Rhode Island Marine Trade Association
Member Meeting
NEIT
Post Rd
Warwick, RI
Monday, October 1, 2007
Member Meeting
The Member Meeting of the Rhode Island Marine Trade Association (RIMTA) convened at 6:25 pm on Monday, October 1, 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
Don Vivenzio, Secretary
Andy Tyska
Al Conti
Dick Cromwell
Michael Keyworth
Steve Prime
Eric Goetz
Also in attendance: Lisa A. DiRaimo, Jennie Cormier, Susan Daly, Drew Nicholson, Lauren Nicholson, Craig Parkhurst, Rick Hood, Jeff Poole, Ian Leslie, Jerry Wheeler, Michael Casey, Randy Carnahan, Peter Kilkenny, Paul Harden, Dexter Holaday, Rick Lavigne, George Cochran, John Eutis, John Tregenza
Rick Hood, RIMTA Webmaster – gave a presentation of the proposed RIMTA website. Sample website is at http://208.76.80.121/rimta.org
Officer’s Reports
a. President’s Report - Chris Ruhling – The RIMTA has received an extension from the Fire Board through December, 2007, in the process of seeking out a consultant to review Code and assist RIMTA with making changes. A letter is available to any RIMTA Member who needs authentification of this Extension if needed. New recycling program applied for through RIRRC in the amt. of $25,000 to recycle anti freeze containers.
PAC money is always needed!
b. Vice President’s Report – Tom Rich – not in attendance
c. Treasurer's Report ––. Checking Acc’t $57,722.75
MM $4971.22, Webster $21134.19
d. Manufacturer's Report – Chair vacant
e. Legislative Report – Mike Keyworth – Always need PAC money. Met with Tillinghast regarding upcoming legislative season. Several items were mentioned: no sales tax on boats, tax on submerged land.
Need Members to contact local legislators who they have a relationship with including: Ken Carter – NK, Jan Malik- Warren (andy Tyska), Peter Lewis – Westerly, Eileen Naughton – Warwick (Chris Ruhling), Henry Rose – EP (Michael Keyworth), Elizabeth Derrigan – EP, Bob Jacquard – Cranston, Pat Shanley – SK. All are members of the House Finance Committee.
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 – no report
j. Yacht Club Report - Steve Prime – no report
k. Dealer Report – Dick Cromwell –Good boatshow in Newport. Nov 26-28 National Retailers Show. Dealer Certification has not been emphasized in RI.
l. Education & Training – Andy Tyska – Skill Gap Survey has rec’d 122 returns. Interviews will be held with apprx 25 companies and perhaps a small forum will be held. Survey will help guide the industry to invest along with the State and Federal dollars.
m. Boats how – Nancy Piffard – not in attendance
n. Chairman of the Board – not in attendance
o. Administrator’s Report – Lisa A. DiRaimo – no report.
New Business:
Chris Ruhling – Several Board Positions are open on the slate including, Mfg, Marina, Social, Treasurer. The Elections sub committee has reviewed nominations
and ballot will be mailed this week.
Clean Marina Program – there have been many organizations helping to develop the CMP. Allen Harbor recently rec’d the CMP banner. Conicut and Point Judith have gone through the process. Problem has developed with overspray and the evaporation of the water in the air. A meeting has been set up with DEM and CRMC to discuss this problem. Also, Michael Keyworth has contacted the NEMTA regarding the overspray and has asked the NEMTA to contact Mr. Varney of EPA.
Sub committees – Chris would like members to to an interest in the RIMTA sub committees including: Fire Code, Education, Clean Marinas, EPA, Recyling, By Laws.
Safety Group – Steve Prime told of the past successes of the Beacon Safety Group including a 14.9% dividend and a 25% loss ratio this past year.
Motion made to adjourn Member Meeting at 7:30 by Don Vivenzio, seconded by Al Conti. Motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted
Don Vivenzio
Secretary
