2008 DEMA Board of Directors Election Official Voting Packet
November 30, 2007 THE DIVING EQUIPMENT & Dear DEMA Member Voting Delegate: MARKETING ASSOCIATION
As your company’s official Voting Delegate DEMA kindly requests your vote in our 2008 2007 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Board of Directors Election. Enclosed you will find a 2008 DEMA Board of Directors Election Ballot and a biography and position statement from each candidate. Please Al Hornsby – President vote for one candidate per membership category; complete the bottom portion of the Dan Emke – Vice President ballot, including company name, member #, printed name and signature; and submit to GPM, the CPA firm collecting the votes, no later than 5:00 pm Pacific time on Wayne Hasson – Vice President Tuesday, January 15, 2008. Submit your ballot one of the following ways: Susan Long – Vice President
1. Visit www.dema.org and click on Vote Now! - online voting will be available Dave Riscinti – Treasurer from Saturday, December 15, 2007 through Tuesday, January 15, 2008. Dan Orr – Secretary
Jim Byrem 2. Fax your ballot to GPM, the CPA firm collecting the votes at (949) 251-9332 Keith Sahm
Ty Sawyer 3. Mail your ballot to GPM at:
DEMA Election Rick Stratton c/o Gray, Proctor & McMannis, CPA’s 3991 MacArthur Blvd., Ste. 240
Newport Beach, CA 92660 STANDING COMMITTEES
PLEASE DO NOT SEND YOUR BALLOT DIRECTLY TO DEMA . Alternative Media – Ty Sawyer, Chair
Finance – Dave Riscinti, Chair Please Note: Your 2008 membership dues must be paid by 5:00 pm Pacific time on Tuesday, January 15, 2008 in order for your vote to be counted in Legislative – Jim Byrem, Chair this election. Manufacturing – Dan Emke, Chair If you have not renewed your dues please utilize the enclosed 2008 Membership Membership – Dan Orr, Chair Renewal Form to update your contact information and submit payment of your dues.
You can also renew your dues online at www.dema.org by clicking on membership. Nominations – Al Hornsby, Chair
DEMA thanks you for your continued membership and support. Ships to Reefs – Dave Riscinti, Chair
Kindest regards, Disaster Assistance – Keith Sahm, Chair Youth Programs – Wayne Hasson, Chair
Nicole Russell Managing Director (858) 616-6408 x108 [email protected]
2008 DEMA Board of Directors Election Official Voting Packet including:
• 2008 DEMA Membership Renewal Form • 2008 DEMA Board of Directors Election Ballot • 2008 Board Candidate Biographies & Position Statements
PLEASE NOTE:
• Your 2008 Membership Dues must be paid by 5:00 pm Pacific time on Tuesday, January 15, 2008 in order for your ballot to be valid. Renew your dues one of the following ways:
o Visit www.dema.org and click on membership
o Fax or mail the enclosed renewal form to DEMA at (858) 616-6495 or [email protected]
• Your ballot must be received by GPM, the CPA firm conducting the election, no later than 5:00 pm Pacific time on Tuesday, January 15, 2008. Send your ballot one of the following ways:
o Visit www.dema.org and click on Vote Now! - online voting will be available from Saturday, December 15, 2007 through Tuesday, January 15, 2008.
o Fax your ballot to GPM, the CPA firm collecting the votes at (949) 251-9332
o Mail your ballot to GPM at: DEMA Election c/o Gray, Proctor & McMannis, CPA’s 3991 MacArthur Blvd., Ste. 240 Newport Beach, CA 92660
DEMA, The Diving Equipment & Marketing Association 3750 Convoy Street, Suite 310, San Diego, CA 92111-3741 Toll Free: (800) 862-DIVE Phone: (858) 616-6408 Fax: (858) 616-6495 or (858) 616-6467 E-mail: [email protected] DEMA, The Diving Equipment & Marketing Association 3750 Convoy Street, Suite 310, San Diego, CA 92111-3741 Toll Free: (800) 862-DIVE Phone: (858) 616-6408 Fax: (858) 616-6495 or (858) 616-6467 E-mail: [email protected]
DEMA MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL FORM – For 2008 Membership Year (1/1/2008 to 12/31/2008)
TO RENEW YOUR DUES PLEASE PRINT YOUR COMPANY’S INFORMATION BELOW AND SEND THIS FORM, ALONG WITH PAYMENT, VIA E-MAIL, FAX OR MAIL TO DEMA (SEE CONTACT INFORMATION LISTED ABOVE).
*The following information will be posted in DEMA’s online directory and shared with other DEMA Members. If you do not wish for certain information to be shared please check the box next to the field label.
Company Name: For DEMA Office Use Only Main Contact: DEMA Voting Delegate: DEMA Member #: Address:
City, State, Zip/Postal: Phone: Fax: Email: Website:
If your mailing address is different from that listed above please place it below. Please note this address will be used for DEMA Association Correspondence only. Address Line 1: Address Line 2: City: State: Zip: Country: CATEGORY “A” MEMBERS, PLEASE PAY DUES BASED ON INCOME LEVEL, AS SHOWN BELOW: Gross Income Annual Dues Number of votes Payment can be made by credit card, check or Up to $500,000 $150 1 wire transfer. Please make all checks payable to $500,000 - $2,000,000 $500 5 DEMA. Please enter amount enclosed/to be charged/to be wired: Over $2,000,000 $2500 25 $ Category “B” Members $150 0 Wire Funds to: Bank of America, Anaheim, CA, 92805, Account #02094-08763, ABA #0260-0959-3 Amount received must include wire transfer fees in order for your renewal to be processed. Please include your member # on the wire documentation. If paying by credit card please fill out the following: Type: American Express MasterCard Visa Credit Card #: Expiration Date: Card Holder’s Name: Signature:
ATTENTION CREDIT CARD USERS: SIMPLIFY YOUR ANNUAL RENEWAL PROCESS! *Credit Card Users: Check here if you would like DEMA to automatically renew your membership on an annual basis using the payment information listed above. Payment will be charged between 12/1 and 12/15 each year. Authorized Signature
Websites: www.dema.org * www.demashow.com * www.BeADiver.com * www.Ships2Reefs.com
2008 DEMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION BALLOT Please review the enclosed biographies and position statements for each candidate then vote for ONE candidate in each membership category (A1-A5). Enter your name, signature, company name and DEMA Member number and mail or fax the completed ballot to GPM (see below). You can also submit your ballot online between December 15, 2007 and January 15, 2008 by visiting www.dema.org and clicking on “Vote Now!”.
PLEASE DO NOT SEND YOUR BALLOT DIRECTLY TO DEMA .
