It’s been a busy summer so far in every aspect for all of us in the marine industry. We’ve been busy getting those boats, motors, trailers, and accessories sold, the boats overboard, and are working hard at making sure that we have exceeded our customer’s expectations. Mass. Marine Trades Association under the capable guidance of our executive director Ray Gaffey has been extremely busy too! Let’s just run through a bit of the activity since our June meeting.

I hope you all enjoyed the evening on the Battleship MASSACHUSETTS in Fall River. We had a board of directors meeting followed by a delicious dinner and two excellent speakers. My thanks to Major Phil McMann of the Environmental Police, Dr. Craig McDonald of the Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary, and Bob Lacy of Coastal Zone Management for their presentations after the meal. Thanks too to the men and women on board the Massachusetts for their hospitality in showing us around their wonderful exhibits.

I have appointed a new nominating committee that will be deliberating in early August to provide us with a slate of officers for the upcoming year. The new slate is due for publication in mid-August. I would urge all of you to say “yes” if the committee calls upon you to serve as a member of our Board of Directors for the coming year. You will find it a most rewarding experience.

The IMPACT committee has had several meetings this spring/summer season. All focused on coming up with our economic report by September. We are working with Mel Hamilton from Chatham who has been gathering data and has just about put it into completed form to look at. This has turned out to be a much broader project than was first thought of over a year ago by the board.

The Association has picked out the newly renovated CAPE CODDER Resort in Hyannis as the site of our 2001 Annual Meeting. It is slated for November 4-5 and we’ll have a lot more to say in the coming weeks but circle the dates and plan to join us in Hyannis.

MMTA has partnered with the International Wildlife Coalition based in East Falmouth for a summer project to keep the recreational boater aware of the procedures and guidelines out on Stellwagen Bank for the proper viewing of whales. Members of the OWC have been visiting many boatyards and marinas around Mass. Bay this summer handing out pamphlets and asking our members to post signs educating the public on viewing and getting a closer look at whales on the bank.

Ed Lofgren and his education committee are ready to hit the classrooms this fall at Massasoit College and Mass. Maritime Academy with curriculums designed by members of our association in conjunction with the colleges. The flyers will be around shortly promoting the classes. Great Job Ed!

What are you doing in January? The 27th thru Feb. 3rd to be exact. Well the MMTA has arranged a real nice cruise package aboard the Carnival Ship DESTINY which will be our home away from home for the week with ports of call in Antigua, Guadalupe, Aruba, and St. Thomas. Watch for flyers coming to your mailbox very soon. The entire package cost of about $1,400 per person includes your airfare direct to/from Puerto Rico, cruise charges, all your food, taxi transfers, etc.. Can’t wait and you're interested? Call MMTA’s Cruise One headquarters for full details at 800-283-0282.

Back by popular demand will be our annual Boston Harbor Cruise aboard the SPIRIT OF BOSTON on September 10th. We leave from the World Trade Center for a general business meeting, Carnival Cruise update, nominations, dinner, and entertainment. Another date to circle on your calendar.