| March/April 2024 |
|
|
|
| Committee Updates | Training Events | VSRA Events | Resource Links |
| FEBRUARY GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING: Representative Jen Kiggans Spoke to Membership |
 Representative Jen Kiggans | Representative Jen Kiggans spoke to VSRA Membership at the Februrary General Membership Luncheon on February 20th. The Congresswoman graciously shared her experiences and insights gained from over a year in Congress, highlighting the profound privilege it was to address our community. Serving on key committees such as Armed Services, Veteran Affairs, and Natural Resources, Kiggans has positioned herself at the forefront of pivotal national defense and environmental discussions. Read the full article |
| MARCH GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING: Rear Admiral Cahill Spoke to Membership |
 RADM Joe Cahill | Rear Adm. Joe Cahill, Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic (SURFLANT), was in attendance at the March 26th Membership Luncheon as our esteemed guest speaker. RADM Cahill wasted no time in starting with a thank-you to the industry and asked the audience if anyone in attendance had loved ones currently stationed on a deployed ship in the Red Sea. He stated that the work done with the companies present marks the beginning of success for the Navy, reinforcing his expressed appreciation and thanks for the ship repair industry. Read the full article |
| APRIL GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON: Rear Admiral Richman to Speak |
 RADM Michael S. Richman | Rear Adm. Richman is a native of Anderson, Indiana. He is a 1994 graduate of Purdue University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He received a direct commission as an Ensign in the United States Navy Reserve in 1997. Richman holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University, as well as a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Florida Institute of Technology. Read the full article |
| Featured Article: Surge in Phishing Scams Targeting Our Community |
 Tracy Gregorio, G2 Ops, Inc. | As the Cybersecurity Committee Chair, I am compelled to address a critical issue that has recently come to our attention—a significant rise in phishing attempts specifically aimed at our membership and, by extension, the wider ship repair industry. These are not your common cyberattacks; we're seeing a sophisticated and interconnected campaign that directly targets our association. Read the full article |
| Featured Article: Can The Government Cancel Your Solicitation? |
 Kevin J. Cosgrove, Willcox Savage | Most contractors have been in this position. You spend precious time, energy, and money preparing a proposal in response to a solicitation. You feel confident that you have a decent chance to be awarded the contract. Then you receive a notice that the Government has cancelled the solicitation. You are angry and frustrated. What, if anything, can be done? The recent case of Rockwell Collins Inc. v. United States, No. 23-1800, 2024 U.S. Claims LEXIS 139 (Fed. Cl. Feb. 12, 2024), sheds light on this issue. Read the full article |
| New VSRA Member Companies |
 | 1 new member company joined VSRA in the month of February 2024 and 5 new member comapnies joinged in March 2024, bringing the membership total to 311. Read the full article |
| 18TH ANNUAL SHIP REPAIR DIGITAL INNOVATION COMPETITION |
 | On March 21st, students from 9 Middle Schools throughout the Hampton Roads Area participated in the 18th Annual Ship Repair Digital Innovation Competition at the Virginia Modeling, Analysis, and Simulation Center (VMASC). The event - which promotes the ship repair industry while increasing competitive mathematical, analytical, and conceptual skills in middle school aged students proved to be a great success again this year. Read the full article |
| Human Resources Seminar 2024 |
 | The recent half-day seminar sponsored by the VSRA Human Resources Committee proved to be a resounding success, drawing both members and non-members into a day rich with learning and networking opportunities. Focused on pressing Human Resource issues, the event featured experts in various fields sharing insights and strategies vital for HR professionals today. Read the full article |
| Admirals Night was a Success! |
 | The Admirals Night by the Virginia Ship Repair Foundation was an exceptional evening, greatly enjoyed by both our sponsors and attendees. It was an exciting occasion as we watched the Admirals triumph over the Reading Royals with a score of 4-1, while also seizing the opportunity to educate a sold out audience on the importance of ship repair. Read the full article |
| Military Recruitment Assistance with Hampton Roads Veterans Employment Center |
 | Hampton Roads Veterans Employment Center holds a weekly webinar called "How to Maximize Your Military Recruitment Efforts in Hampton Roads" where they go through topics to help give better avenues to hire military veterans that match what you are looking for. Read the full article |
| ODU's Monarch Internship and Co-op Office |
 | Old Dominion University works with their students to connect them with different internships, co-ops, and apprenticeships that matches the department they are in to have seamless student placement. ODU does this through their Monarch Internship and Co-op Office. We wanted to share this connection for all of your businesses as ODU has high-achieving students that will aspire to gain better understanding of different positions that can be found in the ship repair industry. Read the full article |
| VSRF Partnership with Virginia Wesleyan University |
 | Virginia Wesleyan University has updated their Online No-Cost offerings: Virginia Wesleyan University Global Campus offers comprehensive non-degree continuing education courses designed to provide advanced skill sets valued by employers. Because of COVID-19's economic impact on our communities, VWU Global Campus—in partnership with the Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development—is offering the following professional development online courses at no cost. Read the full article |
| VSRA Volunteer Interest Form |
 | Many of the programs and initiatives produced by the Virginia Ship Repair Association & Foundation rely on dedicated volunteers from our membership. Your expertise helps us promote the Ship Repair Industry within the community and inform the future generation of workers about the benefits of a career in ship repair. Read the full article |
Writers Welcome! Please contact Kathy Bryan, Communications Committee Chairman, at (757) 366-9300, or kbryan@shipyardstaffing.com, if you would like to submit an article.
| Home | About | Membership | Events | Workforce / Training | Committees | Sponsorship | VSRF |