CATEGORY A1: MANUFACTURERS, DISTRIBUTORS AND SALES REPRESENTATIVES OF DIVE EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURERS OR DISTRIBUTORS Stephen Ashmore, Tabata USA (TUSA) Buddy Brown, Aquatic Sales Charlie Bush, Cramer-Decker
CATEGORY A2: DIVER CERTIFICATION AND TRAINING ORGANIZATIONS, AND FIELD/SALES REPRESENTATIVES OF CERTIFICATION AND TRAINING ORGANIZATIONS Brian Carney, TDI/SDI Dan Orr, Diver’s Alert Network
CATEGORY A3: DIVE PUBLISHING, MEDIA, DIVE INDUSTRY CONSULTING, ASSOCIATIONS & NON-RETAIL SERVICE PROVIDERS Rick Stratton, Northwest Dive News Neal Watson, Ocean Fest
CATEGORY A4: RETAIL DISTRIBUTION OF DIVING GOODS & SERVICES Schott Beckham, Sea Level Scuba John Duggan, Duggan Diving Enterprises Dave Riscinti, Blue Water Divers
CATEGORY A5: DIVE TRAVEL OR RESORTS Jack Chalk, Capt. Don’s Habitat, Bonaire Tim Webb, Caradonna Dive Adventures
PLEASE PRINT YOUR MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION BELOW
Name of Official DEMA Voting Delegate Signature of Official DEMA Voting Delegate
Company DEMA Member #
*Your ballot must be received by GPM, the CPA firm conducting the election, no later than 5:00 pm Pacific time on Tuesday, January 15, 2008.
**Your 2008 Membership Dues must be paid by 5:00 pm Pacific time on Tuesday, January 15, 2008 in order for your ballot to be valid.
Please mail or fax this ballot to: DEMA Election c/o Gray, Proctor & McMannis, CPA’s 3991 MacArthur Blvd., Ste. 240 Newport Beach, CA 92660 Fax: (949) 251-9332
A1 - Stephen Ashmore Tabata USA, Inc. (TUSA) 2380 Mira Mar Avenue Long Beach, CA 90815 562-498-3708 PH 562-498-0415 FX [email protected] www.tusa.com
Position Statement
I think it is important before becoming involved in any organization to understand the group’s basic charter and objectives. While DEMA has numerous Mission Statements and Goals, I feel these are most probably best summed up in DEMA’s Bylaws, Article III “Purpose and Objectives”, Section A. “To promote the advancement of the diving industry, to promote and encourage the growth of diving activities, and to enhance the growth and public enjoyment of the sport of diving”. By working towards and achieving this one goal, many of the other Objectives will both be contributed to and supported.
It is then critical to ask yourself the question – “do I have the time, energy, drive and experience to reach these Objectives through both personal commitment and providing my support and cooperation to other board members and DEMA stakeholders?” In addition, this commitment must be made void of any personal or political agendas and at all times the interests of members and the industry must be paramount.
I also feel it is important to “believe” in the Board, (the direction and management of DEMA). During the last 5 to 7 years I think all would agree that the Board – through the dedicated efforts of the DEMA staff and past and present Board Members – has evolved into a dynamic and effective member Organization that is poised to affect positive programs and initiatives that will benefit all members and the industry as a whole. I am extremely excited at the possibility of becoming involved in many of these programs and look forward to the opportunity of supporting their development and success.
Thanks to the present structure of my company, I am now in a position to devote the time and energy to aggressively represent the interests of all DEMA stakeholders and actively pursue DEMA’s Objectives, and would like to ask all members for your support in my election to the Board.
Objectives: The easy part is making the Statement – the tough part is making it happen. Basically it is the age old question, ‘How do we Grow the Industry?’, and looking at the main areas of Diver Acquisition, Diver Retention and Travel, I would like to involve myself in marketing initiatives and campaigns that effectively address growth in these areas.
I regularly ask Dealers and Dive Resorts – “What can we do for you?” and one of the common answers is “Send me Customers” – although often tongue in cheek, I believe there are many basic marketing initiatives that can utilize not only readily accessible outside data but existing data within the industry to develop campaigns that will not only drive new divers seeking the adventure and mystique of diving into dive centers, but also motivate existing divers to rediscover the passion through local diving or destination diving.
We also have many existing programs - Ships to Reefs, the Scuba Tour, Deep Ambitions that have gained so much momentum and success, and now the “Be A Diver” campaign has been launched. I see the “Be A Diver” campaign as the nucleus for DEMA’s marketing direction and focus in the near future and the potential to develop marketing offshoots and related programs is extremely exciting and encouraging - something I would really like to get involved in.
DEMA is about you – it is about the industry that you live and work in and provides a livelihood for all of us. We need a strong industry and one way to grow is through increased participation from all those involved in our industry, and it surprises me that we have such a low percentage of Dive Retailers as members. As an industry organization DEMA needs to be providing such high levels of service, support and benefits that there should be no dealers who have any excuse not to become members. Just the marketing benefits and available resources offered by the “Be A Diver” campaign are surely justification enough to become a member. By developing additional programs that “drive” potential divers into (member’s) stores we can add another justification for retail outlets to become a DEMA member and support our industry.
Ocean Conservation and Environmental awareness is an area of extreme importance, not only to our industry, but also for our planet and future generations that will enjoy the oceans. The only way we are going to affect change is to raise awareness of the situation in all sectors of the community and get people involved. It is interesting to note that the demographics of the new “Be A Diver” campaign fit in well with those sensitive and concerned with environmental issues. By utilizing the vast amount of data already available to the organization and working in close cooperation with other industry bodies already involved in Conservation, programs that get both divers and non- divers involved and raise awareness of environmental issues in our oceans must be a focus of the organization – this is an indefinite program and to continue the inertia already established by various Non-Profit Organizations and agencies, the full cooperation from all the industries stakeholders will be essential.
Conclusion: I would like to make it clear that I am not looking at involving myself in DEMA with an “all guns blazing” attitude and I do not think that positive change will happen overnight. Affective change takes time and it also takes cooperation from all those involved. My position as a new board member would be to pick up the torch that has been ignited by a previous or present board member or committee, and work in close cooperation with all entities to achieve the desired objectives. My commitment is to the industry as a whole and its future, and if elected to the board my commitment is to also light a few new torches during my tenure so they to can gradually build strength and burn for a brighter future in the world of diving.
I appreciate the opportunity to represent the interests of our industry on the DEMA Board and look forward to you supporting my commitment.
Stephen Ashmore
Biography
• President of Tabata USA Inc – distributors of TUSA and Sea&Sea • Director and Board Member of Tabata Co Ltd Japan • Managing Director of Tabata Australia • MBA – Majors in International Business and Marketing
Over 30 years International business experience having managed companies at a CEO level in the US, England, Brussels, Holland and Australia, also presently Director and Board Member of an international scuba gear manufacturer in Japan.
