Rhode Island Marine Trade Association
Member Meeting
East Greenwich Yacht Club
East Greenwich, RI
Monday, Mar. 3, 2008
6:15 pm.
The Member Meeting of the Rhode Island Marine Trade Association (RIMTA) convened at 6:30 pm on Monday, March 3, 2008. A motion was made by Don Vivenzio, seconded by Ken Kubic to open the Meeting, the motion passed unanimously.
Board Members in attendance:
Chris Ruhling, President
Tom Rich, Vice President
Don Vivenzio, Secretary
Andy Tyska
Dick Cromwell
Lynn Fiorenzano
Bill Munger
Ken Kubic
Nancy Piffard
George Cochran
Susan Daly
John Tregenza
Also in attendance: Lisa A. DiRaimo, Jeffrey Poole, Ian Leslie, Curt Schmid, Paul Harden, Michael Casey, Armand Tessaglia, Tom Lynch, Dexter Holaday, Jeanne Worrick, Carol Reebenacker, Randy Carnahan, Rich Solgot, Brian Thomas, Paul Oliveira, Kevin Beaulue, Drew Nicholson, Ron Bethal, Paul Toole, Wendy Mackie, Peter Kilkenny, Chris Pacheco.
George Palazzo of the East Greenwich Yacht Club welcomed the Membership to the Club. Informed the Membership of the 100th anniversary of the Club. Talked about the Sea Scout Program.
1. Officer's Reports
a. President's Report – Chris Ruhling, Brewer Yacht Yards – Chris thanked the EGYC for hosting the Meeting. Hope all the Membership got to read the Board Reports. With having three Member meetings a year, the Board felt that this was the best way to communicate what has been going on. The Industry is under siege. Sales tax on boats, Fire Code, non toxic anti freeze and EPA regulations are big issues. The Shrink wrap recycling effort is getting ready to ramp up. The OSHA Alliance has been renewed. All issues require the Membership to get involved. Make sure your voice is heard. Shrink wrap – Had a mtg with IRN to iron out issues which have been encountered over the past year. A check will be rec’d soon from the proceeds of the sale of the recycled wrap. OSHA Alliance – many members have participated. They offer a free inspection. Beacon Mutual – rec’d a dividend check almost $25,000. thanks to the GREAT efforts of Steve Prime. For more information see report
b. VP's Report - Tom Rich, NEB – The Fire Code sub committee met with Mike Leeber of MWL Consultants, the company which RIMTA hired to assist in the writing of the Fire Code amendments. Goal of the Committee is to get fair and equitable guidelines. By Dec. 31 2008 all facilities must have a Plan, to be implemented by December, 2009. March 19 is the next sub committee meeting at NEB. For more information see report.
c. Treasurer's Report –
d. Manufacturer's Report – George Cochran, Legacy - George introduced himself to the membership present. Available through email or phone. See report for more information.
e. Legislative Report – Michael Keyworth, Brewer Yacht Yards - See Report
f. Membership Report – Susan Daly, IYRS – Would like to see improved communications with the membership. This includes the new monthly newsletter. Process of reviewing PR firms to continue with the marketing of the Skill Gap. See report for more information.
g. Marina Report- John Tregenza, Watch Hill Boatyard – John introduced himself to the Membership. Member input is always needed. Will be working on the shrink wrap program. See Report for more information
h. Boating Safety Report - Barry Ennis, South Kingstown Harbormaster – See Report
i. Sportfishing Report- Al Conti, Snug Harbor Marina – See Report
j. Yacht Club Report - Steve Prime, Gowrie, Barden & Brett – See Report
k. Dealer Report – Dick Cromwell, MSI – Attended the Miami Show. Talk was positive. See Report for more information.
l. Education & Training – Andy Tyska, Bristol Marine – Education Sub Committee has been very busy, has met 7 times over the past several months. RFP is out to find a mkting/PR firm to get the Skill Gap study out there. IYRS Career Day was very successful, included many aspects of the industry. Very important to get youth involved. See report for more information.
m. Boatshow – Nancy Piffard, Newport Exhibition Group – The Boatshow next year will not be at the Dunkin Donuts Center. Other groups interested in the date. See Report for more information.
m. Chairman of the Board – Ken Kubic, Kubic & Conradi – Several Federal issues including: EPA, Magasun Act, antifreeze. State issue sales tax. Mtgs with legislators No sales Tax on boats has run it’s course. Talk to any legislator you know personally. Let him know how your business would be impacted. Always need PAC money. Reed Family Breakfast is May 4.
n. Administrator's Report - Lisa DiRaimo, RIMTA - see report
Don Vivenzio, Secretary received his Clean Marina Certification at Point Judith Marina.
Presentation by Tom Lynch regarding credit card machines – see informational brochure.
Presentation by Ron Bethal, Boathelper.com see informational brochure.
A motion was made by Don Vivenzio, seconded by Ken Kubic to adjourn the Member Meeting. Vote passed unanimously.
