Rhode Island Marine Trade Association
Member Meeting
Newport Exhibition Center
Sunset Terrace
4 Commercial Wharf
Newport, RI
Monday, September 10, 2007
Member Meeting
The Member Meeting of the Rhode Island Marine Trade Association (RIMTA) convened at 6:25 pm on Monday, September 10, 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
Nancy Piffard
Andy Tyska
Al Conti
Dick Cromwell
Michael Keyworth
Ken Kubic
Also in attendance: Lisa A. DiRaimo, Jennie Cormier, Susan Daly, Drew Nicholson, Lauren Nicholson, Paul Litwin, Dean Soderberg, Michael Casey, Brent Warish, Craig Parkhurst, Rick Hood
Officer’s Reports
a. President’s Report - Chris Ruhling – The RIMTA has received an extension from the Fire Board through December, 2007. A letter is available to any RIMTA Member who needs authentification of this Extension if needed.
Grover Fugate, Director of CRMC has requested a meeting with RIMTA, CRMC and DEM, in the process of setting it up.
RIMTA will be applying for a Grant from the RIRRC for a pilot program set up similar to the Shrink wrap program for the recycling of anti freeze containers.
PAC money is always needed!
b. Vice President’s Report – Tom Rich – no report
c. Treasurer's Report – Paul Mathias – Has resigned. Checking Acc’t 53,838.75
MM 4973.54, Webster 21199.09
d. Manufacturer's Report – Chair vacant
e. Legislative Report – Mike Keyworth – Always need PAC money. Rumor has been initiated that there will be legislation to tax submerged land.
f. Social & Membership Report – Chair vacant
g. Marina Report- Skip Helme – not in attendance
h. Boating Safety – Barry Ennis – not in attendance
i. Sport fishing Report- Al Conti – Found that CRMC, DEM, Coast Guard and other Enforcement Officials were very stringent this Season. Many boaters were afraid to leave the docks. Other Board Members have heard the same from their customers. Ken Kubic suggested a meeting should be set up after the Season to discuss this matter with the various Agencies.
j. Yacht Club Report - Steve Prime – not in attendance
k. Dealer Report – Dick Cromwell – Dealers are happy Boat Show season is starting. Sales seem to have picked up at the end of the Summer.
l.
m. Education & Training – Andy Tyska – PDI has sent out the Skill Gap Survey. Apprx 875 surveys went out, with a response rate of apprx 125. PDI is getting ready to do a second mailing with hard copy of the survey to try to get one last round of respondents.
n. Boats how – Nancy Piffard – Vendors are off apprx 7 – 9% for the Newport Boat show, but advanced ticket sales are good. Providence Boat show move in will not overlap with Boston Boat show move in.
o. Chairman of the Board – Ken Kubic – PAC money is always needed. Would like to thank James McManus, John Andrews, Tom Rich, Peter Vassiolopos for their generous contributions. Need to know from Membership what elected officials do they know? The Industry Report will focus on the jobs which are created. Fundraiser on Oct 12 sponsored by RFA for Sheldon Whitehouse at the Point Judith Marina. Fire Code Specialist will be hired within the next several weeks.
p. Administrator’s Report – Lisa A. DiRaimo – no report.
New Business: Rick Hood, RIMTA Webmaster – gave a presentation of the proposed RIMTA website.
Comments were: Links suggested, included CRMC, DEM, Army Corps, OSHA Legislature, NMMA, Congressional Delegation, NOAA, RISA, ABBRA, IPEC, EPA
Lisa will get him those links.
Different permissions allowed for Board and Members. Job Postings as well as resumes
Other New Business
Chris Ruhling – RIMTA entered into with OSHA another Safety Alliance, contact at OSHA is Jim Bruckshaw if you need guidance on inspections.
RIMTA is looking into the possibility of a Grant for the grinding of anti freeze containers through IRN and RIRRC.
Compliance Seminar Reaction – many Members thought the speakers were not prepared. Would like more tools to take away
Don Vivenzio stated the Industry has to show EPA that we are trying as hard as we can to become compliant.
Motion made to adjourn Member Meeting at 7:30 by Don Vivenzio, seconded by Al Conti. Motion passed unanimously.
