Link to Archived ENews MMTA ENews: October 30, 2006 51ST NE BOAT SHOW COMING TO THE BCEC SAVE THE DATE: JANUARY 16, 2007 MMTA MEMBER NEWS MMTA ELECTS OFFICERS & DIRECTORS EDUCATION & JOBS NEWS MRAA NEWS *CG SERVICE DISCONTINUED DISCOVER BOATING BY THE NUMBERS AWARDS, GRANTS & NOMINATIONS VOTE ON NOVEMBER 7 UPCOMING EVENTS & LINKS OF INTEREST IT'S OFFICIAL: 51ST NEW ENGLAND BOAT SHOW COMING TO THE BCEC Thursday October 19th was a milestone in efforts to secure a home for the 51st New England Boat Show. At the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC) a press conference was held during which it was announced that the 51st NE Boat Show was coming to town February 17 -24, 2007. In attendance were members of the Greater Boston media, North American's Joe O'Neal, MMTA Director Larry Russo, Sr., and MMTA Executive Director Leona Roach. In announcing a five-year deal with North American Expositions James E Rooney Executive Director of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority stated, "We are thrilled to enter this partnership with North American Expositions Co. and look forward to welcoming our first consumer show in February." With its grand scale and open floor plan, the BCEC is a natural fit for the boat show and this event will be a great opportunity for boating enthusiasts and residents alike to come in and see the BCEC." An estimated 1,000 boats will be displayed, offering a complete range of powerboats and sailboats from sailing dinghies to 50-foot yachts. With 516,000 square feet of exhibition space, the show will double the number of boats shown in past years and the more than 90-foot ceilings in the BCEC exhibit hall will permit the showcase of fully-rigged sailboats, an achievement never possible in any of the New England Boat Show's previous venues. "After 50 years of proudly serving the marine industry and the boating public here in Massachusetts, we are extremely excited about this opportunity to grow the New England Boat Show at the new Boston Convention & Exhibition Center," said Joseph O'Neal of North American Expositions Co. "This venue provides a platform which will elevate the 51st Annual New England Boat Show to one of the premier boat shows in the country." More than 50,000 people are expected to attend the eight day event that will include more than 300 exhibiting companies representing the finest marine products and services including marine electronics, marine hardware, marine paints, yacht brokers, sail makers, yacht surveyors and other boating-related industries and services. The New England Boat Show is sponsored and endorsed by the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association Inc., a non-profit entity whose mission is to further the interests of the marine trades and the boating public. Jim Rooney-Executive Director of the BCEC looks forward to welcoming all New England Boat Show Exhibitors and expressed his pleasure that the opportunity to exhibit would benefit the statewide marine industry. It was a great day for all involved in this effort. The MMTA Membership is proud of the progress, accomplishments and contributions we have made supporting North American's efforts in our role as endorser of this show. Together we have delivered an important and lasting benefit to our member firms. MMTA wishes the North American team all the best (and lots of caffeine) as they turn to the heavy lifting of producing a show, doubled in size, in only four months! For more information visit: http://www.massconvention.com or http://www.naexpo.com SAVE THE DATE: TUESDAY - JANUARY 16, 2007 MMTA's 2007 Professional Development conference: The Business of Boating in Massachusetts will be held on Tuesday, January 16th at the Marriott Quincy. Please save the date and watch your email box for details, invitations and registration information. Tentative Topics for the 2007 Conference Include: Pressure Washing, Storm Water Permitting, Dealer (Re) Certification, Chapter 91's Next Chapter, Building a MA Boat Building Brand, Ethanol and Low Sulfur Marine Fuels and Much More! Many thanks for early conference sponsors, Commodore Uniform, EBI Consulting, GE Commercial Distribution Finance and Watch Captain. Interested in Conference Sponsorship? Contact Leona.Roach@boatma.com The American Boating Congress provides manufacturing and government leaders with a forum to discuss important public policy matters and offers manufacturers an amazing opportunity to advocate one-on-one with members of Congress on issues impacting recreational boating. "The American Boating Congress is the boating industry's premier political and legislative event, bringing recreational boating leaders and government officials together on important matters impacting the recreational marine industry and boating public," said NMMA President Thom Dammrich. MMTA MEMBER NEWS Welcome New Members! Please join us in welcoming these firms whose membership applications were approved at the October meeting of the Board of Directors: New Wave