A1 - Buddy Brown Aquatic Sales 3574 Forest Edge Dr Conyers, GA 30094 770-483-2770 PH 770-922-9789 FX [email protected]
Position Statement
What an exciting industry we are in! I need not look very far to realize how blessed I am to have a career in an industry that I am truly passionate about. It is with a sense of pride and trepidation that I accepted the nomination to the DEMA board of directors. The pride comes from the fact that I don’t know of anyone else that has his finger on the pulse of this industry more than me. I believe that is why I was asked to run for this position. The trepidation comes from the fact that this position represents a high level of responsibility for our industry’s future.
My congratulations go to the current DEMA board for launching the “Be a Diver” campaign. This campaign has the potential to launch diving into the lifestyle of today’s active consumer. As a DEMA board member, I would look for ways to make the “Be a Diver” campaign not just a DEMA campaign but one that every dive store across the US could embrace and own as their campaign. I would also look for ways that our industry can place greater emphasis on the “why” of diving rather than the “how” of diving. “Why” represents the “sizzle” of our sport be it Photography, Travel, U/W Archeology, Spear Fishing, Technical Diving or any number of other activities. That sizzle provides us with so much to offer today’s overworked, stressed out, always in a rush consumer. I would look for ways the national media could reach the masses with our sizzle message, along with equal concern as to how the local dive store could get this message out to his potential customers.
Someone once said that “nothing happens in business until somebody sells somebody something.” We have so much to sell the American consumer; other industries would kill for what we often take for granted in our business! Cross marketing with other synergistic industries has to be a priority for DEMA. I would ask DEMA to explore cross marketing campaigns with the boating, photographic, film (specifically IMAX) and aquarium industries. Mass market appeal is defined by reaching a minimum of 20 million people in this country. I believe it should be DEMA’s goal to achieve this number of active certified divers in the US.
In an average year I am traveling 160 days/nights. During that time I will visit over 270 dive stores throughout the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic States. Over the past 10 years while visiting these dealers, I have rarely heard the subject or topic of DEMA brought up in my conversations. This fact screams that, to the average dive store, DEMA is really not very important or relevant. This perception has to change. DEMA has to prove itself as a valuable resource to the average dive store. The “Be a Diver” campaign will help in this endeavor. The ability of DEMA to provide the dive store with valuable information about his market and prospective customers within that market has to be communicated to the stores. When the dive store realizes what a value DEMA can represent to their business, they will get involved with DEMA and provide the added support that will help all of the industry stake holders.
If I am elected to the DEMA board I will provide single minded determination and energy toward the growth and future well being of our industry. I would help bridge the gulf between DEMA and our dive retailers who represent the true life blood of our business. Biography
Birth date: November 23, 1951 Marital status: Married
Work Experience
1988 – Present Independent Sales Representative Manufacturer’s independent representative for scuba diving equipment in the Southern and Mid- Atlantic States.
1979 – 1988 Islamorada, Florida Keys Buddy’s Dive Shop
• Owner / Operator of retail store and charter service • PADI open water instructor • SDI/TDI/ERDI Instructor Trainer • Licensed U.S.C.G. ocean operator
1977 – 1979 Atlanta, GA Bang Record Company (division of CBS Records)
• National Sales Manager / Executive Vice President
1976 – 1977 Nashville, TN MGM Record Company • National Sales Manager
1975 – 1976 Atlanta, GA Polygram Record Company
• Regional / Branch Manager
1974 – 1976 Memphis, TN United Artists Record Company • Branch Manager / Sales Representative
1973 – 1974 Atlanta, GA United Artists Record Company
• Phone Sales Representative
Special Awards • Salesman of the Year • Pelican Products: 1993, 1995, 1997 • Pioneer Research: 1998 • Trident: 1998 • Sherwood Scuba: 1999 • 2007 Oceanic
A1 - Charlie Bush Cramer Decker Industries/Sherwood Scuba 1641 E. St. Andrew Place Santa Ana, CA 92705 800-347-9766 Toll-Free 714-566-3800 PH [email protected] www.cramerdecker.com www.sherwoodscuba.com
Position Statement
I would like your vote in the upcoming election for the DEMA Board of Directors. Like every industry today, the Dive Industry is changing and evolving. In order to compete and succeed in the future we need good leadership, and DEMA needs to provide that leadership for our industry. I am seeking to actively participate in, and contribute to that leadership by serving on the DEMA Board of Directors.
By industry standards I am a newcomer. I have been in the dive industry for the last six years. However, this relative newness has allowed me to bring a fresh and unique perspective to Sherwood Scuba and its business. My diverse sales background in non-diving industries, and the novel perspective that it has brought to our operations, has benefited our diving businesses in a number of ways. I am an independent thinker, which served my companies well. It is my expectation that my professional experiences, and the fresh perspective that they bring to our industry, will be a benefit to the DEMA Board of Directors as well.
I believe that as an industry we need work better collectively, to make prudent decisions that will positively impact all of our participants. If we can increase interest in the sport of diving generally, all segments of our industry benefit as a result. Our collective challenge, however, is to manage and allocate limited resources to most effectively maximize consumer familiarity with, and interest in, our sport. Although this is no small challenge, I feel that my background and experience in the diving industry will positively contribute to the effort, and will result in better decision-making and increased industry leadership by the DEMA Board of Directors.
If elected to the Board of Directors I would work tirelessly to accomplish the following during my tenure: • Improve communication between DEMA, its membership, and the industry at large. Too many times I have heard from people “What does DEMA do for me?” I believe DEMA does a lot for the industry, people just don’t know about it.
• Increase the membership of DEMA among retailers. With the exception of the Retail category, most categories are well represented with DEMA Memberships. The Retail Category is not, and I want to know why and address these issues.
• Create attainable and measurable goals for DEMA projects and investments. Importantly, I want to make these goals, and the evaluation of their success or failure, clearly visible to the membership. I think DEMA can do a better job communicating the results of its efforts to its members.
• Distribute a simply articulated business plan to all members on an annual basis, outlining and summarizing DEMA’s focus for the next year, its use of funds and the projects slated for the year.
I appreciate your consideration and ask you to support me in representing the membership on the Board of Directors.
Biography
Charlie Bush is the Vice President of Watersports for Cramer Decker Industries. Cramer Decker is the majority shareholder of the Sherwood Scuba Group. The Sherwood Scuba Group comprises three brands of diving and related equipment, Sherwood Scuba, Genesis Scuba, and AKONA Adventure Gear, the combined operations of which constitute one of the world’s largest diving companies. Charlie has been an active waterman since the age of eight.
