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MMTA ENews Brief: February 9, 2006


EBI Consulting | Burlington, MA | (800) 786-2346
Environmental Management & Engineering Services

The experts at EBI Consulting bring innovative approaches to assisting with the requirements of the US EPA and various state and local agencies. Our services include:
  • Pressure Wash Management Alternatives
  • Storm Water Permitting & Planning (SWPP)
  • Oil Spill Prevention Control & Countermeasures (SPCC) Planning
  • Emergency Planning & Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA) Reporting
  • OSHA Training


WELCOME NEW MMTA MEMBERS

  • Ned's Point Marine Service, Mattapoisett MA
  • Concordia Company, Inc., South Dartmouth MA
  • EZ Loader Boat Trailers, Metheun MA
  • Navionics, Wareham MA
  • Cianciulli & Ouellette, Beverly MA
  • Winter Island Yacht Yard, Inc., Salem MA
  • Monadnock Boat Store, Rindge NH
  • Boatworks at Newburyport,Newburyport MA



OUTER BREWSTER LNG UPDATE


Boston Harbor's Outer Brewster
Photos Courtesy of Sherman Morrs
In the Fall of 2005 MMTA joined other recreational boating associations and a coalition led by Save the Harbor-Save The Bay in voicing opposition to the construction of an Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facility at the gateway to Boston Harbor on Outer Brewster Island. After careful consideration MMTA joined the coalition because the project has the potential to significantly impact recreational boating and, subsequently, those employed in the marine trades. MMTA's primary reasons for opposing the project include:
  • Since 1986, we have spent more than $4.5 billion dollars on the Boston Harbor Clean-up and millions more on the creation of the Boston Harbor Islands National Park. To date, the citizens of Ma. have enjoyed limited returns on these investments. We do have cleaner water, but we do not have the promised access to the BH Islands and Park. The proposed LNG facility would further restrict the peoples' right to access these treasures. It's simply wrong to squander these public investments for the private gain of one out of state company.

  • Outer Brewster and the adjacent shallow bays are among the most popular and productive waters in the Boston Harbor Islands National Park Area for recreational boating, sailing, diving, fishing and lobstering. This proposal would restrict access to this part of our Park forever.

  • Outer Brewster is the seasonal home to many threatened and protected species of sea and shore birds, as well as to the parks only colony of seals. The AES proposal would destroy this critical habitat.
In February, 2006 there will be a legislative hearing on House Bill 4500, the bill to lease Outer Brewster Island in the Boston Harbor Islands National Park Area to AES Corporation of Arlington, VA to site what they have described as the "largest LNG terminal and storage depot in the country".

At the Entrance to Boston Harbor Outer Brewster Is a Haven for Boating, Fishing and Seal Sunning Photos
Courtesy of Bruce Berman

We need your help today to stop House Bill 4500. Please take just a few minutes to contact your legislator with a personal phone call or letter requesting they vote No on HB 4500. While the LNG siting is in Boston Harbor-legislators statewide will be voting on the legislation. So please know this is NOT just a Boston Harbor issue. Your calls and letters WILL make a big difference when HB 4500 comes before the committee for a vote. For your convenience, the MMTA Bulletin Board includes sample letters and scripts to legislators along with a list of talking points on the project and link to find your own elected officials.

Access those samples by clicking here: http://www.boatma.com/membersonly/news/bbs.pl. Thank you in advance for your individual support of preserving recreational boating access throughout Boston Harbor. Position papers and an archive of press coverage may be found at: www.savetheharbor.org



CONGRATULATIONS TO MMTA MEMBER ALLEN HARBOR MARINE!

Allen Harbor Marine Service of Harwich Port has been named the 2005 Dealer of the Year by Albemarle Boats of Edenton, NC. Presented at Albemarle's annual dealer meeting in December, the award recognizes Allen Harbor Marine as the leading sales dealership in the Albemarle worldwide network. In addition, Allen Harbor salesman Paul E. Hegarty was honored as Albemarle's top salesman for the 2005 model year.

