Navigate to Better in 2026
As we reflect on 2025, we take pride in the Virginia Maritime Association’s century-long commitment to promote, protect, and facilitate commerce through Virginia's ports and the interests of associated industries and supply chains. Our success is built on collaboration, engaged membership, and a dedicated team working together to advance shared interests. A supportive and engaged membership will always be our greatest strength. We will continue to build an organization where our members can increasingly and more effectively collaborate to pursue their business interests.
In 2026, our focus is Navigate to Better, built upon VMA’s three pillars: Better Connected, Better Informed, and Better Represented. Together, these priorities clearly express our value to members, helping them navigate change, complexity, and opportunity, while also reinforcing our internal commitment to continuous improvement across VMA’s operations, programs, and events.
We will make targeted investments in staff development, technology, and strategic partnerships to strengthen how we serve the maritime community. Artificial intelligence will be integrated thoughtfully into our workflows, supporting efficiency and insight without replacing the trusted relationships that define VMA’s value. Even as AI is being rapidly deployed, the zeitgeist of low confidence in AI outputs will increase the value of personal and trusted relationships. VMA is about relationships, offering trusted connections, trusted information, and trusted representation.
Workforce development remains a priority. With the addition of a Workforce Development Director, we have expanded initiatives such as the Maritime Career Guide, hiring events, educational partnerships, and K–12 programs. We will pursue new funding sources to sustain and grow these efforts.
Rebuilding America’s defense and commercial maritime industrial base is a national imperative with bipartisan political support. Virginia has underutilized assets, opportunities to retool to build the next generation of naval platforms, and the port and logistics capabilities to support the supplier base and their supply chains. Virginia has unmatched capabilities and expertise and is building the required workforce. VMA will coordinate and align private sector, regional, and state efforts so Virginia can capture as much of this opportunity as possible – supporting our economy and national defense.
Manufacturing and logistics are critical to Virginia’s future. Freight policy is economic policy, and wise infrastructure decisions and investments are needed to support these trade-dependent economic development objectives. VMA will advocate for sound freight policies and infrastructure investments that strengthen supply chains and support regional and state economic priorities.
We will be actively engaged with Governor-elect Spanberger and the General Assembly to advance shared objectives that align closely with VMA’s priorities. We are encouraged that the Governor-elect's “Growing Virginia Plan” reflects many of our priorities, and we look forward to working collaboratively with the Spanberger administration and the General Assembly to move them forward.
Finally, we encourage members to broaden representation within their organizations by adding key employees from across departments, wherever they are in Virginia, at no additional cost through Unlimited Membership. This is the best way to fully realize the value of VMA membership. Now is the time to get involved. Add team members to your membership, participate in upcoming events, and engage with VMA initiatives.
Together, we will Navigate to Better in 2026 and beyond.