A2 - Brian Carney International Training (SDI/TDI/ERDI) 18 Elm St. Topsham, ME 04086 888-778-9073 PH 207-294-4453 FX [email protected] http://www.tdisdi.com
“It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change” – Charles Darwin
Position Statement
Dear Colleague,
A more timely perspective than Darwin's cannot be imagined. The diving industry peaked about a decade ago and has been flat or in declining growth since. That's a fact. The numbers of new divers entering the sport has simultaneously declined while the percentage of diver "drop-outs" has increased. This double whammy comes at a time when the overall domestic economy for outdoor sports has also seen vanishing consumers and slumping retail sales. Diving needs change. Diving needs some fresh perspectives. And it needs to arrest the downward trends immediately with proactive measures that depart from the old school mentalities. "We always did it this way" has been diving's mantra for far too long.
I'm the new guy on the block. Some might think this is a negative to my candidacy, but I view it as a positive. This is my first year being nominated for the DEMA Board of Directors and I'll bring more energy and ideas because of it. I have been working in the industry for over 15 years, but until now I've limited my involvement to developing and growing the companies I have been associated with. This allows me to have a unique view of DEMA and its goals.
Our industry is facing many new challenges. The paradigms of the past will not work in today's national and global competitive markets. Numerous stake-holders within diving believe that we need fresh ideas and new energy. It's no secret that the traditional diving consumer has been the Baby Boomer. They've been an intensely loyal and profitable core business since the 1950s, but those numbers are declining and will continue to do so as that group ages and becomes less active. As an industry, we need to do more to promote our sport to the Gen X and Y demographic. This will only happen if we understand what is important to that new demographic and take steps to grab, and hold, their interest. Industry stake-holders are surrounding themselves with younger people in management and leadership positions as the first two generations of diving leaders retire. It's time the DEMA Board started doing the same.
I am that person. I'm 35 years old and bridge exactly the demographic that is crucial to diving's new growth and success. I speak their language, share their lifestyle, and came of age at the same time.
When I assumed the role of President of SDI/TDI & ERDI in the winter of 2004, it was important to me to develop a team approach with the other training organizations. With this goal in mind, SDI worked hard to become a member of the RSTC and I personally have volunteered my time working on the DEMA Promotions and Membership Committees. I find it very gratifying to work with individuals of like mind and look forward to volunteering more of my time.
Although DEMA did a credible job this year by producing the “Be a Diver" campaign, it is only the beginning. DEMA needs to take the next steps to finding major partners for the industry to help better promote our sport and by encouraging every retailer to use and embrace the campaign. This will only happen if we continue to work together and compete in a professional manner. DEMA is important to all of us. We only have one trade organization that represents our combined interests... and they are diverse. Not only does DEMA have the responsibility of running our industry trade show, but it is also responsible for bringing the stake-holders together in order to find ways to promote, market and grow diving. As such, communication has to be a key component of planning and sharing ideas.
Most other organizations have a trade publication and DEMA needs to get behind a similar industry vehicle that is timely and on point. I understand and appreciate the limited resources available to DEMA but it needs to be done. I'm the President of one of the top training agencies and it's easy to see that our primary business model is derived from publishing. I can help DEMA with my expertise and with specific ways to develop a path of communications that is both affordable and substantive.
I believe that DEMA is headed in the right direction but, if this last 2007 show is a valid indicator, we need to realize that attendance is shrinking and there is a finite window to restore the relevancy of even attending. It's a cliché to parse the same old "let's work together" rhetoric when the industry has been notorious historically for not doing that. It's going to take some new blood and a willingness to embrace a lot of new ideas to get things back on track.
I'm very interested in working on the DEMA board to look to outside sources for cross-promotion of our industry. Diving is my passion and to be able to work in the industry was a life-long dream. I count myself among one of the very few who can realize making their avocation their career. I'll share that enthusiasm and make it my personal goal to bring diving to the widest possible audience through my concentrated efforts.
With experience in just about every stakeholder group in the industry, my qualifications are diverse. If elected to the DEMA Board, I will to take the personal values of integrity, honesty and hard work that I utilize every day within my own companies and apply them in everything that I do in my position at DEMA. I'm a passionate person and strive to grow each and every day... both professionally and personally. I look forward to working to grow our sport for all of us.
Give me your vote and give me a chance to bring a younger perspective to the DEMA Board. I promise not to disappoint you.
Sincerely,
Brian Carney President International Training (SDI/TDI/ERDI)
Biography
BA in Marine Affairs from University of Rhode Island (URI) Publisher of Diving Adventure magazine Operations Manager of UWATEC USA Diving Officer for the URI recreational scuba program Assistant National Underwater Accident Data Center Manager of various Retail Dive Centers
A2 - Dan Orr Divers Alert Network, Inc. Peter B Bennett Center 6 West Colony Place Durham, NC 27707-5588 919-684-2948 PH 919-493-2942 FX [email protected] www.diversalertnetwork.org
Position Statement
I respectfully request your vote in the upcoming election for a position on the DEMA Board of Directors.
Like you, I work fulltime as a professional in this industry. And, also like you, I have committed my career and my future to making this industry grow and prosper. This partnership, as industry professionals, is a key element to our future success. As partners, we recognize the value and strength that is gained by working together for a common purpose. That common purpose is to identify the challenges we face, develop achievable solutions and put into action strategic initiatives that will help guarantee the future of our sport, our industry, our lifestyle.
We all recognize that our industry is under a great deal of stress right now. Aggressive competition from other sports, a struggling economy, business challenges presented by the internet as well as the impact that uncertainties in the global political climate have on dive travel are all factors influencing our business. I am convinced that working together, harnessing our collective energies and expertise to develop and implement effective strategic initiatives, we can positively affect our future. My philosophy has always been to roll up my sleeves and meet challenges head on. Together we will meet those challenges and achieve success for ourselves, our businesses and our sport.
During my tenure on the DEMA Board, I have been actively involved in all Board activities including: Secretary of the Board, Nominations Committee (Chair), Membership Committee (current Chair), Finance Committee, Legislative Committee, and Disaster Relief Committee. Your Board has made great strides in finding ways to serve you, the members, and grow our sport. One great example is through the exciting and innovative new diver acquisition campaign, Be A Diver ( www.BeADiver.com ). DEMA and your Board are also looking at the future through programs such as Deep Ambitions-Aquatic Career Fair that brings the value of careers involving diving to young people. We have also understood how vitally important effective lines of communication are throughout our industry. The lines of communication are open and we are listening. With the help of a strong trade association working in concert with an effective Board of Directors, we will continue to work together and meet the challenges and opportunities the future has to offer. I am optimistic. In my initial position statement for election to the DEMA Board, I told the story of the little boy, smiling and whistling as he shoveled horse manure, “. . . with all this manure, there has to be a pony in there somewhere!”. I want to continue to be a part of our future; to cut through the manure and continue serving you and our industry on the DEMA Board. While we’ve made great strides in the past few years, there are certainly challenges ahead and, therefore, I pledge to keep that shovel handy to cut through the manure to find that pony and the success in our future.