Yachts, Manchester, MA -- http://www.newwaveyachts.com Sabre Yacht & Everglades dealer R & E's Long Pond Marine, East Freetown, MA -- http://www.longpondmarine.com R & E's Long Pond Marine was launched in 1991 with a small service department limited to rebuilding marine engines, customizing, retro-fitting for water sports lovers with disabilities. Since then we've grown into a full-fledged service and sales center! R & E's offers pontoon boats, deck boats, bow riders and aluminum fishing boats, as well as Yamaha Outboards exclusively. Cape Yachts Expands Into South Dartmouth MMTA member David Nolan, owner of Harwich Port based Cape Yachts and South Wharf, LLC recently announced the purchase of South Wharf's property in the Padanaram Village of South Dartmouth now occupied by the Concordia Boatyard. Cape Yachts will open offices on the property effective November 1st and continue to operate a full service, public, marina and boatyard facility after Concordia's current lease of the property expires on August 1, 2007. Cape Yachts is a dealer for Beneteau Yachts, Sabre, Wauquiez, Robalo and Beneteau Power boats with locations in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York and Connecticut. Gifford Marine Honored As 100th Certified Dealership When MMTA Member Gifford Marine of Dartmouth, Mass. received official certified status, the Marine Industry Dealership Certification program achieved a milestone - the certification of its 100th dealer. Marine Industry Dealership Certification was launched less than a year ago, and, to date, more than 360 dealerships have enrolled in the program. With Gifford's official certification, 100 of those dealerships have completed the process and earned the official "Marine Industry Certified" designation. Marine Industry Certified Dealerships have demonstrated their commitment to lead the marine industry and provide the customer with the best experience possible. A full list of Certified Dealerships is available on both the Grow Boating and Discover Boating Web sites. DiscoverBoating.com has been visited by as many as 16,000 individual consumers in one day, and has generated more than 30,000 prospects. Marine Industry Certified Dealerships will have direct access to the Discovery Boating lead system within a matter of weeks. Dealer Certification Launch Workshop dates are posted on http://www.DealerCertification.org, and are open for registration. For more information, contact Dealer Certification program manager Elizabeth McAllister at (312) 946-6500 emcallister@DealerCertification.org or http://www.DealerCertification.org NE Institute of Technology To Host Marine Forum November 14 MMTA Member New England Institute of Technology or Warwick, Rhode Island will host Marine Forum 2006 on Tuesday, November 14, 2006 from 10:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. All are welcome to visit the NEIT campus and present or simply meet current Marine Technology students. Employers are encouraged to share their experiences within the Marine Industry, offer career advice and any literature regarding their company. To RSVP contact Alice Burrows, NEIT Student Employment Specialist, at 401-739-5000, ext. 3477 or by e-mail at aburrows@neit.edu MEMBERSHIP ELECTS NEW OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS AT 42ND ANNUAL MEETING At the 42nd Annual meeting held at Anthony's Pier Four on September 28th, The Massachusetts Marine Trades Association (MMTA) announced results of the election of Officers and Directors to represent and advance the interests of the Commonwealth's recreational boating industry whose membership includes boat dealers, retailers and brokers, repairers, boat builders, marinas, boatyard and marine industry professionals. Selected on the basis of professional experience, knowledge of complex boating industry issues, and the ability to offer and advance solutions to meet those challenges, Officers serve a one year term and Directors a three year term. The statewide membership is well represented by MMTA's new leadership team. The new association President, Kurt Saunders of Saunders Boat Livery in Southwick, hails from Western Massachusetts, while Cape Cod, the Southeast Coast, the North and South Shores and the Boston Harbor communities are well represented by the 20 members of the Board. Officers Term Ending 2007 President - Kurt Saunders, Saunders Boat Livery, Southwick, MA 1st Vice President - Jack Kent, III, Bayside Marine Corp., Duxbury, MA 2nd Vice President - Tina Marie Giambro, Port O' Call TV , North Quincy, MA 3rd VP & Treasurer - Douglas Wielhouwer, Eastern Yacht Sales, Hingham, MA Secretary - Niven Damon, Niven Damon Company , Eliot, ME Past President - Greg Glavin, Onset Bay Marina , Onset, MA Directors Term Ending 2007 Luke Brunelle - Brunelle, Inc., South Hadley, MA Richard Egan - Crosby Yacht Yard, Osterville, MA Ren Nichols - Allen Harbor Marine, Harwich Port, MA Tim Moll - Brewer's Plymouth Marine, Plymouth, MA Directors Term Ending 2008 Toby Burr - Burr Brothers