February 2019
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February 2019 ADVOCATE In this issue: • New IMI Summer Course Dates Added ... page 2 • Bellingham Marine CEO to Retire in December ... page 2 • Raise the Wage Act of 2019 Introduced to Congress ... page 19 1 Welcome to the February Issue Industry News Summer Course Added! If you have been waiting for a summer IMM Training Course NOW is your opportunity! Intermediate Marina Management Course June 23-27, 2019 Fort Lauderdale, Florida must register by March 1st Bellingham Marine CEO to Retire in eral years, I have focused my energy on develop- ing the next generation. I am confident that we December have the strongest team in our history to lead us forward,” Babbitt said. Everett Babbitt, Bellingham Marine CEO, has an- nounced his retirement effective December 31, Ueberroth shared his appreciation of Everett’s 2019. Following his retirement, he will continue contributions. “We have been extremely fortunate to serve as a director of the company. Joe Uber- to have Everett at the helm of our company for roth, owner and chairman, will take over the role the better part of the last two decades,” Ueberroth of CEO. said. “Having him continue on as a member of our board and available for special projects, provides Everett joined Bellingham Marine in 1984, per- our team with confidence that we will take this forming in a variety of roles until 2004 when he transition in stride.” was named president and CEO. Under his lead- ership, Bellingham Marine became a recognized international leader in marina construction. He Miami 2019: Dammrich Makes his expanded Bellingham’s global reach and tripled Final Miami Keynote annual revenues. NMMA president Thom Dammrich made his final “As with many of my colleagues, I have been in- keynote address at the Miami International Boat credibly fortunate to be able to spend my career Show’s Innovation Breakfast this morning, speak- with Bellingham Marine,” Everett Babbitt said. “I ing about the state of the industry and outlining believe our success is based on our commitment strategic objectives for the association. “People to innovation, building a superior product, serving ask me if this my last Miami show, and I answer, ‘I our clients’ needs and hiring top talent.” certainly hope not,’ ” Dammrich said. “It’s just the last one I have to worry about.” “We have worked hard to attract and retain Dammrich said that this year’s show, when com- the best in the indus- bined with the Miami Yacht Show, puts a combined try. Over the last sev- 1,900 boats on display in Miami. “This is the largest 2 Industry News display of recreational boats in the world,” he said, tional funds to Discover Boating. The association noting that the show will attract about 100,000 has also created a budget to do more research people from 35 countries. “It has an economic im- on how the industry can attract a more compe- pact of $854 million for the region, which is double tent workforce. It has also raised its PAC target to the impact of the Super Bowl.” $500,000 per year from last year’s $250,000 bud- get. Last year was the eighth consecutive year of growth for the U.S. boating industry. “In 2018, Americans Dammrich quoted President Franklin Delano Roo- spent $41 billion on boating,” Dammrich said. sevelt, who once said: “A smooth sea never made “New powerboat sales were up 4 percent last year, a skilled sailor.” and we expect that number to be 3 percent this year. But we are seeing a few cracks in the armor.” “We’ll always be facing challenges,” Dammrich said. “But if we work together and support each other Noting that leading economic indicators such as on this broad range of issues, I believe it will make consumer confidence, GDP growth and unem- the industry healthier in the next decade, with a ployment rates are trending in the correct direc- sustainable profit that every business wants. We tion, Dammrich said there is “lots of opportunity need to speak as one voice. We are strongest when ahead” for the industry. “We expect to see contin- we have a united industry voice.” ued growth this year and possibly until the end of 2021,” he said. “During that slowing period, the low Dammrich then received a standing ovation. point of that slowing will be where we were last summer. Remember, once the economy is grow- Evinrude Makes Major Donation ing, it’s not in recession.” to ABYC to Combat Technician A recent economic impact study found that boat- Shortage ing contributes $170.3 billion a year to the U.S. economy, supports 35,000 marine businesses and Evinrude, the American Boat and Yacht Council employs 511,000 people. “We are a significant part (ABYC) and the National Marine Distributors As- of the outdoor recreation industry, which accounts sociation (NMDA) announced today that Evinrude for 2 percent of GDP each year,” Dammrich said. will donate two million dollars’ worth of Evinrude “By contrast, agriculture or mining account for 1 ETEC G2 3.4L V6 outboard engines to the ABYC percent of GDP.” Foundation supporting next generation marine technician training. The donation, which is the Dammrich then outlined