I believe that I have demonstrated my ability to help achieve the success we all want from our trade association. If I am re- elected to the DEMA Board, I pledge to continue working tirelessly to represent your interests by:
• Continuing to promote the development and implementation of effective efforts to improve diver acquisition and retention; • Continuing to find ways to improve the DEMA Show so that exhibitors, attendees and the association reap the maximum benefit; • Finding ways to develop and use effective metrics, through applied market research, to collect and disseminate important demographic data for use by our association and stakeholders; • Promoting a conservation ethic and responsible use of our natural resources through the promotion of global educational outreach programs; and • Being ready and prepared to act quickly and decisively to legislative challenges that affect our industry.
Thank you for the opportunity to be considered to continue representing you and your interests on the DEMA Board of Directors!
Sincerely,
Dan Orr Biography
I have been a certified diver for over 40 years and a dive professional for over 35 years. During that time, I have been involved in many facets of our industry. Whether it was working and teaching in a retail store, developing and implementing course curricula in the academic environment, collecting data and supervising research efforts in the field of science diving or working for various not-for-profit entities within our industry, I have been fortunate to have had an opportunity to learn and contribute to the sport and the industry that I love.
I am the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Divers Alert Network (DAN). During my nearly 17 years at DAN, I have helped DAN continue to focus on its mission to help divers in need worldwide while promoting successful business and administrative practices. As a result, DAN has grown to be one of the most successful organizations in our industry while living up to the expectations of our members and supporters.
Prior to coming to DAN, I worked at both Florida State and Wright State Universities helping to make diver education and safety programs at both universities some of the most comprehensive educational experiences available. I have been involved in diver education for over 40 years as an instructor with many of the training associations including NAUI, PADI and the YMCA. I have also held positions of responsibility with a number of the training associations including NAUI (Mid-America Branch Manager) and the YMCA Scuba Program (Scuba Commissioner for the Great Lakes Region).
During my career in this industry, I have made a commitment to serve through volunteerism with many of the non- profit organizations in our industry. I have been elected to leadership positions with the Historical Diving Society (as President and, currently, Chairman of the Board); the Academy of Underwater Arts and Sciences (past Chairman of the Board); the Institute of Diving and Museum of Man-in-the-Sea (past Chairman of the Board); the Our World- Underwater Scholarship Society (past Chairman of the Scholar Selection Committee) and National Association for Cave Diving (past Board Member and Safety Officer).
I have also been fortunate to be honored by my peers as the recipient of many of the industry’s most prestigious honors including being named a Boston Sea Rover, and receiving awards such as the NOGI Award in Sports/Education, the Leonard Greenstone Award for Contributions to Diving Safety, the Our World-Underwater Award and Beneath the Sea’s Diver of the Year.
My wife, Betty and I have been working and diving together for nearly 35 years and my daughter, Julia, son, Ryan and daughter-in-law, Lindsay all enjoy diving. For us, diving is truly a family sport and lifestyle. A3 - Rick Stratton Northwest Dive News P.O.Box 1494 Oak Harbor, WA 98277 360-240-1874 PH 360-240-1874 FX [email protected] www.nwdivenews.com
Position Statement
Rick Stratton, publisher of Northeast and Northwest magazines, has been a DEMA board member since 2004. During Rick’s term, the board has proven to be one of the most productive board teams in recent history.
Over the last 3 years, the board has realigned its mission to better support its members in their marketing efforts. The board’s focus on diver acquisition and retention for the dive retailer has produced a marketing campaign that dramatically improves a member’s ability to communicate with its Alpha customer.
Rick’s specific contributions to the board include heading a committee that produced a Scuba Tour Guide for dive retailers. This step-by-step guide assists members in effectively using the Scuba Tour as a means to attract new customers.
As the co-chair of the Youth Programs committee, Rick created a Deep Ambitions Career Day Guide. This guide assists members with developing a youth career day in their local market area, increasing awareness and improving diver acquisition.
If re-elected, Rick promises to focus his efforts on increasing member benefits and improving communication between the DEMA association and its members.
Biography
• 10 years experience working closely with dive retailers • 18 years of leadership experience as a Naval Officer • 3 years Experience as a DEMA Board member • Passionate about the dive business • Enthusiastic advocate for small business/members
“I want to improve the value of your DEMA membership and create more awareness of that value among DEMA members. DEMA should be a resource that helps you grow your business.”
A3 - Neal Watson Ocean Fest Dive & Adventure Sports Expo 1543 SW 24th Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315 (800) 513-5902 Toll-Free (954) 839-8516 PH (954) 763-3536 FX www.oceanfest.com [email protected]
Position Statement
Having been involved with DEMA for over 25 years as an attendee, exhibitor, pavilion organizer and serving two terms as a Board of Director, I feel I have a good insight of where DEMA was, where it is now and where it should go.
First off, I have no axe to grind with DEMA. I think the DEMA staff; Officers and Board of Directors have done a fantastic job both with overseeing the DEMA Trade Show and running the Trade Association.
As a previous Board of Directors one of my major frustrations was the “us against them” attitude of some of the members. We have to realize that DEMA is owned by the members. The future and fate of DEMA is in the hands of the members that vote for the people to represent them and give guidance to the DEMA Executive Director and his Staff.
Accepting the nomination to serve as a Board of Director of DEMA is no easy decision, and every current Board of Directors and those running have made a major commitment of time and energy, and truly believe they can make the dive industry better for its members.
If elected I pledge to make myself available 24/7 to the membership that has entrusted me to represent them. No one on the DEMA board can effectively represent you without your input. There are ten members on the board, but hundreds of brilliant business minds in our industry and I need your ideas to make us all grow and prosper.
Having served as previous Chair of the DEMA Tradeshow Committee and successfully producing Ocean Fest for the past 12 years, I feel I can bring a wealth of knowledge to the table to make the DEMA tradeshow even more productive for the attendees and exhibitors. Let’s face it, the DEMA tradeshow is the “cash cow” that funds the DEMA trade association, and our number one priority is to produce the most successful tradeshow possible.
In addition to my tradeshow experience, I have over forty years of dive travel and retail background and considered to be a pioneer of the dive travel industry.
