WEARY OF YOUR ENTIRE DOCK STAFF BEING CLASSIFIED AS LONGSHOREMEN?
WANT TO HELP REDUCE WORKER'S COMPENSATION EMPLOYEE COSTS FOR YOUR MARINE BUSINESS?
Please participate by providing information directly to the Association of Marine Industries.
The Classification Assurance Department of the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) manages and maintains the worker's compensation insurance classification system. This system is used by 36 states or jurisdictions. The classification system provides insurance carriers with the framework to classify and price workers compensation insurance for industries.
The Classification Assurance Department is reviewing the entire workers compensation insurance classification system over a five-year cycle. Currently they are looking at the Marina Operations industry regarding how it is classified for workers compensation insurance.
In the process, they seek input from the Marine Industry. Information is needed on changes to the marina/boatyard industry over the years, equipment/tools used, size range of business entities, seasonal vs. permanent employees, level of automation, operating processes, etc. Please provide this and any other information you feel would be relevant to the classification of the Marina Operations industry.
Please submit comments that will more accurately reflect today's reality in the marina/boatyard industry. Feel free to cite the increased clerical responsibilities of certain staff, more precise job descriptions, and changes to the structure of your business, OSHA compliance, environmental best practices, handling and storage of hazardous type materials, etc. The marine industry has come a long way in recent years to become a safer, cleaner, greener industry. It is time we were recognized and rewarded with realistic workers compensation classification rates!
This is a once in a 5 year opportunity to comment and have input on how YOUR employees are classified. Please send any and all comments NO LATER THAN March 10th to jfrye@marinaassociation.org
WILL THE 51ST NEW ENGLAND BOAT SHOW HAVE A HOME?
ONLY IF HOUSE BILL B 4493 PASSES THE MASSACHUSETTS SENATE
Due to a complicated set of circumstances, the New England Boat Show [NEBS] is presently without a home for 2007 and beyond. The show is crucial to the boating industry. A majority of exhibitors trace over 50% of their annual sales to this show: we must unite as an industry and take every step possible to insure the future existence and expansion of the NEBS. Our future depends on it. In order for the New England Boat Show to find a home in 2007 at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, an act of the Massachusetts Legislature will be required: specifically the expedited passage of House Bill 4493 An Act Relative to Gate Shows which currently languishes in the Massachusetts Senate.
What Can You Do? Become actively involved in the legislative process by exerting your rights as a citizen of the Commonwealth. Encourage your employees, your customers and your vendors to speak out and urge immediate passage of H4493.
YOUR LEGISLATORS ARE LISTENING -- 2006 IS AN ELECTION YEAR.
Legislators take notice when dozens of communications are received on the same topic. We will get their attention if each and every employee and family member who benefits from the marine industry in Massachusetts to contact their state representatives and senators to urge them to swiftly pass House Bill 4493. To find out who is your legislator, visit: http://www.wheredoivotema.com
Thank you in advance for contacting your legislators today. In doing so you are taking a positive step in support of the recreational marine trades industry from which we earn our living and support our families. For more information visit the MMTA archived News briefs at: http://www.boatma.com/membersonly/newsbriefs/2006_february_23_news.html
MASSACHUSETTS LEGISLATOR FOCUS
As part of our ongoing series, this issue of MMTA ENews highlights State Rep ROBERT A. DELEO.
(D-Revere Winthrop). Representative DeLeo is the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee at which MMTA's Abandoned Vessel Legislation (House Bill 4362) is under consideration.
STATE REPRESENTATIVE ROBERT A. DELEO
Party Affiliation - DEMOCRAT
State House District Office
Room 243 220 Beach Street
State House Revere, MA 02151
Boston, MA 02133
Telephone: 617-722-2990 781-289-8965
Facsimile: 617-626-0299 781-289-0582
E-Mail: Robert.DeLeo@state.ma.us
DISTRICT REPRESENTED: Nineteenth Suffolk. - Consisting of precincts 1 and 2 of ward 1, all precincts of ward 2, precincts 2 and 3 of ward 3, and precinct 3 of ward 5, of the city of Revere, and the town of Winthrop, both in the county of Suffolk.
EDUCATION: Boston Latin School; Northeastern University, B.A.; Suffolk University Law School, J.D.
PROFESSION: Attorney/Legislator.
ORGANIZATIONS: Airport Hazards Committee; Friends of the Council of Aging (vice-president); Sons of Italy; Knights of Columbus; Revere League for the Special Needs; Revere Santa Fund; Moose; Justinian Law Society; Elks; Friends of Parks and Recreation (director).
PUBLIC OFFICE: Town Meeting Member (1977-present); Selectmen (1978-1988, chairman 1981-1982, 1984-1985 and 1987-1988); Winthrop Democratic Town Committee (1980-present, vice chairman 1986-present); Mass. House (1991-present), House Ways and Means Committee, Chair (2005 to present).