Boats, Marion, MA Tom Cox - Constitution Marina, Charlestown, MA Marie Hayward - N.E. Marine Documentation, Winchester, MA Ed Lofgren - 3A Marine Service, Hingham, MA Ridge White - Robert E. White Instruments, Boston, MA Directors Term Ending 2009 David Kaiser - Mattapoisett Boatyard, Inc. -, Mattapoisett, MA Hank Keene, Jr. - Edson Corporation, New Bedford, MA Larry Russo, Sr. - Russo Marine, Medford, MA Russell Vickers - Hawthorne Cove Marina, Salem, MA Daniel P. Vigneau - Green Harbor Marina, Green Harbor, MA EDUCATION & JOBS NEWS Good Help Hard to Find? Marine Industry Qualified Help Even Harder to Find? Be SURE to check out the MMTA Job Postings Bulletin Board if you are hiring or seeking new opportunities. At present there highly qualified individuals have posted their interest position in the following work: Marine Technician General Boatyard Boat Sales Marine Technician Internship Marine Fiberglass/Paint Position Yacht Delivery Captain Marine Management Know someone looking for work? Current help wanted postings include: Marine Mechanic (4) Marine Electronics Installer Boat Maintenance & Detailing Supervisor (2) Fiberglass/Paint Technician Director, Yacht Sales Take advantage of these qualified employee prospects! Visit: http://www.boatma.com/jobs/bbs.pl MASSACHUSETTS MARINE TRADES ASSOCIATION HAILS BENJAMIN FRANKLIN INSTITUTE MARINE STUDIES PROGRAM LAUNCH The Massachusetts Marine Trades Association (MMTA) joins the Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology (BFIT) to announce the successful launch of a comprehensive Marine Studies program at the Boston-based College. Upon completion of a one-year full-time course of study, students earn a Certificate in Marine Technology and enter a field ripe with tremendous employment opportunities, challenging work and considerable earning potential. Recent estimates conclude that the Massachusetts marine trades industry has a need to hire 5,000 additional employees within the next decade. The BFIT Marine Studies program began in September 2006 and boasts 11 students from throughout Massachusetts and beyond, including Boston, Acton, Norwell, Pepperell, Lynn, Weymouth, West Newbury and as far as Connecticut and Florida. Instruction is given in engineering principles, focusing on electricity, marine engines and propulsion systems, rigging, and environmental and safety practices. Math, science and communication fundamentals are incorporated into the program studies as well. Following class-room and field instruction, students enjoy a paid summer internship at a marine facility. Graduates with a Certificate in Marine Technology may find employment at marinas, boatyards, dealerships, manufacturers, and specialty shops throughout the coastal and lakeside communities of the Northeast. Common misconceptions about the marine trades are that jobs are seasonal, part time, low paying and mostly located in expensive waterfront communities. In fact, a recent workforce study involving MMTA and several educational and employment institutions revealed that nearly 70% of all positions are year round and full time. Technicians earn an average of $15 to $20 hourly with many overtime opportunities. The number of inland marine businesses is also expected to rise as waterfront real estate prices remain unattainable for many. "Educational opportunities are key to maintaining and growing the Massachusetts recreational marine trades. MMTA and the Massachusetts Marine Trades Educational Trust (MMTET) are honored to work with the BFIT administration and staff. They are committed to developing educational pathways and curricula that will foster interest and advancement in the marine trades as evidenced by the diverse makeup of the current Marine Studies student body," stated Ed Lofgren, MMTA Director, MMTET Chairman and BFIT staff instructor. NEWS FROM THE MARINE RETAILERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA MRAA Annual Conference November 13 - 15, 2006 - http://mraa.com/2006convention/schedule.html MRAA to Unveil Retail Boat Insurance Program for Members at November Convention MRAA and National Marine Underwriters (NMU) of Annapolis, MD have announced a joint marketing agreement that will bring comprehensive, price competitive retail boat insurance to the showrooms and closing booths of all MRAA dealers. Through a web link or by telephone, the MRAA dealer can easily refer their customers to a special insurance quoting page while they're still in the showroom. Every quote will include the "MRAA Family Boater Endorsement" which raises the limits of select coverages while adding no additional cost to the policy. One quick phone call binds the policy. Registration will begin during the MRAA 2006 Convention or dealers may call NMU's Stephen Pease at 1-888-262-5891 for details. *CG SERVICE DISCONTINUED - FOR EMERGENCY OFFSHORE USE VHF-FM OR DIAL 911 - All wireless providers in states other then Alaska have removed the specialized keying sequence, *CG, used to reach the Coast Guard for maritime