We all know the challenges facing the diving industry as well as many other sports. Customer retention, growing the sport with new participants, competing for disposable income, image, legislative issues and the list goes on. Collectively with all of the stakeholders working together we can overcome these obstacles and continue to grow and prosper.
I respectfully request your vote and the opportunity to once again be your representative and your voice to the industry. Biography
Neal Watson has been diving since 1953 and started his first dive business in the Bahamas in 1965. Over the past forty plus years Neal has been involved in owning and operating hotels, establishing a chain of dive operations, working in the treasure salvage business, stunt coordinator for the movie and TV industry and established a chain of Neal Watson’s Undersea Adventures franchise dive operations in the Bahamas and Caribbean.
In 1997 Neal formed Neal Watson Productions and started Ocean Fest Dive & Adventure Sports Expo, which is the largest consumer dive and sports show in the Southeast United States.
Neal served two terms on the Board of Directors of DEMA and while on the board served as Chair of the DEMA Tradeshow Committee.
For the past 13 years Neal has served as President of the Bahamas Diving Association and its 36 members and also is Chair of the Bahamas Dive Marketing Committee which is responsible for recommending budget expenditures for the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism for the Bahamas Government Dive Marketing Promotions.
Presently, Neal is on the Board of Directors of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce Beach Council and was recently appointed to the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau (MAC) Marketing and Advisory Committee.
In 2004 Neal was inducted into the Fort Lauderdale Sports Hall of Fame with Michael Irvin and in 2005 Neal was awarded the DEMA Reaching Out Award.
Personal achievements include breaking the World’s Scuba Depth Record, diving 437 feet on compressed air, as well as breaking the World’s Underwater Distance Record by swimming 66 miles underwater, non-stop without surfacing.
A4 - Schott Beckham Sea Level Scuba 1701 N. Wickham Road Melbourne, FL 32935 321-255-1825 PH 321-255-1171 FX [email protected] www.SeaLevelScuba.com
Position Statement
It’s a great honor to have the opportunity to be considered for the board of directors of DEMA. As the owner/operator of a local dive facility, Sea Level Scuba in Melbourne FL, I find myself constantly asking myself, “How do I make diving grow to ensure it’s a viable business for many like me and for those to come later?" Today, there are far too many efforts in conversing what one perceives is happening within our industry, and very little efforts in actually doing something to help make it a more prosperous industry. I feel for this industry to prosper, we need to come together and realize exactly who our real competitors are within this industry, they’re not the other instructor, the other dive shop, the other resort, the other agency, or even that other manufacturer. Our only and real competition from making this industry grow is EVERYTHING NOT diving, that’s keeping the discretionary dollars out of diving. With that said, as serving on the board of directors I promise to embrace and support the “Be A Diver” campaign to allow it to assist all the members in raising industry participation at the local levels.
As a board member I promise to work hard to assist the staff of DEMA, the other board members, and the DEMA membership in maintaining the integrity of the DEMA organization, the membership, and the activities in which the DEMA organization are involved in. I will work hard with the other board members and the staff of DEMA to ensure that the DEMA organization continues to take initiatives to assist the industry to move forward in a positive manner.
As a board member I will work hard to ensure all communication requests to the organization is followed up on and carried out to finality in a timely manner. The only way the DEMA organization can grow and provide more benefits for its members is to have all ears ready to listen and minds to make informed decisions based on the input from its membership and other avenues of information.
The diving industry cannot grow without the visions of many coming together for one common goal, for this I ask for your vote.
Biography
Learned to dive in 1976 in Gainesville FL, became an instructor in 1989 and co-opened first dive store in 1989. Since then I have participated in the industry in many capacities, independent instructor, store employee, software developer, and store owner in which I enjoy to date. Currently I own and operate Sea Level Scuba with my wife Karen which is the largest dive store in Brevard County, FL.
A4 - David Riscinti Blue Water Divers 806 Route 17 North Ramsey, NJ 07446 201-327-2822 PH 201-327-5867 FX [email protected] www.bluewaterdivers.com
Position Statement
I’m David Riscinti, owner/operator of Blue Water Divers in New Jersey and am asking for your support in my re- election to the DEMA Board. With over 28 years as a dive professional, 23 years of dive retail experience and having built BWD from the ground up into two successful stores in our area, I believe I can represent you at DEMA.
My past experience includes: • DEMA Board Member for the past 3 years • Served on the PADI Retail Advisory Board. • One of the initial founders of a ten-store retail association in NY/ NJ and Conn. • Initiated the partnership with the highly successful Adventures and Travel Expo consumer trade shows and the industry supported Scuba Tour. Today DEMA is now partnering with the Scuba Tour in 6 cities. • Developed a platform for industry stakeholders to work together at the dive industries largest consumer show, “Beneath The Sea” for the past 7 years. • A regular presenter at the DEMA Trade Show for the past 5 years presenting on topics such as utilizing successful business tools in the Dive Retail environment. • Served on an industry wide Retail panel at the 2004 DEMA Show.
I ran for this position 3 years ago with a promise to get more programs to support the dive retailers and help grow the industry. I feel I have kept this promise by being an instrumental part of the many new DEMA programs. • Be A Diver Program – A Diver Acquisition and Marketing program with a national advertising campaign, the first of its kind. As part of the executive committee I was part of the design, development and implementation of the program. • REBI (Retailer’s Econometric Business Index) Working with the DEMA staff we have developed this program to gather sales information from voluntarily participating retail dive centers. This will allow us to report reliable data on national and regional basis. • Ships To Reefs (S2R) – I have been the committee chairperson for the past 3 year and the program is gaining momentum in many states. Our goal is to be the clearing house for all critical information for any groups planning to start a sink group. • Market Analysis and Demographic Database Program - Working with DEMA staff we have developed this program to allow retail members and other stake holder groups to run a demographic market analysis in any market segment and any demographic group. make This makes it possible to locate current customers, determine where potential customers will most likely be found, and provide the option for members to acquire the actual street addresses for potential customers they wish to target • Treasurer & Financial Committee chair person for the past 3 years – My responsibilities are to provide oversight to all budgetary activities of the association, approve the budget for the fiscal year and review all Association financial transactions.
These are just some of the programs and committees that I have been very active in. There are other programs I have helped to develop and support. As you can see the current DEMA Board has been very busy and I feel it has been a privilege to work with them. All of our efforts have been to create programs with diver acquisition and diver retention as our primary emphasis.
All of these new programs are important to me and I would like to see them through and keep bringing new ideas and initiatives to the board.
I would be honored to serve as a DEMA Board member for another term. I am also proud of what we have accomplished the past three years and would like to thank my fellow board members and all the DEMA staff that work so hard for our industry.
