Former Port Director Davis Helberg was presented a dedication plaque in July recognizing his years of service to the Great Lakes maritime industry. The plaque, presented by local maritime community members, was placed next to the museum tug Bayfield, an outdoor interpretive exhibit stationed in front of the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center in Duluth.

"This is a fitting location for Davis Helberg's dedication plaque, because the Bayfield was classed as a `tender,' the workhorse of the Corps fleet," said Jerry Fryberger, president of Duluth's Hallett Dock Company. "The tenders were pressed into duty for a wide variety of tasks in the rivers and harbors of the nation. Davis served, and continues to serve, in much the same capacity," said Mr. Fryberger.

Mr. Helberg became a consultant to the Port Authority in April 2003, after 24 years as executive director. He continues to serve on numerous regional and national maritime boards and committees.

The Grande Mariner, a 183-foot, 100-passenger U.S. cruise vessel, visited Duluth in July as part of a "Lake Superior Grande Tour" offered by American Canadian Caribbean Line (ACCL). The vessel berthed at the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center dock, where it was greeted by a welcoming ceremony, which included music by the Duluth Community Band. The Grande Mariner, which called at Duluth twice last year, uses Duluth as a debarkation/embarkation point.