emergency assistance. The Coast Guard has found through research and experience that the use of this specialized service has resulted in misdirection of emergency calls. Mariners are encouraged to use VHF-FM radio as their primary means of distress alerting on the water. A VHF-FM radio provides superior alerting capabilities in a maritime emergency because: When a MAYDAY is sent out via VHF-FM radio it is a broadcast, any nearby boater can hear the distress call and offer immediate assistance. With the Coast Guard's Rescue 21 system improvements coming on line, any call placed over a VHF-FM radio will have an associated line of bearing (LOB). This LOB significantly narrows the area to which Coast Guard or other responders must look to find the boater making the call. A cell phone doesn't do this. VHF-FM radios are manufactured today with Digital Selective Calling (DSC) that will send a distress with the vessel's information and Global Positioning System (GPS) location at the press of a button. DSC radio must be properly registered with an MMSI number through Boat US and the radio must be properly interfaced with the GPS in order to send an accurate position. VHF-FM should always be the primary means of distress communication: Cell phones should be secondary. If cellular is your only option, remember to dial 9-1-1 as *CG is no longer available anywhere outside of Alaska. Material excerpted from Virginia Association of Marine Industries newsletter. GROW BOATING - DISCOVER BOATING BY THE NUMBERS Launched in early 2006, the Grow Boating Campaign has 4 Strategic Focus Areas: Increasing and protecting water access Improving boaters' sales and service experience Certifying boats to ensure boaters get a quality product National Media campaign designed to help dreamers become boat owners The Grow Boating Campaign's First 6 Months By The Numbers 6 -- Age In Months of Grow Boating Consumer Campaign 3,000 -- Number of Grow Boating Television Spots Aired in 6 Months 300 -- Average Number of Grow Boating Spots Per week $1 Million -- Estimated Value Added By custom vignettes, sponsorships and special projects 1 in 20 -- Percent of Target Consumers who had heard of Discover Boating Prior to Campaign 1 in 4 -- Percent of Target Consumers who had heard of Discover Boating After 1st 6 Months 68 -- Percent Likeability of GBI Print Advertising 76 -- Percent Likeability of Television Spots 60 -- Percent Likeability Required to influence Consumer Behavior 1.5 Billion -- Grow Boating advertising media impressions 163 Million -- Public relations media impressions 250% -- Increased web traffic at DiscoverBoating.com since campaign inception 1.6 Million -- Discover Boating Web site visits March-September 2006 3 Years -- Average Incubation Period for a Boater to move from consideration to purchase of a boat 41,000 -- Number of "Get Started in Boating" DVDs distributed to prospective boaters 50,000 -- Number of Prospective Boater Prospects in GBI Database 13,000 -- Number of Prospective Boaters who have requested direct dealer/mfg contact 159,000 -- Number of Direct Manufacturer Web Site referred from discoverboating.com 360 -- Number of Marine Dealerships Enrolled in Certification since March 2006 100 -- Number of Marine Dealerships who have achieved Marine Industry Certified designation 170 -- Number of NMMA Certified Boat Builders 172 -- Number of NMMA Boat Builders in Process of Certification AWARDS, GRANTS AND NOMINATIONS BOATING SAFETY GRANT PROGRAM --- DEADLINE NOVEMBER 1, 2006 The BoatU.S. Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2007 Boating Safety Grant Program. Over the past 16 years the Foundation has given over $700,000 to small local nonprofit organizations to promote safe boating on their waterways. Projects ranging from building a kiosk at a boat ramp to signage promoting the availability of free vessel safety checks have been developed around the country with the use of Foundation money. For more information and an application, visit http://www.boatus.com/foundation/Grants/index.htm MMTA EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION AWARD --- DEADLINE NOVEMBER 15, 2006 All MMTA Members are welcome to submit nominations for the 2006 MMTA Employee Recognition Award. Please consider nominating your employees and giving them the recognition they deserve. Recipients of the Award will be announced at the 2007 MMTA Professional Development Conference. For more information or an application, contact Leona.Roach@boatma.com NMMA SEEKS NOMINATIONS FOR CHAPMAN AWARD --- DEADLINE DECEMBER 15, 2006 NMMA is currently accepting nominations for the 2006 Charles F. Chapman Award. The award recognizes and honors individuals or groups within the marine industry who have made outstanding contributions to the sport of boating for the benefit of the recreational boating industry and boating public. The recipient will receive a bronze medallion and a $1,000 donation to a marine-oriented organization of his or her choice. Nominations are due by December 