Rhode Island Marine Trade Association
Member Meeting
NEIT
Monday, September 8, 2008
6:15 pm.
Members in attendance: Chris Ruhling, Tom Rich, Michael Keyworth, Susan Daly, John Tregenza, Al Conti, Steve Prime, Dick Cromwell, Andy Tyska, Bill Munger, Eric Goetz.
Member in attendance: Lauren Nicholson, Drew Nicholson, Randy Carnahan, Bob Katchanis, Craig Parkhurst
1. Officer's Reports
a. President's Report – Chris Ruhling, Brewer Yacht Yards – Welcomed everyone back and hoped that everyone had a good summer. RIMTA PAC always needs money. RIMTA fought off sales tax on boats, but the fight is not over, will be reintroduced next year. Industry need to try to maintain a positive attitude with the Press, customers and public. Shrinkwrap program with the assistance of Board Member John Tregenza was a success again this year, collected over 110,000 lbs of wrap. Still trying to figure out a system for anti freeze jugs.
b. VP's Report - Tom Rich, NEB – Fire Code has not seen any progress since the Spring. MWL Consultants has submitted a report in Draft to RIMTA. Mist Systems have been examined. NEB invited the Portsmouth Fire Marshall to their facility. PLAN HAS TO BE IN PLACE BY DECEMBER 31, 2008 AND IMPLEMENTED BY DECEMBER , 2009.
c. Treasurer's Report – Sovereign Checking – 35,963.21, Sovereign MM – 80,274.03, Webster MM – 21,639.36
d. Manufacturer's Report – George Cochran, Legacy - not in attendance
e. Legislative Report – Michael Keyworth, Brewer Yacht Yards – As we all know Sales Tax was not put on boats, labor or slips. Have been told, that there will be bills submitted next session. Always need RIMTA PAC money. Congressional action – Discharge for recreational boats under 70 ft is exempt. RIMTA will hold a Compliance Seminar on Sept 24 on the Bristol Yacht Club, issues will include, air standards, pressure washing, clean marina program.
f. Membership Report – Susan Daly, IYRS – RIMTA through IYRS and My-Turn rec’d two grants from the Governor’s Workforce Board. All financial aspects will be maintained by IYRS and My-Turn respectfully.
g. Marina Report- John Tregenza, Watch Hill Boatyard – Save the Bay has opened a Westerly Office. Shrink wrap program went off better this year than other years. Big improvement was the dedicated truck. Please let John or Lisa know of any comments, complaints, etc about the Program.
h. Boating Safety Report - Barry Ennis, South Kingstown Harbormaster – not in attendance
i. Fisheries Report- Al Conti, Snug Harbor Marina – Fish stocks seem to be on the rebound, was a busy fishing summer.
j. Yacht Club Report - Steve Prime, Gowrie, Barden & Brett – LNG, the company proposing the LNG Terminal released a new revised plan for a terminal. Steve has been to many meetings in opposition to the Plan.
k. Dealer Report – Dick Cromwell, MSI – Have seen some bright spots in the Summer sales. Engines are selling, but overall sales are off, 4-15%. Good thing is that people are still using their boats so service is always needed!
l. Education & Training – Andy Tyska, Bristol Marine – Very busy summer. Final portion of the Year 1 Grant form the Governor’s Workforce Board, the development of a Marketing Plan has been completed and will be presented to the Board tonight. Although the market has flattened out at the present time, there will always be a need for training, higher skills, cross training. When the economy turns around, we want to be ready as an Industry.
Industry Skills Initiative Grant was rec’d from the Governor’s Workforce Board – this Grant partners RIMTA with My-Turn and adult/youth workforce agencies. It will be headed up by RIMTA Member Wendy Mackie and Susan McKenna and Molly Pine of My-Turn. Molly will be in the the Mt Hope High School as well as visits to schools and guidance counselors to talk about the industry. Susan will be in the State One Stop Centers.
Boatshow – Nancy Piffard, Newport Exhibition Group – not in attendance
m. Chairman of the Board – Ken Kubic, Kubic & Conradi – not in attendance
n. Administrator's Report - Lisa DiRaimo, RIMTA Please send in registrations for the Compliance Seminar, and Membership renewal dues. Spoke to YBAA in July. Worked on Shrinkwrap program,
2. Old Business:
Media Advisors Discussed by Andy Tyska
Fire Code Discussed by Tom Rich
3. New Business
GWFB Grant Discussed by Andy Tyska
Regulatory Seminar, Sept 24 Discussed by Michael Keyworth
Don Vivenzio of Point Judith Marine is speaking at the Yacht Surveyors meeting in October, would anyone like to join him?
4. Adjournment at 7:35 pm
Respectfully submitted,
Don Vivenzio
Secretary
