Demonstrations, Training Opportunities and Charitable Raffle featured in Marine Trades Pavilion at Providence Boat Show

December 20, 2009, Warwick, RI…In an effort to help prepare a skilled workforce for Rhode Island boat builders, service yards, marinas, dealers and hundreds of other marine related businesses, the RI Marine Trades Association is continuing its worker outreach effort under its “BOATS WORK for Rhode Island” brand. Aspects of the program will be presented at the RIMTA Pavilion on the main floor of the Providence Boat Show, January 7 – 10 and will include how-to demonstrations by workers and students in the industry, information booths by education and career assistance organizations, and a give-away of a new inflatable boat in a raffle to benefit the MY TURN Scholarship Fund. Prior to the opening of the Show, the Association will also present a Business Roundtable with industry leaders on “How Boats Work for Rhode Island’s Future.”

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 industry alive and well.

According to Susan Daly, Vice President of IYRS in Newport and Bristol and Chairman of RIMTA’s Education & Training Committee, “During the Boat Show, RIMTA will have representatives of the industry available to explain how boating impacts the Rhode Island community and economy as well as detail the types of careers available to Rhode Island workers plus training opportunities for students and those already in the field.”

Workers and students of the schools participating in the RIMTA presentation will offer demonstrations such as Outboard Motor Maintenance, Basic Fiberglass Repair and Electronics Installation, as well as The Making of a Half Model at selected hours of the show.

Within the pavilion, three post-secondary marine trades schools -- the International Yacht Restoration School, MotoRing Technical Training Institute and New England Institute of Technology -- will be providing information about their facilities and programs. Representatives of the Tall Ship Oliver Hazard Perry will be on hand to talk about its plans for education at sea. And, MY-TURN INC. will be explaining its programs to help youth transition into education, training and the world of work. To bring attention to the organization and help fund its Scholarship Fund, MY TURN will be raffling a $1500 Walker Bay Odyssey 270 Roll-up Inflatable donated by Maritime Solutions of Portsmouth. Tickets will be available at the RIMTA booth for $1.00 each / six for $5.00 and winner of the boat will be drawn from all entries on Sunday afternoon.

On Thursday before the Boat Show opens, the Association will also be hosting a Business Roundtable by industry leaders. Representatives of the boating industry that exemplify the field’s innovation and diversification will discuss where companies in the business will be headed in the near future. Including in the speakers will be Ben Hall, Vice President of Hall Spars in Bristol, Chris Watson, Director of Marketing at KVH Industries in Middletown, Rich O’Meara of Core Composites in Newport, Terry Nathan, President of IYRS in Newport, and Michael Keyworth, Manager of Brewer Cove Haven Marina in Barrington.

Ms. Daly noted that “The future of the boating industry in the State is bright because – with innovative people working in the industry, a demand for industry products by those even outside the marine market, a physical and educational infrastructure that supports growth, and the Bay’s appeal both from an environmental and tax policy point of view – BOATS WORK for Rhode Island’s Future!”

For more information about RIMTA activities at the Boat Show, call Lisa DiRaimo, Executive Director, Rhode Island Marine Trades Association at 401-615-5419, go to www.rimta.org or www.boatsworkri.com.