The Mike Rushing Legacy Service Award was developed to honor individuals who embody those characteristics and traits modeled by Mike throughout his life. The honoree selected will serve as a role model for compassion, service, and passion for their community both at home and in the industry. The nomination period for the 2024 award has closed.
Award Principles
- Community Service
- Professional Excellence
- Active and Engaged Mentorship
Eligibility and Nomination
Eligibility
- TVIB members (TPO Customers, Auditors, and Surveyors); TVIB staff; towboat, tugboat, and barge industry professionals; and U.S. Coast Guard personnel are eligible for this award.
- The recipient may be awarded posthumously.
- Individuals who have received the award in the past 36 months are not eligible for nomination.
- Members of the selection committee are not eligible for nomination.
Nomination
- Nominations will be received between February 1st and March 15th. Nominations are closed for 2024
- Nomination forms are available via an ONLINE FORM (preferred) or a downloadable PDF.
The nominating party and the award recipient will be notified, and the recipient will be asked to submit a short biography and high-resolution photos, including one headshot and images depicting the nominee in service. Recipient information may be released to the media, utilized on social media platforms, and relevant websites.
Selection Process
Selection Criteria based on the Award Principles:
- Examples of projects or programs implemented and sustained that have made a positive impact on their professional or personal community by providing exceptional service, leadership, and dedication to address community challenges while inspiring others to serve.
- Examples of dedication to their profession through leadership in forging partnerships and collaborative efforts, industry engagement and mentoring opportunities, and exhibiting excellence through competence, knowledge, and value to the industry while displaying the highest ethical standards.
- Evidence of supporting and encouraging through mentorship, leadership activities, and engagement.
Each of the Selection Criteria will be equally weighted during the selection process. The Selection Committee will meet between March 16th and March 31st to review nomination forms submitted by the deadline and a recipient selected by April 1st.
The Selection Committee will be composed of:
- Rushing Family Member
- Past Recipient (member of the initial planning committee in year one)
- TVIB President
- TVIB Chairman
- Waterways Journal Representative
- Members of the Award formation committee
Award Presentation
This year’s Mike Rushing Legacy Service Award recipient will be honored during a presentation at the Waterways Journal Annual Inland Marine Expo (IMX) trade show.
Contribution in Honor of the Recipient
A financial contribution to the Seamen’s Church Institute Ministry on the River program will be made in honor of the recipient.
Nomination Form
To nominate an individual for the First Annual Mike Rushing Legacy Service Award use one of the links below to complete the form.
- ONLINE NOMINATION FORM (preferred method)
- PDF NOMINATION FORM – Download the form by clicking the link to the left. Submit the completed form via email to legacyserviceaward@gmail.com.
Nominations must be submitted no later than Friday, March 15th, 2024.