023 SCI Riverbell Awards - 37399 - BRS
2023 River Bell, Distinguished Service Award
Pictured from left to right:

Damon Judd – President and CEO Marquette Transportation Company (River Bell Committee Co-Chair)

Distinguished Service Award recipient Rear Admiral Richard Timme – U.S. Coast Guard (Ret.)

Merritt Lane – President and CEO, Canal Barge (River Bell Committee Co-Chair)

The Rev. Mark Nestlehutt – President and Executive Director, The Seamen’s Church Institute
009 - 2023 SCI Riverbell Awards - 37363 - BRS
2023 River Bell, Lifesaving Award
Pictured from left to right:

Mary McCarthy – Director of Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility, Moran Towing Corporation (2023 River Bell Committee member)

Darius Thomas – Deckhand, Parker Towing

Nick Verdugo – Relief Captain, Parker Towing

Chris Eberlein – Port Captain, Parker Towing
008 - 2023 SCI Riverbell Awards - 37347 - BRS
2023 River Bell, Lifesaving Award
Pictured Left to Right:

– Brandon Yarborough — Captain, American Commercial Barge Line

– Kevin Wallace – Engineer, American Commercial Barge Line

– Delay Yancy – Mate, American Commercial Barge Line
026 - 2023 SCI Riverbell Awards - 37352 - BRS
2023 River Bell, Lifesaving Award
Pictured from left to right.

– Mary McCarthy – Director of Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility, Moran Towing Corporation

– Adam Adkins — Captain, Amherst Madison

– Lane Rhoades — Mate, Amherst Madison

– Bill Barr – Vice President for Safety and Compliance, Amherst Madison