September 2001 NC Marine TradeWinds Newsletter

• Optimism

• Surveys

• Seminars ▬ Training Courses ▬ Workshops ▬ Certification Programs

• Regulatory and Legislative Issues Aplenty at BoatBuilding 2001

• Charleston Home to Southeastern Marine Trades Expo

• Change in TradeWinds Distribution

• Boating Industry Marina Survey

• Financial & Operational Benchmark Study For Marina Operators Available

Optimism

The September 11 disaster has sparked a lot of talk among our industry around the state… concerned, aware, mad, philosophical, hopeful and a lot more descriptors. The act of talking has been good for both the caller and called – at least from our experience. Boats aren’t moving well for many of the brokers, some builders have expressed concern about orders slowing, and there’s been a decrease in activity at several marinas. But instead of an undercurrent of pessimism, there is strong optimism. Numerous conversations have ended with the dealer/builder/service owner aware and convinced that NC has the right fall conditions of quality weather, abundant waterways and excellent fishing to change some canceled travel plans into close-to-home boating plans. The boating tourist will return to the lakes and the ICW, some new folks will join in fishing with friends, and a percentage of those will be convinced to buy a boat. That’s the real talk in and about the NC industry.

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Surveys

Many of you will soon be receiving a survey in the mail from us.  It is essential for businesses to respond to this as we pull together a more accurate economic impact of the marine industry on the state of NC. All information on this survey will remain confidential and only aggregate information will be reported. Issues have arisen over the years regarding the importance of marine businesses. We are attempting to show that your industry is a significant contributor to the state’s economy. Such information will be useful in arguing against regulations that decrease the viability of marine businesses, valuing the public access and service that you provide, and getting funding for programs that will assist you. NCMTA is not able to lobby on your behalf, but we can provide facts and figures to support your causes. We need your help to do this. Please complete the surveys and return them to us in the self-addressed stamped envelopes that we’ve provided.  An executive summary of this study will be provided here, and copies of the full report will be available upon request.

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Seminars ▬ Training Courses ▬ Workshops ▬ Certification Programs

Our jointly sponsored IMI and ABBRA Forklift and Straddle Lift training and certification workshops still have openings – October 15 and 16 respectively – as do the ABYC Basic Marine Electric course – October 8-10 – the AM-TEC Code of Conduct Certification – October 12 – and the two Stellar Sales MIC (Marine Industry Certification) Sales Training certification workshops – November 27 & 28 and November 29 & 30. To get more information, go to Training Calendar at www.NCMTA.com.

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Regulatory and Legislative Issues Aplenty at BoatBuilding 2001

The October 306 Tampa BoatBuilding 2001 (www.nmma.org/boatbuilding) will be “covered up” in discussions about regulatory and legislative issues – and we will be there to report back to you on those with North Carolina significance: ■HR_1730 – an effort to open all no discharge zoned waters to treated boat sewage discharge ■HR_877 and HR_1037 – an effort to obtain tax credits for small businesses for training highly skilled workers ■HR_2149 or Trade Promotion Authority – an effort to provide the President with authority to negotiate trade agreements and get quick consideration from Congress ■Wallop-Breaux Authorization – ongoing efforts to have this Sportsfish Restoration Trust Fund / Safe Boating Account reauthorized before it dies in 2003 ■S_678/HR_325 – the Fishable Waters Act which establish a program of grants to states with approved fisheries habitat protection, restoration, and enhancement programs ■HR_2570 – Fisheries Recovery Act which hopes to recover depleted fish stocks and promote the log-term sustainability of marine fisheries ■Dredging – a critical one with much support for aggressive lobby efforts and support from the alphabet of marine associations ■Sales tax credits for new engine technologies ■MACT Standard compliance ■Evaporative emissions technology options ■Ergonomics – which is rearing it’s unmanageable head again, and many more.

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Charleston Home to Southeastern Marine Trades Expo

Add Georgia and Virginia to the annual NC/SC EXPO, and you get a Charleston SC event not to miss. Registration will be arriving soon. Call Jamie O’Brien, SCMA for more information: (843) 795-7857. Also see and stay tuned to our web for the latest information.  www.NCMTA.com.

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Change in TradeWinds

For several years we have been providing TradeWinds free of charge to various state agencies and their employees. To save costs and time, those who were receiving these complimentary issues can now view TradeWinds on our website www.NCMTA.com. Only paid members will continue to receive the newsletter via mail, fax or email. If this poses a problem, let is know and we will work with you.

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Boating Industry Marina Survey

Following are some of the highlights from Boating Industry International’s annual marina survey:

A majority of the boats that occupy slips are between 14 and 34 feet. Only about 8% are larger than 50’ ►Average wet slip capacity is 161 ►Average dry storage capacity is 108 ►59% have a waiting list for their slips ►46% of marinas have a boat ramp ►Average width of floating docks is 9.9’ ►Average length of floating docks is 63.2’ ►Average amount of dock space is 66,500 square feet ►Average number of full time employees is12 peak season and 9 off-season ►69% raised their slip rates in the past year ►73% say revenues increased from 1999-2000 ►70% marinas have pumpouts ►Over half of the marinas recycle used oil, have oil clean up and containment equipment, recycle and have storm water runoff control. See Sept/Oct Boating Industry International.

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Financial & Operational Benchmark Study For Marina Operators Available

This, a must read for the marina accountant’s, is now available at a reduced price from the International Marina Institute (IMI) It is the third in a series again measures the financial performance of the marina industry. It also includes business trends, occupancy rates, marina berthing rates, services and amenities offered, facility characteristics, planned capital expenditures and a summary of reported challenges facing the marina industry. Go to www.imimarina.org or call 941-480-1212. Price is $275.

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