 | In this MMTA ENews Brief: April 19, 2005
|
| In this MMTA ENews Brief: April 19, 2005
|
|
This is the first in a series of introductions to members of the Massachusetts Legislative Boating Caucus, convened for the purpose of growing the recreational boating industry by promoting workforce development initiatives and expanding public access to the waterfront. State Representative Anthony J. Verga Chairman & Founder, Massachusetts Legislative Boating Caucus
Party Affiliation - DEMOCRAT DISTRICT REPRESENTED: Fifth Essex. - Consisting of the towns of Essex and Rockport, and the city of Gloucester, all in the county of Essex. EDUCATION: St. Anne High School. PROFESSION: Director of Fisheries. ORGANIZATIONS: American Legion; AMVETS; Lions; Rotary; Elks; St. Peter's Club; Gloucester Fraternity Club; Holy Name Society; Disabled American Veterans. PUBLIC OFFICE: Democratic State Committee (Delegate, 1970); Gloucester Charter Commission; Mass House (1995-present). In the fall of 2004 MMTA President Greg Glavin appointed the MMTA Government Relations Committee, now known as the Legislative Action Team (LAT). The LAT committee reports to the Board of Directors and convenes several times each month to discuss and develop strategies for Legislative Action on behalf of MMTA members.  MMTA Legislative Action Team: Left to Right, Toby Burr of Burr Brothers, Richard Egan of Crosby Yacht Yard, Greg Glavin of Onset Bay Marina, Hank Keene of Edson International, Kurt Saunders of Saunders Boat Livery, Russ Vickers of Hawthorne Cove Marina, and Doug Wielhouwer of Eastern Yacht Sales. Staff assistance is provided by Public Affairs Director Nathalie Grady, Government Relations & legal Counsel, Jamy Madeja, Esq. and Executive Director, Leona Roach. The Legislative Action Team is focused on the top 2005 MMTA legislative priorities:
  On Thursday April 14th, MMTA members gathered at the USCG Integrated Support Command center in Boston to learn about the Maritime Transportation Security Act that was implemented in July 2004. Participating members and staff included, Boston Yacht Haven, Constitution Marina, Marina Bay on Boston Harbor, Onset Bay Marina, Provincetown Public Pier Corporation, Shipyard Quarters Marina together with staffers Jamy Madeja, Esq. and Leona Roach. Representatives from DeMillo's Old Port Marina in Portland, ME and Boston Waterboat Marina were also in attendance. MMTA expresses it thanks to USCG representatives Timothy White, Deb Robertson and Phillip Smith for their outreach to the recreational marine community. To learn more about the new regulations and how they apply to YOUR facility, visit, http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-m/mp/mtsa.shtml 
National Marina Day Kits are now available online. Please visit: http://www.marinaassociation.org/nmd/home.cfm 
If you are a tow boat operator, a recreational boater, a fisherman, a marina operator, or otherwise live, work or engage in recreational activities around America's waterways, the United States Coast Guard wants your help in keeping these areas safe and secure. You can do this by participating in its America's Waterway Watch (AWW) program, a nationwide initiative similar to the well known and successful Neighborhood Watch program that asks community members to report suspicious activities to local law enforcement agencies.As a person who spends much of your time on or near the water, you already know what is normal and what is not, and you are well suited to notice suspicious activities - activities possibly indicating threats to our nation's homeland security. And as a participant in America's Waterway Watch we urge you to adopt a heightened sense of sensitivity toward unusual events or individuals you may encounter in or around ports, docks, marinas, riversides, beaches, or waterfront communities. You should always remember that people are not suspicious, behavior is. And if you observe suspicious behavior or activity, you should simply note the details and contact local law enforcement. You are not expected to approach or challenge anyone acting in a suspicious manner. America's Waterway Watch is a public outreach program, encouraging participants to simply report suspicious activity to the Coast Guard and/or other law enforcement agencies. Unlike some Neighborhood Watch programs, for example, you are not formally joining an organization -- there are no meetings, membership cards or membership requirements -- and you do not become an agent of the Coast Guard or any other law enforcement agency. To Report Suspicious Activity: Call the National Response Center at 800-424-8802 or 877-24WATCH If There Is Immediate Danger to Life or Property, Call 9-1-1 or Call the Coast Guard on Marine Channel 16 How do I get more information about America's Waterway Watch? Visit, http://www.americaswaterwaywatch.org Source: America's Waterway Watch THE BEST PROMOTIONAL VALUE FOR YOUR MARINE BUSINESS! Promote your business on the most visible boating web site in the entire New England region during its busiest time of the year! A record number of visitors continue to visit the BoatMA.com web site. This is THE time to get onboard!
Like what you have read? PLEASE share these ENews briefs with colleagues and staff. While emails are sent to one contact at a Member Firm, all employees of member firms can benefit from this information. HAVE AN ITEM FOR ENEWS? Drop us a line at: Leona.Roach@boatMA.com
|
