Illinois Valley Times

Marquis Marine, a Hennepin marine material handler specializing in barging and river logistics, announced June 9 it is the recipient of a 2021 American Equity Underwriters (AEU) Safety Award.

The company, in a post on its website, noted the award recognizes the company’s focus and workplace safety track record. Allison Prestegaard, spokesperson for Marquis, said that while the company is local, it has a large impact.

“Marquis Marine is responsible for the loading and transport of low carbon intensive renewable fuels and animal protein on the Illinois River,” Prestegaard told the Illinois Valley Times. “Marquis Marine provides river logistics to the Illinois Valley area, providing farmers and producers market expansion with access to global markets.”

Prestegaard said that Marquis renewable fuels and feed products are transported to 31 countries on six continents.

“Every product that is sustainably shipped, via water logistics, is touched by Marquis Marine,” she said. “Their team gets the product loaded and moving, feeding and fueling the world with every barge.”

The AEU is a provider of workers’ compensation companies that work on the waterways, and it presents awards to leading performers across the country, according to duckduckgo.com.

Prestegaard said it is an honor for the company to be recognized.

“Marquis Marine received this award for our dedication and commitment to embracing our culture of workplace safety,” she said.

Companies are considered for the AEU Safety Award based on how many workers’ compensation claims they have in a year and how serious those issues are, along with safety data from AEU, according to duckduckgo.com.

“We pride ourselves on being a great place to work, and stand true to our core values of safety, honesty, excellence, and growth,” Prestegaard said. “For decades the Marquis family has formed and maintained close relationships with our farmers and local co-ops. Marquis offers the opportunity for safe and good paying jobs in the Illinois Valley area, along with market stability for area producers.”