BC Marine Trades Association Industry Conference 2011
About 100 representatives of the West Coast marine industry gathered at River Rock Casino Resort in Richmond BC for the BCMTA Industry Conference November 30 and December 1. National Marine Manufacturers Association President Thom Dammrich opened the session with an upbeat presentation on the state of the industry in Canada and the U.S., and opportunities for renewed growth with economic recovery. Highlighting day one was a session entitled “Spotlight on Success” featuring presentations by three industry members with track records of achievement: Campbell Black of Blackline Marine on skill development and training; Jeff Rhodes of Coastal Craft on building a niche market in challenging times; and Michael Short of False Creek Fuels on navigating layers of bureaucracy to build a business. In two lively sessions, Tod Maffin introduced attendees to the challenges and opportunities of marketing through social media. Sonny Wong of Hamazaki Wong Marketing Group described how the industry can reach out to the Lower Mainland’s influential and fast-growing Asian community. Attendees also had a preview of the 2012 Vancouver International Boat Show, which returns to a newly renovated BC Place after a two-year hiatus. The association’s annual general meeting will be held during the boat show February 8-12.
Victoria International Marina won Canadian Yachting West’s draw for a full-page ad in the magazine.