NMMA’s strategic objec- largest of its kind in history, will support students tives going forward, including increasing local and in high schools and colleges across the U.S. and federal lobbying efforts, more research into issues Canada. NMDA will be providing matching funds impacting boating and engaging the industry to to assist schools, as needed, with costs associated become more involved in advocacy. with purchasing test tanks, tools and with shipping outboards. “We plan to go on an advocacy offensive,” Dammrich said. “Our board has allocated signifi- “Recreational boats are becoming increasingly cant additional dollars to our advocacy and com- more integrated which requires technicians to be munications around advocacy. We plan to go on well versed in a multitude of advanced systems,” the offensive on your behalf. Remember, if you’re said Tracy Crocker, senior vice president and gen- not at the table, you’re on the menu.” eral manager, Evinrude. “By donating Evinrude en- gines and our training curriculum, we are provid- The NMMA will also be adding $1 million in addi- Industry News continued on Page 5 3 4 Industry News continued from Page 3 “Technical education and hands-on training need ing the tools necessary to increase the number of our full support so that students can develop their certified professionals trained to service modern, technical abilities and creativity,” said Jeff Wasil, technologically-advanced direct fuel-injection en- engineering manager, Emissions and Regulatory gines. Furthermore, we are maintaining Evinrude’s Development, Evinrude. long-standing commitment to the marine indus- try, while meeting dealer demands for additionally “The donation package and partnership put to- trained and talented employees.” gether by Evinrude, ABYC, and NMDA provides a comprehensive marine technical training pro- Evinrude’s donation includes access to the entire gram, supporting schools and students with the Evinrude training curriculum, including fundamen- tools they need to be successful in this industry.” tals and professional level online courses. Upon successful completion of this curriculum and as- “NMDA’s mission is to advance industry growth by sociated tests, students will have the option to strengthening the supply chain, providing training transition to the certification-level course at Evin- and education, promoting best practices, and fos- rude’s technical training centers. In addition to the tering partnerships with industry stakeholders,” Evinrude training curriculum, highly discounted said Nancy Cueroni, executive director, NMDA. Evinrude outboard engine test tanks and Evinrude “This donation from Evinrude is a historic step in outboard educational service tool packages are support of marine education and we are thrilled available to schools. to partner with Evinrude and ABYC to make this program possible.” ABYC is the premier non-profit member organi- zation that develops global safety standards for To address the marine industry’s need for post- the design, construction, maintenance, and repair secondary technical education, ABYC developed of recreational boats. With the recent publication the Marine League of Schools. ABYC assists of Fundamentals of Marine Service Technology, a these schools in the areas of standards-based comprehensive training program geared toward curriculum development and instructor train- secondary and post-secondary education, ABYC ing/certification to help ensure that the train- has demonstrated its commitment to the growth ing provided is relevant and up-to-date. Mem- of the marine industry and is a natural partner for ber schools are nationwide and held to a high the donation. ABYC will offer this accredited cur- standard due to their affiliation with ABYC. Evin- riculum, which includes textbooks and training rude’s outboard engine and curriculum dona- materials, together with the Evinrude outboards tion is being made available to these schools. and training curriculum to schools. This program gives schools the tools needed to implement a “Our faculty is very excited about the opportunity standards-based curriculum including instructor to access Evinrude’s innovative technology for our guides, presentations, and sample tests. students,” said Ann Avary, director, Skagit Valley College, Center of Excellence for Marine Manufac- “ABYC is focused on addressing the shortage of turing & Technology. “We hope this donation will qualified marine technicians by developing and inspire young people to pursue rewarding careers marketing an accredited technical education pro- in the marine industry and open their eyes to the gram,” said John Adey, president, ABYC. “Evin- many opportunities available to them as marine rude’s donation will provide these students hands- technicians. We’re especially grateful to ABYC for on experience servicing marine engines based on its leadership and work in support of the educa- ABYC’s current curriculum and is a key step in tional mission of the Marine League of Schools, ABYC’s efforts to address the shortage of quali- making this donation and opportunity possible.” fied marine technicians.