Committees on which the legislator serves: House Committee on Ways and Means (Chairman)
QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS ENCOURAGED TO APPLY FOR NE FISHERY COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP
Five seats will soon be vacant on the New England Fisheries Management Council. NOAA Fisheries, on behalf of the Secretary of Commerce, has formally asked the governors of the coastal New England states to solicit and submit nominations. Council members must be individuals, who, by reason of their occupational or other experience, scientific expertise, or training, are knowledgeable regarding the conservation and management, or the commercial or recreational harvest, of the fishery resources of the geographical area concerned. A total of four obligatory seats, one each from Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut must be filled by residents of those particular states. Any New England state may nominate a qualified individual to fill the only at-large seat that will be left vacant in August. Anyone interested in seeking nomination to the Council should contact the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries at (617) 626-1530. Nominations are due by March 15.
FREE SEAFLOOR MAPPING WORKSHOP MARCH 23 AT US COURTHOUSE, BOSTON
Seafloor Mapping Workshop - On March 23, CZM will hold a workshop to share results of seafloor mapping and habitat studies in Massachusetts. This free, one-day workshop, will be held at the John Joseph Moakley U.S. Courthouse in Boston. To attend this workshop, please contact CZM's Tony Wilbur at tony.wilbur@state.ma.us. Go to http://woodshole.er.usgs.gov/project-pages/coastal_mass/ for more information about the CZM/USGS mapping initiative.
MRAA'S KEVIN LODDER SCHOLARSHIP FUNDED FAR & WIDE
The Kevin Lodder Marine Industry Education Fund has received substantial contributions during the 1st quarter of 2006 thanks to Retailers across the country and within Massachusetts.
In February Carlton Phillips of Prince William Marine Sales, Woodbridge, Virginia, sent a contribution designated for the Kevin Lodder Scholarship. "It is time that everyone in this industry invests in ourselves. This is one way of contributing because training is essential," stated Phillips.
Prince William Marine Sales contribution is the result of a $25 per boat sold pledge that Phillips made during the MRAA Annual Convention last November. Phillips made his pledge on the back of his business card as MRAA board member, J.R. Means III of Bayport Yachts had taken the podium during the Dealer Issues Forum to encourage those in attendance to find an issue to rally around. Means produced a $100 bill and asked for further contributions. Those in the audience came forth with $5,500 and Carlton Phillips' business card.
Since then, Ed Lofgren, owner of 3A Marine Service in Hingham, Massachusetts, MRAA board member and chairman of the foundation, made the comment, "Carlton Phillips is certainly a dedicated member of the recreational boating industry and his words are backed by his actions. I'm following his pledge with mine - 3A Marine Service will donate $25 per boat for all boats sold in 2006 to go to the Kevin Lodder Scholarship Fund."
When J.R. Means, III of Bayport Yachts in Newport Beach, California, was notified of the Prince William donation and the 3A Marine Service pledge he made the following statement. Bayport Yachts would like to step up and contribute $100 per vessel for each one sold in 2006 to the Kevin Lodder Scholarship Fund. It is our privilege to be associated with these fine gentlemen and the MRAA Educational Foundation."
Phil Keeter, president of MRAA, said, "I never cease to be amazed at what marine dealers will do. They are certainly a breed of their own! They intend to make this foundation a shining example for those who want to earn their living in our industry."
For more information and how to make your pledge to the MRAA Educational Foundation call 708-763-9210 or mraa@mraa.com
REGISTER TODAY FOR THE AMERICAN BOATING CONGRESS!
DON'T MISS THE EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT!
The American Boating Congress will be held April 30 - May 2, 2006 at the L'Enfant Plaza Hotel, Washington, DC. The American Boating Congress is a comprehensive two-day legislative conference that brings together recreational boating industry leaders to formulate public policy and present a unified front on issues that impact marine businesses.
ABC's schedule promises informative, engrossing seminars intended to update you on issues of vital importance to your business and your bottom line. Early Bird Special: Submit payments before March 10th, 2006 and receive $50 discount on registration fee!
Who should attend? Executives, owners and key employees of marine-related industries, including: Boat Manufacturers, Engine Manufacturers, Marina operators and owners, Marine Accessory manufacturers, Industry service providers, State and local marine trades associations.
Don't be left out! For more information, as well as to register, please go to http://www.nmma.org/abc
URGE YOUR MEMBER OF CONGRESS TO SUPPORT THE
BUSINESS ACTIVITY TAX SIMPLIFICATION ACT (BATSA)
The time to act is now. Please contact your member of Congress, a key member of the Judiciary Committee and urge him/her to give BATSA a full committee markup. NMMA needs your help to ensure fair business activity taxes that prevent states from imposing expensive corporate income and other direct taxes on businesses without a physical presence in their states.
