Upper Mississippi Waterway Association

05/29/2026

Recent announcements about staffing shortages and operational changes at Locks and Dams 14 and 15 have created frustration among recreational boaters in the Upper Mississippi River region, but there's more to the story. UMWA secretary Brandon Phillips gives a deeper look at the staff shortages at the link in the comments.

05/26/2026

Meet the executive officer - Brandon Phillips! Brandon works as Compliance and Human Resource Manager
at Riverview Companies and was recently elected as secretary of UMWA. Here's what he shared about the new role:

“Having spent over two decades working on the river, I am honored to serve on the Executive Committee of UMWA and give back to an industry I care deeply about. I hope to help continue the growth of UMWA while ensuring our region has a seat at the table in national discussions affecting our waterways, commerce, and communities.”

05/26/2026

We're just 1 month out from the Marine Highway 35 Workshop, June 25 at Western Illinois University in Moline, IL! Join us for solutions-driven conversations about the working river, what it takes to keep freight moving and where investments can provide economic opportunities and job creation for municipalities near the Upper Mississippi River. Check out our agenda and register here: https://umwa.net/m35-workshop/

05/19/2026

We’re excited to announce the election of Wylie Wilson as treasurer of UMWA. Hear what he had to say:

“I’m honored to serve alongside such a dedicated group of individuals and look forward to bringing my energy and commitment to this role. As Treasurer, my goal is to ensure the Association’s finances are managed responsibly and transparently so that we can continue supporting projects and initiatives that strengthen the Upper Mississippi Waterway. I also hope to help facilitate collaboration and engagement that benefits both the river system and the communities along it.”

05/14/2026

Join us on June 25 in Moline, Ill., as we take the discussion to the river for the Marine Highway 35 workshop! We'll explore the working river, its impact on our communities, funding opportunities and more. The event will end with a river tour through lock 15 by barge. Learn more and register at the link in the comments.

05/13/2026

UMWA members Seth Lawson, Randy Carmichael and Brandon Phillips attended the Inland Rivers, Ports & Terminals Upper Mississippi River Basin Meeting at the Rock Island U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project office. They also toured the facility.

05/08/2026

Don’t miss your chance to help shape the future of Marine Highway 35! Join UMWA on June 25 in Moline, IL for a hands-on workshop focused on collaboration, funding opportunities and strengthening river-based transportation. Stick around for an optional river tour to see it all in action. Register at the link in the comments.

04/29/2026

Registration is open for the Marine Highway 35 Workshop in Quad Cities! Check out the details below and sign up at UMWA.net.

https://umwa.net/registration-opens-for-marine-highway-35-workshop/

Registration is now open for the Marine Highway 35 Workshop, hosted by the Upper Mississippi Waterway Association (UMWA) on June 25 at the Western Illinois University Riverfront Campus in Moline, Illinois.  The one-day workshop will bring industry leaders and stakeholders together for ...

04/28/2026

Meet the executive officer!

We’re excited to announce Nicole Siems as the new at-large position on the UMWA board. Hear what she had to say:

“I’m thrilled! I’m truly honored to have been elected to serve on this Board. It means a great deal to have the trust of the members. Everyone has a unique connection to the river, and I’m excited to learn from other members’ experiences and perspectives to be able to advocate for them in a meaningful and impactful way.”

04/24/2026

Yesterday we held a fantastic membership update meeting at the St. Paul Yacht Club! A big thank you to our guest speaker, Kurt Strand, President/CEO of the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, and to our partner organizations who shared their valuable updates. We can't wait to see everyone on June 25 for our M35 Highway workshop!