Rupert L. (Ren) Nichols, Jr., president of Allen Harbor Marine accepted the dealer award. "We are pleased to receive this award in just our third year as an Albemarle dealer. The quality craftsmanship and superior design of Albemarle have clearly found a niche with the boaters in New England", said Mr. Nichols. "To receive Albemarle's top service award in one year and the top sales award the next speaks well of the entire Allen Harbor team."

Allen Harbor Marine is a full service boat yard operating in Harwich Port since 1927. In addition to Albemarle, Allen Harbor is a dealer for Pursuit and Pro Line boats, Zodiac inflatables and Honda engines.



MRAA MEMBER BENEFIT
ACCESS TO LEGAL COUNSEL AT DISCOUNTED RATES

The Marine Retailers Association of America (MRAA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the law firm of Bellavia Gentile & Associates [BGA] of Mineola, New York. "This MOU creates a unique opportunity for dealers to gain immediate access to experienced counsel at extremely discounted rates," said Glenn Mazzella, MRAA Chairman.

MRAA members can enroll in the BGA Marine Dealer Representation Program no matter what state they are located in. For a small monthly retainer the dealer will have unlimited telephone advice and/or consultation concerning dealership operations on a number of critical areas. The dealer will also receive preparation or review of letters and general issues in response to complaints from consumers, consumer agencies and governmental agencies.

Dealers will receive reduced rates in a number of other areas they choose to have BGA represent them, i.e. shareholder agreements, employment contracts, dealer floor plan financing negotiations and documents, transactions involving the sale of purchase of the dealership or real estate and litigation by/or against the dealership. For more information contact MRAA at 708-763-9210 or mraa@mraa.com



SUBSCRIBE TO USCG ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTERS

The US Coast Guard and USCG Auxiliary have some fascinating electronic newsletters. This week's edition includes an article on the Nantucket Lightship Custody Battle http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,86854,00.html the Court's Decision in the Oil Pullution Cover Up case in Boston Harbor that resulted in the largest Environmental Criminal Fine in the Commonwealth's History.

The Coast Guard e-Newsletter is designed to keep you informed of issues and programs that affect the United States Coast Guard. It includes links to local and national commercial news materials. If you would like to subscribe, please e-mail jmoore@comdt.uscg.mil Coast Guard Waypoints is also available by at http://www.uscgboating.org/waypoints



MEET BOBBER THE WATER SAFETY DOG!

Bobber the Water Safety Dog is continuing on his journey to help educate children about the importance of practicing safe boating and swimming habits while recreating on and around water. He's just released a new cartoon to teach kids about the importance of wearing a life jacket.

Bobber is the animated spokesdog for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' water safety campaign. Water safety is an integral part of the Corps' mission, and Bobber helps relay water safety messages to the public through the website http://www.bobber.info

Using cartoons and games, Bobber and his safety messages are geared primarily toward children. However, as children share what they've learned with friends and family, Bobber's messages reach adults as well.

The Bobber cartoons consist of different characters that get into trouble while boating and swimming. Luckily, Bobber the Water Safety Dog is always around to rescue them and encourage them to be safe. Two puppies, Corkey and Sinker, and an old, grumpy bulldog named Tackle are the cartoon's star performers.

The puppies demonstrate swimming safety lessons. Corkey sets the good example, while Sinker, as his name implies, has a tendency to sink and has to be rescued by Bobber. Tackle, a retired football mascot who lives in a doghouse boat and fishes for catfish, demonstrates a lack of boating safety. By making water safety mistakes and having his cartoon friends help and correct him, the water safety message permeates the entertainment and interest supplied by the characters.

Bobber the Water Safety Dog was created for the Corps' National Water Safety Program by Toby Isbell, a visual information specialist for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Little Rock District. Don Harris, chief of management support branch in Fort Worth District for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, supplies the voices for the characters in the cartoons.