What is the problem? In the last two years, many state and local tax enforcement agencies have made dubious claims alleging that manufacturers established "economic nexus" in their states and demanding that the manufacturers pay millions in fines and business activity back taxes.
Why should I care? The attempts by state and local taxing officials to apply nexus has generated widespread litigation and caused considerable uncertainty that has hurt the U.S. economy and hindered business expansion and interstate commerce. Because so many boat manufacturers conduct business across state lines without establishing a physical presence, BATSA would save the industry millions in unfair state taxes.
How do I get involved? The House Judiciary Committee's Commercial and Administrative Law subcommittee approved BATSA on Dec. 13, 2005. The bill must now be brought before the full House Judiciary Committee for consideration. Please contact your member of Congress, a key member of the Judiciary Committee and urge him/her to give BATSA a full committee markup.
You can reach your member of Congress by fax or email at http://www.nmma.org/grassroots/ where you will find contact information for your representative and a form letter that you can customize to suit your company. Please let Jeffrey Gabriel ( jgabriel@nmma.org ) know when you respond to your elected representatives so NMMA can follow up.
LORAN TOWER MAY COME DOWN AS COAST GUARD CONSIDERS BUDGET CUTS
By Peter A. Sutters Jr. The (Nantucket) Inquirer and Mirror
With new technology making its way into just about every boat and plane, the United States Coast Guard is looking to do away with an antiquated system of navigation which could change the look of Nantucket's eastern end. Currently rising over 800 feet above Sconset is the Long Range Navigation - or LORAN - tower. The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has proposed the elimination of all LORAN stations in its Fiscal 2007 budget. Nantucket's LORAN station, one of four along the East Coast, was completed in 1967 long before GPS, or Global Positioning System navigation, was part of our every day lives. Now, the Coast Guard says, the LORAN system is obsolete and no longer cost-effective. http://www.ack.net/LORAN021606.html
STEAMSHIP AUTHORITY SUPPORTS USCG BILL AMENDMENT TARGETING CAPE WIND FARM
The Steamship Authority last week announced its support of an amendment added to a $8.7 billion Coast Guard appropriations bill by U.S. Rep. Don Young, a powerful Republican lawmaker from Alaska, that would cripple Cape Wind's effort to build the nation's first offshore wind farm in Nantucket Sound. The amendment proposed by Representative Young, chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, would ban all wind turbines within 1.5 nautical miles of shipping and ferry lanes. Cape Wind officials said if approved it could prove fatal to their project.
To read the entire article, go to the source at Martha's Vineyard Times:
http://www.mvtimes.com/news/news_in_brief.php?date=20060302
A MESSAGE FROM RANCH KIMBALL,
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, SECRETARY OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
INTRODUCING MASSACHUSETTS BUSINESS CONNECT
Massachusetts Business Connect is the Commonwealth's new economic development initiative. It brings industry leaders together with Massachusetts wealth of business, academic, research, workforce, and venture capital resources. Massachusetts Business Connect is a forward-thinking model that will help our established and emerging businesses grow, and help our universities and research institutions achieve their goal of sustained innovation and success.
The Executive Office of Economic Development has already been contacted by business leaders and has begun working with them.
Attached is an overview of Massachusetts Business Connect and its four-step process:
- Engage companies
- Define specific needs
- Identify Massachusetts resources that address these specific needs
- Create customized sessions, facilitate discussions and make connections
For additional information please call me directly or contact our Business Resource Team at 1-877-BIZ-TEAM (249-8326) or visit www.mass.gov/BizConnect
ATTENTION DEALERS IN THE PROCESS OF CERTIFICATION
As a part of the Marine Dealer Certification Process, surveys and feedback opportunities are to be provided confidentially and anonymously to all employees.
If you are interested in an affordable and accessible portal for employee comments, suggestions or concerns, please send an email including the number of your employees to Leona.Roach@boatMA.com
ONGOING REMINDERS TO MEMBERS AND LINKS OF INTEREST
REMINDER! 2006 MMTA MEMBERSHIP FEE OVERDUE
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NOTICE to MEMBERS: MMTA Online Dues Payment Are Now Being Made Through PayPal.
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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
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MARINE TRADES EDUCATORS WISH LIST
Go To: 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.
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SHOW YOUR COLORS
Proudly Display the MMTA Logo: Download it Here:
http://www.boatma.com/membersonly/mmtalogos.html
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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
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UPCOMING MARINE INDUSTRY EVENTS
CLICK HERE: http://www.boatma.com/membersonly/memberscalendar.html
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MMTA-STAPLES BUSINESS ADVANTAGE PROGRAM
Click Here, or visit the MMTA Members Only Section at www.BoatMA.com and click on the STAPLES LOGO.
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