Boats Work For RI BigSuccess At Providence Boat Show

As part of the Providence Boat Show at the Rhode Island Convention Center, the RI Marine Trades Association featured a Roundtable Discussion on opening day plus a RIMTA Pavilion presenting the new “Boats Work for RI” initiative. The discussion topic was “The Future of Jobs in the Marine Industry” here in Rhode Island and what the industry means to the Rhode Island economic community. The Governor opened the program with his remarks and welcomed the standing room only audience of representatives of businesses, schools, state officials and legislators, the community and the media. Mark Murphy, Editor of the Providence Business News was the moderator and participates in the discussion were Paul Harden, Manager/Business & Workforce Development, RI Economic Development Corp., Steven Kitchin, V.P./Corp. Education & Training, New England Institute of Technology, John Torgan, Narragansett Baykeeper, Save The Bay; Andy Tyska, President, Bristol Marine; and Peter Van Lancker, President, Hunt Yachts.

The BOATS WORK FOR RI pavilion was filled all four days of the show with demonstrations from New England Tech showing attendees how to maintain their outboard, learn about stern drive maintenance, electronics installation and fiberglass repair. The International Yacht Restoration School was demonstrating wooden boat building and Maritime Solutions was answering questions on outboard motor repair. Included in the pavilion were schools and service organizations…MTTI, IYRS, NEIT and MyTurn…answering questions about how to start a career in the marine industry.

Under the aegis of the Governor’s Workforce Board, the State has recognized the Marine Industry as one targeted for growth and critical to the State’s economy…along with Construction, Health Care, Information Technology and Tourism. As a result, there is a growing effort to more fully develop the skilled workers needed to keep one of the State’s oldest manufacturing industries alive and well.

The Marine Industry is one of the few sectors of the Rhode Island economy that is showing long-term growth. In a recent study, it was estimated that there are over 6,600 total jobs, paying nearly $260 Million in wages with an average salary of $39,400…higher than the average for all industries in the State! Over 2,000 businesses -- nearly 10% of all private employers in Rhode Island -- are involved in the boating industry.

For more information: Lisa DiRaimo, Executive Director, Rhode Island Marine Trades Association at 401- 615-5419.