In addition to Bobber's second cartoon, the Corps of Engineers has recently finished a new coloring book featuring the talking dog. The coloring book will be available through the Corps National Water Safety Program and lake office sources starting December 1, 2005. "Our plan is to continue rounding out the Bobber program to include at least two more water safety-themed cartoons, a few games, downloadable coloring sheets, posters and more," said Lynda Nutt, with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers National Operations Center for Water Safety. "We'd eventually like to have the entire package available on CD."

With a recreation base that is primarily built around water, the Corps has a dedicated focus on water safety. For more information on the Corps of Engineers' National Water Safety Program, visit http://watersafety.usace.army.mil. This article first appeared in Small Craft Advisory, a publication of the National Association of Safe Boating Law Administrators. It is reprinted here with permission.

Water and Boating Safety Tips from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
  • Learn to swim
  • Never rely on toys such as inner tubes and water wings to stay afloat.
  • Don't take chances, by over estimating your swimming skills.
  • Swim only in designated swimming areas.
  • Never swim alone.
  • Know your boat and know the rules of the road. Take a safe boating course.
  • Check your boat for all required safety equipment.
  • Don't overload the boat.
  • If you will be in a powerboat, check your electrical system and fuel system for gas fumes.
  • Follow manufacturers suggested procedures BEFORE starting up the engine.
  • Wear your life jacket - don't just carry one on board.
  • Leave the alcohol behind.
  • Check the weather forecast.
  • File a float plan with a member of your family or friend.


CAPE YACHTS SEEKING TRAILER

Cape Yachts is looking to purchase a small hydraulic trailer capable of hauling power boats from 18 to 30 feet? Please call if you have one for sale. 508-432-7079.



ONGOING REMINDERS TO MEMBERS AND LINKS OF INTEREST

REMINDER! 2005 TIER TWO REPORTS DUE MARCH 1ST

REMINDER! 2006 MMTA MEMBERSHIP FEE NOW DUE



FREE Storm Water & Pressure Washing Activities Seminar-March 1. MMTA Member EBI Consulting will hold a private seminar on Wednesday, March 1, 2006, 8:30 am - 11:00 am at the Quincy Marriott. Registration for this seminar is required by Friday, February 24th, and space is limited. Click Here to Register: http://www.ebiconsulting.com/marina-seminar.html



CH MARCH 2/3 MANAGEMENT COURSE IS SOLD OUT! But if you are interested send an e-mail to Leona.Roach@boatma.com as we are maintaining a waiting list in the event there are cancellations.



MAKE THE MMTA JOBS BULLETIN BOARD WORK FOR YOU! Be sure to post your help wanted notices here. It's free, it's popular and it works! http://www.boatma.com/jobs/bbs.pl



MARINE TRADES EDUCATORS WISH LIST Go To: http://www.boatma.com/membersonly/news/bbs.pl to visit the MMTA News Bulletin Board of Wish Lists from Ben Franklin Institute of Technology, Massasoit Community College and Cape Cod Tech



2006 MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY ADVERTISING DEADLINE FAST APPROACHING: Enhanced Directory Listing opportunities are limited and offered on a space available basis only. Send an email to webmaster@BoatMA.com for more information.



MARINAS SOUGHT FOR LIFE JACKET LOANER PROGRAM To apply to be a Life Jacket Loaner Program site, please visit: http://www.BoatUS.com/Foundation/LJLP Applications accepted until February 21, 2006.



SHOW YOUR COLORS: Proudly Display the MMTA Logo: Download it Here: www.boatma.com/membersonly/mmtalogos.html



WE WANT YOUR MARINE INDUSTRY PHOTOS! We need photos of marinas, boatyards, retailers, service and repairers. Please send all photos in a high resolution version and indicate if a photo credit is applicable or not. Send to Leona.Roach@boatMA.com



UPCOMING MARINE INDUSTRY EVENTS CLICK HERE: http://www.boatma.com/membersonly/memberscalendar.html



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SHARE THE WEALTH! PLEASE share these ENews briefs with colleagues and staff of MMTA member firms. HAVE AN ITEM FOR ENEWS? Drop us a line at: Leona.Roach@BoatMA.com



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