I thank you the taking the time to consider my re-election and hope you will support my efforts when you place your vote for the retail position on the DEMA Board. Biography
Started diving in 1972 with the lure of an “Undiscovered World” by the early images of Jacque Cousteau. After many years of local NJ diving discovered a colorful world in warm water destinations and began a lifelong quest to travel to the world’s most fascinating dive destinations. In 1994 discovered a passion for cave diving and has pursued this since then.
Today he is owner/operator of Blue Water Divers in New Jersey since 1992. With over 28 years as a dive professional, 23 years of dive retail experience and having built BWD from the ground up into two successful stores. Started as a YMCA instructor and advanced his career in the PADI system. Currently a PADI Master Scuba Instructor with many instructor level certifications. His favorite class to teach out of all of them is still the entry level Open Water Course. He loves to introduce new people to the underwater world. He say’s “it’s great to see people’s excitement the first time they go underwater and are hooked”.
He works and teaches at Blue Water Divers along side his wife Lorraine, who have been diving together since 1977. They have 2 sons (Matthew & Marc) who of course are avid divers and love to travel just as much. A family vacation is almost always to a diving destination.
David has a degree in Business and Information Technologies and worked as a Systems Analysts and as a Systems Consultant prior to starting BWD.
Early influences were of course Jacque Cousteau; images from David Doubilet in National Geographic, reruns of Sea Hunt, Skin Diver Magazine and yes even the TV show Flipper.
A4 - John Duggan Duggan Diving Enterprises 928 Coronado Blvd. Universal City TX 78148 210-658-7495 PH 210-658-7496 FX www.duggandiving.com [email protected]
Position Statement
I was surprised and honored to be nominated for the DEMA board. As the owner of a small dive shop, you usually do not expect to be selected ahead of the owners of large multi-shop operations. When I first opened the business, most dive shops were single location, local diver population oriented. Today this is still the major type of shop, but with the internet and a solid travel operation, even the smallest shop can expand their area of influence.
DEMA and the training agencies have done a tremendous job of recruiting new divers and getting information about the sport of diving out to the general population. The new “Be a Diver” campaign should do even more to get the general populace interested in scuba diving as a pastime. This is a major benefit to DEMA member shops.
When it comes to keeping the divers diving, the dive shop is really at the front lines. The service we supply our customers at every opportunity can keep them coming back and continuing to participate in continuing education and diving excursions.
Continuing education makes them more proficient divers and increases their interest in both local diving and travel.
Many shops shy away from extensive travel for the following reasons:
• Deposits lock up money that can be used elsewhere • My clientele is not interested or cannot afford exotic travel • My customer base is not large enough to support an extensive travel program • My customers can arrange their own travel over the internet
All of these are viable reasons but can be dealt with. Travel is not an instant overnight success. It takes several years to nurture and grow a loyal base of dive travelers. Once you have this base you can increase the scope of your travel operations. Referrals are the best advertisement for a training program, and the same is true for travel.
DEMA and its member agencies along with the travel wholesalers are there to help when asked. A possible program to combine trips for local dive shops to share is also something that should be looked into. In many cases a dive shop cannot fill a trip themselves, but two or three together can. Of course trust and no customer poaching must be understood.
Local diving is an absolute essential for keeping divers interested and skilled enough for travel. Unless you have a comprehensive program here you will be left behind. There are several ways to increase this aspect, many of which are already covered at DEMA seminars.
I believe the local dive shop is still the foundation that the diving industry is built on. Programs to ensure the survival of these shops are a DEMA priority and should continue to be so.
We sell enthusiasm for diving and we have to have that product to sell it.
Publicity, programs, training agency offerings, manufacturers incentives are all excellent tools to help us compete against the other sports, but without conscientious service and a comprehensive local diving and travel program we will continue to lose divers to other interests. Biography
I made my first dive in a cold Massachusetts lake in 1957. I went into the Air Force shortly after that and was fortunate enough to have diving as part of my job for many years. I managed all the military scuba diving on Okinawa from 1969 until 1971.
PADI Instructor number 543 in 1969. NAUI Instructor number 2226 in 1970, TDI instructor 746.
I received a bachelor’s degree and was commissioned in 1973. I completed my Masters in Education from the University of Southern California in 1983. After retirement from the Air Force in 1991 I opened Duggan Diving. I travel extensively and I love diving today (any diving) as much as I did 40 years ago. I am fortunate to be in an occupation where even competitors can be friends. My goal is more togetherness and support between dive shops.
A5 - Timothy Webb Caradonna Dive Adventures 2101 W. State Rd 434, Suite 221 Longwood, FL 32779 407-774-9000 PH 407-682-6000 FX [email protected] www.caradonna.com
Position Statement
Dear Colleague:
I am honored to be a nominee for the DEMA board. After working within the dive industry for close to 20 years in almost all aspects, I have a lot to bring to the table. Our industry has several elements we need to always consider when we are working on growing the industry. We need to make sure there is no one left behind. The dive retailers, equipment manufacturers, certification agencies, media, dive travel wholesalers, hotels, resorts and their dive operators, liveaboards, departments of tourism, hotel and dive associations, airlines, environmental NGO’s and insurance organizations, and of course our clients, all must work together to succeed while preserving and promoting the future health of the natural resources that form the foundation of our industry. My vast experience in all of these areas will bring a global perspective to the challenges at hand, while keeping checks and balances for all of the stakeholders. We all face the daily challenges of the changing environment we work in. We need to increase awareness of the sport of scuba diving as a life long activity which can be introduced at an early age making it part of the family’s lifestyle and not just an individual experience. There is a cycle in which the certification agencies support the dive retailers with education, the dive retailers then provide the life-long divers with their dive experiences, including continuing education, gear and equipment and travel through which they ultimately bring family and friends into this cycle. If we can sustain the growth of this cycle for all of the above stakeholders we will have a strong viable industry to weather the ever-changing global challenges we face. I realize that not all issues can be solved without compromise and it is therefore crucial that all factions are represented. With my experience working with or for resorts, government tourist boards, hotel associations, airlift committees, international tourism boards, and ultimately as the largest dive travel wholesaler in North America under the umbrella of one of the largest travel companies in the world, my global experience and resources will be a great asset to the DEMA members, the board and the overall industry.
I would welcome the opportunity to serve and contribute to the betterment of our industry through the collective efforts of its leaders and appreciate your vote to allow me to do so.
