CBC’s Del Wilkins Honored with Prestigious River Bell Award

The 20th annual River Bell Awards Luncheon hosted by the Seamen’s Church Institute took place Dec. 5 at Paducah McCracken County Convention & Expo Center. The River Bell Awards were established in 2000 to recognize the contributions to the inland maritime industry, an industry that provides our nation with over half a million jobs and is critical in economic output according to American Waterways Operators.

The River Bell Award is its most prestigious honor.

SCI confers at a chosen location each year to recognize an individual or group in the river community for outstanding leadership, significant commitment to U.S. mariners and engagement with issues facing the inland marine industry.

The CBC Family’s own Del Wilkins was this year’s recipient.

“The highlight of the luncheon came during Wilkins’ acceptance speech of the River Bell Award,” wrote Steven Iles, reporter for The Paducah Sun.

Attendees of the luncheon recounted Wilkins speech as not only inspiring but humbling as he shared lessons that his father and grandfather had taught him and the many accomplishments and challenges in his career.

He was undoubtedly honored to be recognized by his peers.