The Virginia Maritime Association (VMA) brought together Virginia's maritime community for the 106th Annual Maritime Banquet on October 15, 2026. Since 1920, the Annual Maritime Banquet has remained one of the Commonwealth's longstanding maritime traditions, bringing together industry leaders, government officials, partners, and colleagues while recognizing individuals who have made meaningful contributions to Virginia's ports and maritime industries.
The evening highlighted the people and partnerships that contribute to the continued success of Virginia's maritime industry, including the presentation of VMA's Distinguished Service and Port Champion Awards and recognition of the 2026 Clifton Styles, Jr. Beacon Award recipients. Guests also viewed a special video, "From America's First Port to Leading the Future of Maritime," Virginia's more than 400-year maritime legacy, and the people and industries shaping the future of maritime.
The Distinguished Service Award, presented to industry leaders who demonstrate extended involvement and a readiness to assist the maritime industry in promoting, protecting, and encouraging Virginia's ports, was presented to Thomas M. Little, retired International Vice President, International Longshoremen's Association (ILA).
Little dedicated decades to organized labor and the maritime workforce. Beginning his career with the ILA in 1969, he held numerous elected leadership positions, including President for the Port of Hampton Roads, representing more than 2,400 dock workers. His service has included leadership roles within the Hampton Roads District Council and participation in the ILA's Master Contract Committee.
Throughout his career, Little was a strong advocate for maritime workers and an influential leader in labor relations. His decades of service and dedication have made a lasting contribution to the maritime workforce and the Port of Hampton Roads.
Port Champion Award
The Port Champion Award, presented to individuals outside the maritime industry who embrace the maritime community in a spirit of cooperation and whose actions have substantially benefited Virginia's ports and marine transportation system, was presented to Congressman Robert C. "Bobby" Scott, Virginia's 3rd Congressional District.
Congressman Scott has represented Virginia's 3rd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives since 1993, following 15 years of service in the Virginia General Assembly.
As a longtime leader on the House Committee on Education and Workforce, Congressman Scott has worked to strengthen workforce development and the skilled trades in the marine terminals and shipyards.
Congressman Scott has been a leading champion of the Norfolk Harbor Widening and Deepening Project that gave the Port of Virginia the widest and deepest shipping channels on the East Coast at fifty-five feet and other harbor improvement projects improving the capabilities and competitiveness of Virginia marine terminals, shipyards, and waterfront industries.
Clifton Styles, Jr. Beacon Award
VMA also acknowledged the 2026 Clifton Styles, Jr. Beacon Award recipients, who were previously honored at VMA's Maritime Breakfast Briefings throughout the year. Named in memory of Clifton "Cliff" Styles Jr., the award recognizes individuals whose dedication, teamwork, and commitment to excellence make a meaningful difference in their workplaces and the maritime community.
This year's recipients included Jennifer Renne, Curriculum Coordinator with the Virginia Digital Maritime Center and ODU's Virginia Modeling, Analysis & Simulation Center, recognized for expanding maritime career awareness and connecting students with industry opportunities; Casey Murphy, Assistant Director of Customs and Compliance Services at CV International, Inc., recognized for her expertise and dedication to supporting the maritime industry through complex customs and regulatory challenges; and Nate Sandel, Director of Education and Community Engagement at Nauticus, honored for his leadership in maritime education and workforce development.
"The Annual Maritime Banquet is one of the few occasions each year when so many parts of Virginia's maritime community come together in one room," said David White, Executive Director of the Virginia Maritime Association. "It gives us an opportunity to recognize people whose work has made our industry stronger while celebrating the relationships and shared commitment that continue to move Virginia's ports forward."