15. For more information contact Bryan Welsh, NMMA director of membership, at (312) 946-6276; bwelsh@nmma.org BOATING SAFETY SIDEKICKS CONTEST --- DEADLINE JANUARY 1, 2007 I'm a Safe Boater. Are YOU? The National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) has launched its second annual Boating Safety Sidekicks contest. This year's theme, "I'm a Safe Boater. Are You?" expands on the "Why I Wear My Life Jacket" contest from 2005. Kids between the ages of 4 to 15 are eligible to enter anytime between now and January 1, 2007. For more information visit the Boating Safety Sidekicks web site at http://www.boatingsidekicks.com BOATUS RECREATIONAL BOATING ACCESS AWARD --- DEADLINE FEBRUARY 1, 2007 Do You Know An Access Champion? Boat U.S. is launching a recreational boating access award to honor those who succeed in preserving or improving public access. The award will go to an individual group, government body, business or nonprofit organization. Judges will look at four criteria: the challenges faced in retaining or increasing access; the direct impact of the solution; the level of success in increasing awareness of the issue; and the ability to take the successful approach and adopt it in other areas. Examples of solutions could include public/private partnerships, changes in land-use planning, tax incentives, legislation or public education. Eligible activities include those undertaken in the last three years. The deadline to enter is February 1, 2007. For more information, go to: http://www.boatus.com/gov/accessaward BOATUS FOUNDATION ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP --- DEADLINE FEBRUARY 15, 2007 Do You Know an Environmental Leader? The BoatU.S. Foundation is looking to honor those who have made a significant contribution towards advancing clean boating and educating boaters on minimizing their environmental impact with a new Environmental Leadership Award. Submit your nomination of a group, organization, company, marina or individual by February 15, 2007. The award includes $500 for the continued support of the winner's environmental efforts. For more information visit http://www.BoatUS.com/foundation/EnviroAward MARINA ACCESS TO FREE CLEAN FUELING GUIDE --- DEADLINE OPEN The BoatU.S. Foundation has developed a new clean fueling web site http://www.helpstopthedrops.com that provides comprehensive information for both boaters and fuel dock staff. The site contains information on fueling tips, clean fueling products, and how to respond to a spill. Also available at the web site are a series of free educational brochures. Marina operators can get a free clean fueling product guide. REMEMBER TO VOTE ON NOVEMBER 7 WHEN BOATERS VOTE, WE ALL WIN It is important that the recreational marine industry turnout to vote in the November elections. Make no mistake about it; groups that vote in large numbers get the most attention from lawmakers. Help get our industry's vote out by encouraging your employees/co-workers to vote on November 7th. America works best when Americans vote. Massachusetts residents can find their voting place by visiting: http://www.wheredoivotema.com/ MARINE INDUSTRY EVENT CALENDAR Marine Retailers Association of America Convention -- Las Vegas, NV November 13 - 15th MMTA Professional Development Conference - Marriott Quincy January 16, 2007 Providence Boat Show - Providence, RI January 11 -14, 2007 51st New England Boat Show -BCEC Boston February 17 -24, 2007 Have an event to be added to the calendar of interest to all members, send an e-mail to Leona.Roach@boatma.com ONGOING REMINDERS TO MEMBERS AND LINKS OF INTEREST ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ MA Legislation That MMTA Tracks: http://www.boatma.com/membersonly/legal/2006/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BOATER INFORMATION PIPELINE SIGNUP: http://www.boatma.com/boatersenewssignupform.html ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ MAKE THE MMTA JOBS BULLETIN BOARD WORK FOR YOU! http://www.boatma.com/jobs/bbs.pl ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ MARINE TRADES EDUCATORS WISH LIST http://www.boatma.com/membersonly/news/bbs.pl ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ SHOW YOUR COLORS Proudly Display the MMTA Logo: http://www.boatma.com/membersonly/mmtalogos.html ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ MMTA-STAPLES BUSINESS ADVANTAGE PROGRAM MMTA Members Only Section click on the STAPLES LOGO. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ CZM COASTAL ACCESS SITE LOCATOR: http://maps.massgis.state.ma.us/czm_access_locator ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ NOAA Online Chart Viewer: http://www.nauticalcharts.gov/viewer/#OnLine#OnLine ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ EPA'S BROWNFIELDS CONFERENCE BOSTON NOVEMBER 13 -15, 2006 http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/bfconf.htm ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ E-MAIL CHANGES? 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