The Chamber of Marine Commerce announced that its President, Stephen Brooks, has informed the Board of Directors of plans for his retirement. Effective October 1, 2016 Mr. Brooks will be taking a mid-career sabbatical to spend more time with family, to travel and to pursue other personal interests.”We are extremely grateful for over ten years of service that Stephen has given the Chamber of Marine Commerce leading the bi-national shipping industry with incredible innovation, growth, outreach and advocacy to governments and the general public,” said Wayne Smith, Acting Chair of the Board and Senior Vice-President at Algoma Central Corporation.”It’s been a privilege and an honor to represent so many great companies, people and an industry that mean so much for the economic, social and environmental prosperity of the U.S. and Canada,” remarked Mr. Brooks.Regarding current discussions aimed at merging the Chamber of Marine Commerce and the Canadian Shipowners Association, Mr. Brooks added, “Merger efforts offer much opportunity to strengthen and unify the industry’s voice, … The initiative and goodwill on all sides bode extremely well for the future of industry advocacy.”