In this NewsBrief: January 13, 2005
  • UMASS-Vessel Seeks Contributions
  • Deadline Feb 1 for Boat US Grants
  • Conference on Marine Training
  • 2005 Membership Renewal
  • Advertise on BoatMA.com!
  • Visit MEMBERS ONLY NEWS ON-LINE

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    UMASS Boston-New Vessel Seeks Contributions

    Below is a letter we recently received inviting contributions toward UMass Boston's new research vessel currently under construction. UMASS Boston together with several other leading institutions have been good friends, important allys and loyal MMTA members. In particular they have been most supportive and great partners in MMTA's education and workforce development efforts. As such we agreed to "get the word out" about their needs for both cash and IN KIND contributions. They have a substantial equipment wish list (from electronics to deck hardware to machinery) that some of our members (or their vendors or OEMS) might be persuaded to "donate." If you would like a copy of the vessel plans and the equipment wiish list, please feel free to contact myself or Chris Sweeney directly.

    January 2005 Fellow MMTA Member:

    I am writing to alert you to an important sponsorship opportunity. For corporations, this opportunity offers the potential to enhance corporate visibility, provide additional tools for marketing, and increase community goodwill toward your company. For individuals, this is an opportunity to be associated with environmental activity that will enhance Boston Harbor and assist higher education in many ways.

    The University of Massachusetts Boston will soon be adding a new boat to its fleet. The vessel will be available for research and teaching, Boston Harbor tours, onboard corporate and community functions, and chartered transportation to meet scheduling and destination needs not now met by existing providers.

    Most of the costs for the new vessel are being met by debt service which will be paid by revenue that will be generated through charters. We are also seeking philanthropic sponsors to assist with outfitting and ongoing operations and maintenance costs. This new boat will be a visible floating ambassador for corporate and other donors who take advantage of the naming possibilities it will provide. This is an extraordinary, high-profile opportunity. We are inviting businesses and individuals to name the boat as a whole, as well as dedication naming of the pilot house, salon/deckhouse, and sundeck/upper areas. There are also philanthropic sponsorship opportunities at other levels.

    By participating in the philanthropic support for the new vessel, you will be honored individually or be able to keep your company's name in view of large audiences that might not be reached as effectively by other means. For example, in 2004, our UMass Boston boats were among those providing harbor tours for several high profile events in Boston, including the Democratic National Convention. Our boats will also be involved in ongoing events that draw significant audiences, such as the annual UMass Boston/WUMB Folk Festival, which attracts 10,000 people, and tours related to the continuing expansion of the Boston Harbor Islands National Park.

    I invite you to review the enclosed information. If you have questions, please feel free to get in touch immediately with Gary Messinger, Director of Major Gifts, Office of Institutional Advancement (telephone 617-287-5320). With good wishes, Chris Sweeney Director, Marine Operations UNIVERSITY of MASSACHUSETTS BOSTON Marine Operations 100 Morrissey Blvd Boston, MA 02125-3393 Tel: 617.287.5404 Fax: 617.287.5413.

    Deadline Feb 1 for Boat US Grants

    The Boat U.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water says time is running out on its offer to help nonprofit groups teach environmental stewardship to boaters.

    The Foundation is offering grants of up to $4,000, but says applications must be e-mailed or postmarked by midnight Feb. 1.

    The 2005 focus is on reducing the spread of aquatic nuisance species, and programs that address that issue will get extra consideration. However, efforts to attack other environmental problems also are eligible. "Boaters in almost every region of the country are battling an aquatic nuisance species, be it zebra mussels or Eurasian water-milfoil or hydrilla," said Margaret Podlich, environmental director for the BoatU.S. Foundation. "We are looking for proposals that educate boaters about practical habits to prevent the further spread of these invasive species.Last year, grants were awarded for 19 projects in 15 states." http://www.BoatUS.com/Cleanwater/grants.


    Conference on Marine Industry Technical Training (COMITT)

    The Conference on Marine Industry Technical Training (COMITT) is scheduled for February 3-5, 2005 in Ft. Lauderdale. To date, over 140 firms, associations, manufacturers, repairers, educators and trainers have registered.

    To date, NOT A SINGLE RETAILER HAS REGISTERED.

    This event is, in large part, for the benefit of marine retailers who have cried out for improved marine customer service through advanced training for technicians and programs that welcome newcomers to the marine trades. Without your enrollment there will be NO VOICE at this conference representing marine retailers and their workforce development needs.

    PLEASE, PLEASE consider attending this milestone event. For more information, a conference brochure and to register, please visit: http://www.abycinc.org/comitt.

    Or feel free to contact MMTA Education Committee Chair Ed Lofgren at 781.749.3250 or email erl@3Amarine.com.

    YOUR voice is needed to make sure we have the talent now and in the future to support our industry's growth.


    2005 Membership Renewal

    If you haven't renew your MMTA membership yet, we encourage you take this action on the BoatMA.com web site. It is easy and fast, and you can provide all the needed business and payment information by simply filling out a single on-line form!

    Click here to Renew Your Membership.


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    For more up-to-date news and information, be sure to visit the MEMBERS ONLY SECTION of the BoatMA.com web site. Use this MEMBER ACCESS LINK and then type in User: MMTA [UPPER CASE LETTERS] and Password: hightide [lower case letters].
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