Rhode Island Marine Trade Association
Member Meeting
Bristol Yacht Club
Bristol, RI
Monday, November 5, 2007
Member Meeting
The Member Meeting of the Rhode Island Marine Trade Association (RIMTA) convened at 6:30 pm on Monday, November 5, 2007. A motion was made by Don Vivenzio, seconded by Al Conti to open the Meeting, the motion passed unanimously.
Board Members in attendance:
Chris Ruhling, President
Tom Rich, Vice President
Don Vivenzio, Secretary
Andy Tyska
Al Conti
Dick Cromwell
Michael Keyworth
Steve Prime
Eric Goetz
Lynn Fiorenzano
Bill Munger
Ken Kubic
Nancy Piffard
Also in attendance: Lisa A. DiRaimo, Mike Salafia, Jerry Wheeler, Dexter Holaday, Randy Kollett, Mathew Prendergast, Guy Gauvin, Will Collins, Drew Coleman, Barrett Holby, George Cochran, Brent Warish, Paul Oliveira, Peter Van Lancker, Dean Soderberg, Curt Schmid, Nancy Babcock, Carol Mutty, Michael Casey, Lauren Nicholson, Drew Nicholson
Officer’s Reports
a. President’s Report - Chris Ruhling – Announced the results of the 2007/2008 Election for the RIMTA Officers and Board of Directors. The Slate was approved unanimously:
RIMTA has applied for a Grant from RIRCC for $25,000 for various recycling initiatives. Should hear before the end of the year if it was approved. PAC money is always needed!
b. Vice President’s Report – Tom Rich – Fire Code expert has been identified and a mtg will be held next Wed. A $500.00 deposit is required.
A Motion was made by Ken Kubic seconded by Michael Keyworth to approve not more that $4,999.99 for payment to MWL Consulting, 17 Whitewell Avenue, Newport, RI 02840. 401.439.5322 for Fire Code review. Vote passed unanimously.
The Lacey Bill which is now in the Congress involves regulation of wood products. An email blast was sent by the RIMTA Executive Director. A letter will be written by Eric Goetz and Tom for Ken Kubic to send to the Delegation requesting them to oppose this Bill as it would be detrimental to the Industry.
c. Treasurer's Report ––. Given by Lisa DiRaimo
Checking Acc’t $52,065.47
MM $4975.22, Webster $21261.30
Total 78,302.63
PAC $2062
d. Manufacturer's Report – Chair vacant
Legislative Report – Mike Keyworth – Always needs PAC money. Next Compliance Seminar is Dec 5 at a location to be determined. Looking for topics and assistance from Membership.
Chris Ruhling, Michael Keyworth met with Dir. Sullivan of DEM to discuss pressure washing. Mtg went good, suggestion was to follow Best Management Practices. RI is a Delegated State which gives the DEM the right to enforce the EPA policies and Regulations.
f. Social & Membership Report – Chair vacant
g. Marina Report- Chair vacant
h. Boating Safety – Barry Ennis – not in attendance
i. Sport fishing Report- Al Conti – Quotas and Bag limits are in the process of being set. Issue is becoming a political one, instead of a Fisheries issue.
President Ruhling suggested getting the legislators in an education process. Al Conti informed the President and the Board that RFA and RISWA takes care of the majority of that.
j. Yacht Club Report - Steve Prime – no report
k. Dealer Report – Dick Cromwell –National Retailers Association Conference focused on 2 key issues: Dealer Contracts and Warranty Payments.
l. Education & Training – Andy Tyska – Skill Gap Survey Draft has been rec’d. Mtg will be held with the Education Sub Committee within the next several weeks and the Report will be tweaked and sent to the Board. Survey will help guide the industry to invest along with the State and Federal dollars.
Discussions have been held with NEIT to start offering a Composite Class similar to the one which was dropped by CCRI. If possible, classes would start Feb 08. NEIT will visit Halls Spar, Goetz, NEB C & C to get input on curriculum. Eric Goetz stated the Industry is one of the last manufacturers in the State.
Andy Tyska and Susan Daly met recently with the United Way to discuss opportunities of starting up a job mentoring program. Lastly, Andy met with IYRS regarding the full and part time programs. IYRS is looking for students for both programs. It was suggested that IYRS come to the next meeting to let the Membership know about the programs.
m. Boatshow – Nancy Piffard – Needs help from the RIMTA membership. Please think about exhibiting. Show Date Jan 3 – 6. The Newport Exhibition Group thanks the RIMTA Members who are participating in the show. Dealers can bring in pre owned boats at the Dunkin Donuts Center. The Walkway from the Convention Center to the Dunk will be open. Ads are going out this week to Trade Publications. Casting Kids is coming back this year. Will know the dates for 2009 next week. Dec 20 boats can begin to be staged. Ken Kubic would like RIMTA to take out a full page ad in the Program.
n. Chairman of the Board – Ken Kubic – Always need PAC money. The Report which is going to go to the Legislature will focus on jobs. If you know a Legislator personally please let Lisa know so the Report can be hand delivered. Would like to contact Federal Delegation regarding the Wallop Breau Fund. Try to get a Grant Program similar to Pump out Program
o. Administrator’s Report – Lisa A. DiRaimo – Website is live
New Business:
By Laws - Chris Ruhling –. A meeting was held by the Board of Directors to amend the current RIMTA Bylaws. A copy of those changes will be mailed to the voting Membership and voted on at the next RIMTA meeting on Dec. 3. the changes are beneficial to the Membership. With the new Website it will make the RIMTA membership more involved and informed.
Sub Committees - Chris Ruhling – always looking the for the Membership to participate on the sub committees including: Fire Code, Education, EPA, Recycling, Wallabro
Motion made to adjourn Member Meeting at 7:30 by Lynn Fiorenzano, seconded by Michael Keyworth. Motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted
Don Vivenzio
Secretary
