Cozy Corners holds 3rd annual Freighter Fun Day

Roger LeLievre, Mr. Know Your Ships, was on-site mingling with fellow boatnerds.’I love the energy of this event and I love that it is multi-generational,’ said guest Roger LeLievre

Jim Lehocky

The Cozy Corners was packed with boatnerds for the 3rd annual Freighter Fun Day.

The 3rd Annual Freighter Fun Day at the Cozy Corners Tavern and Grill in Barbeau was Saturday, and it was packed.

The eatery is located on the north end of Rock Cut where downbound freighters must pass by to continue on.

Sara Gordon, co-owner of the Cozy Corners, said the first Fun Day was small with only BINGO. But in the past two years, it has exploded in popularity.

“It’s grown significantly. The first year was only a few tables, last year half the dining room was used and this year we were full even before the event started. It is successful thanks to our location and re-branding focused on freighters and the addition of trivia,” Gordon said.

Gordon also said the event could not be as big as it is without the help from area businesses and sponsors.

“We had prizes for BINGO and trivia from Original Soo Locks Boat Tours, Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours, Sault Historical Society, Bricco Designs, The Little Gift Shop, and Roger LeLievre,” Gordon said.

LeLievre, who produces the annual informational book each March called Know Your Ships was at the event.

“I love the energy of this event and I love that it is multi-generational. It’s the ship fans that make it special. I love catching up with some of the same people year after year. I especially love the kids who love the boats as they are the future of the hobby. Sara and Ron are so welcoming and they have created a community space that also doubles as an amazing restaurant. They have really turned the place around,” LeLievre said.

“Roger’s been a part of this event since the first one. All boat nerds know him and we have repeat customers for this event every year because of him,” Gordon added.

Many look at LeLievre and see a “superhero” of sorts due his extensive knowledge of freighters and the books he publishes.

“As far as being a superhero, nah. I am the luckiest boatnerd in the world and I do my best to represent the hobby and bring the next generation into the fold,” LeLievre said.

To top off the afternoon, the CSL Laurentien freighter passed by the gave a hearty salute to those at the event.

“It was perfect timing of the Laurentien! It completes the event for sure! Getting a salute was a pretty big deal considering a CSL salute is rare. Seeing the kids excitement is the best part,” Gordon concluded.

Cleveland-Cliffs reported a $53 million loss in the first quarter.

Cleveland-Cliffs, the Cleveland, Ohio-based steelmaker, one of the region’s largest employers, lost 14 cents per diluted share. It brought in revenue of $5.2 billion in the first quarter.

“Our first quarter results were highlighted by the resiliency of automotive production in the United States, which helped to offset a temporary buyers strike from service centers in January and February,” Chairman, President and CEO Lourenco Goncalves said. “With more automotive and less service center business, first quarter mix was richer than originally anticipated, driving both our average selling prices and production costs higher than expected.”

Cleveland-Cliffs shipped $3.9 million net tons of steel in the first quarter. It brought in $414 million in EBITDA or earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation or amortization.

“This quarter, our efforts towards green steel production were recognized in an unprecedented way. As a result of our strong track record with emissions reductions and labor relations, we became the largest intended recipient of federal grants toward decarbonization in the history of the United States,” he said. “These investments will go toward two game-changing projects, not only with immense carbon reduction prospects, but also robust returns and manageable capital commitments.”

The company repurchased 30.4 million shares of 6% of those outstanding.

“In the first quarter, we returned capital to our shareholders at an aggressive rate,” he said. “Our stock was cheap throughout the quarter and remains so, driving the exhaustion of our previous $1 billion share repurchase authorization and the commencement of another larger one. Buying our own stock is clearly a better use of capital than any M&A opportunities at current valuations — so that’s our primary focus.”

The steelmaker has liquidity of $4 billion.

“Looking forward, we expect to benefit in Q2 from the lower costs under our guidance, which we have maintained,” he said. “Our largest end market, the automotive sector, is expected to remain strong. Orders from our service center customers have started to increase, with spot pricing also on the upswing. We are fortunate to have such a remarkable partnership with our workforce, and we will navigate this world of abundant opportunities together with our union partners.”

NY Times