Tim Webb President Caradonna Dive Adventures/Trip-N-Tour Pacific Biography
Tim has worked for Caradonna Dive Adventures for more than seven years, three of these as President. Caradonna Dive Adventures, formerly known as Caradonna Caribbean Tours, has been in business for over 25 years. Caradonna Dive Adventures, the parent company of Trip-N-Tour Pacific, Cayman Express, Continental Airlines Worldwide Dive Vacations, and Delta Airlines Dive Vacations, is owned by TUI Travel PLC. TUI Travel operates in over 180 countries worldwide serving more than 30 million customers in over 20 source markets offering a wide range of leisure travel experiences. Tim lived on Bonaire for several years, during the tenure of which his experience included:
2000 – Present President, Caradonna Dive Adventures Inc., Longwood, Florida 1998 – 2000 General Manager, Harbour Village Beach Resort, Bonaire 1994 – 1998 General Manager, Sand Dollar Condominium Resort, Bonaire 1994 – 2000 Managing Director, DTWNV, Hotel Management contracts for both Sand Dollar and Harbour Village Bonaire. 1993 – 1994 Front Office Manager, Sonesta Beach Resort and Casino Curacao 1990 – 1993 Front Office Manager, Stein Eriksen Lodge, Deer Valley Utah 1989 – 1990 Rooms Division Director. Sonesta Beach Resort Bonaire 1987 – 1989 Management Trainee, Sonesta International Hotel Corporation, Boston
Various committees, awards and boards
• 2007 Golden Flamingo Award, Bonaire, Person of the Year, Bonaire • 2006 Golden Flamingo Award, Tour Operator of the Year, Bonaire • 2001 - 2005 CTO, Caribbean Tourism Organization – Vice President, Mid-Florida Chapter • 1995 - 2000 Bonaire Hotel and Tourism Association – President, Vice President and Treasurer • 1997 - 1999 STINAPA, Bonaire Land and Marine National Parks – Board of Directors • 1998 General Manager of the Year, Bonaire • 1996 - 1998 Tourism Corporation Bonaire – Board of Directors • 1996 - 1998 Bonaire Strategic Airlift Committee • 1996 - 1998 Caribbean Hotel Association Board of Directors representing Bonaire • 1996 - 1998 Dutch Caribbean Promotional Board in Germany – Board of Directors
Education
Insead Cedep, Fontainebleau, France – 2005, Executive senior management training with First Choice PLC (TUI Travel PLC) (Insead is one of the world’s leading business schools)
University of South Carolina - 1987 Bachelor of Science, Hotel, Resort Tourism Administration.
A5 - Jack Chalk Captain Don's Habitat Bonaire 103 Kaya Gobernador n de Brot Kralendijk, Bonaire [599] 717-8290 PH [599] 717-8240 FX [email protected] www.HabitatBonaire.com
Position Statement
First, let me start by congratulating the current Board of Directors on the direction and approach they have taken to grow our industry. The new “Be A Diver” campaign was well conceived and I look forward to all of us in our industry to reap the benefits of this campaign.
However, there is more that needs to be done if our industry is ever to grow beyond the somewhat stagnant position we have found ourselves over the past 10 years during which the size of the pie has remained constant while the number of pieces has increased.
It is time that all members of the industry stop looking at each other as competitors and truly look at each other as partners and adjuncts to each others individual business models. • We need to start focusing on our real competitors, other sub-industries of the huge and lucrative worldwide travel, sports and leisure industry. • Consumers of today are savvier and more protective of their disposable income and will only part with that income to activities that offer more bang for the buck. • Our industry needs to convey the excitement, wonder and fun diving has to offer.
I often ask the question of new staff members in our resort, “What do we sell?” and depending upon their department, the answers I receive run the gamut of our industry. When everyone has had their turn, I then remind them that while all their answers are somewhat correct, all can be rolled into one simple answer that I learned from my course director over 22 years ago…”WE SELL FUN”.
Somewhere along the line we’ve lost sight of this simple truth, “WE SELL FUN”. I see DEMA as the catalyst to bring our industry back to a cohesive, professional, environmentally aware, profitable and FUN industry. If elected to the Board of Directors of DEMA I will strive to put “FUN” back into all of our collective inventories through the support of programs and promotions that highlight the “FUN” side of our industry. I want to encourage my fellow A5 members to embrace the “BE A DIVER” campaign and by doing so, showcase the “FUN” that is our industry which in turn will lead to more training, equipment sales and travel. Whoever said you can’t have your cake and eat it too?
Biography
Jack Chalk first began his career in the sport diving industry in 1985, after serving 13 years in the U.S. military, as manager/instructor for Tropical Divers in San Antonio, Texas until moving to the island of Bonaire in September of 1988 as Dive Operations Manager of Captain Don’s Habitat. He held that position until September of 2001 when he was promoted to General Manager of the resort, the position he currently holds. Many of the environmentally responsible actions that Bonaire is known for were first introduced by Captain Don and Jack at Habitat.
Jack is currently on the Board of Directors of STINAPA Bonaire, the private NGO that oversees the management of the Bonaire National Marine Park, Washington Slagbaai National Park, Lac Bay and Klein Bonaire and has held the position of President of STINAPA Bonaire twice. He also held the position of President of the Bonaire Council of Underwater Resort Operators (CURO) twice. He is currently on the Board of Directors of the Bonaire Hotel & Tourism Association (BONHATA) and held the President’s position of that organization from 2002 until 2006. He has been on the Board of Directors of the Caribbean Hotel Association for the past 5 years serving on the Membership Committee and the Constitution & By-laws Revision Sub-Committee.
He is also a founding board member and Chairman of the Board of EarthEcho International, an organization founded by Philippe and Alexandra Cousteau in honor of their father Philippe Cousteau Sr.. EarthEcho International’s mission is to create dynamic media and meaningful experiences that empower positive environmental action to guarantee the health of the ocean and water systems that support all life on earth.
Jack has been the recipient of many environmental awards including being the first recipient of the Ruth D. Turner Environmental Leadership Award named after famed marine biologist and Harvard Professor, Dr. Ruth D. Turner. He is also a recipient of the Bonaire Accolade Foundation Award for his environmental stewardship of the coral reefs of Bonaire as well as coral reefs around the world. He was also on the first list of recipients of the SSI Platinum Pro 5000 Award.
Jack is a regular guest lecturer on managing coral reefs at the Harvard University Extension School Ocean Environments Course and has lectured on environmental sustainability of coral reefs and ecologically sound tourism around the world. He is a PADI Master Instructor, NAUI Instructor, SDI/TDI Instructor Trainer and an SSI Referral Instructor.
DEMA The Diving Equipment & Marketing Association 3750 Convoy St., Ste. 310 San Diego, CA 92111-3741 [email protected] Toll Free: (800) 862-DIVE (3483) Ph: (858) 616-6408 Fx: (858) 616-6495 or (858) 616-6467 For more information about DEMA visit: www.dema.org For more information about DEMA Show visit: www.demashow.com For more information about specific DEMA Programs visit these websites: www.Ships2Reefs.com * www.BeADiver.com