The 2012 BC Marine Trades Association Conference November 28-29 was an upbeat, optimistic affair throughout, starting with a 40 percent increase in attendance from 2011. Nearly 200 representatives of all sectors of BC’s recreational marine industry gathered at the River Rock Casino in Richmond for the two-day event.

The theme was “business and personal growth” and a series of speakers offered compelling stories of their own successes, as well as practical advice on translating personal success into business growth.

•       Richard Straka of GE Capital delivered a positive economic outlook that drilled down from the global scene to a bullish view of business metrics among boat dealers in Western Canada. He noted that wholesale orders in BC and Alberta grew by 19 percent in 2012, while Saskatchewan and Manitoba led the country with surprising 50 percent growth and a number of new dealer start-ups. Straka reported “positive sentiment” among builders and dealers across the country heading into 2013.

•       Cameron Herold, former COO of 1-888-GOT-JUNK and a business mentor, offered a refreshing, outside-the-box view of keys to business success based on entrepreneurial vision and a culture of motivation and excellence. His talk left his audience “vibrating,” as he would put it.

•       Mountaineer Laurie Skreslet, the first Canadian to summit Mount Everest, delivered an equally compelling talk about his background and accomplishments, with the message that success depends on preparation, attention to detail and a refusal to accept failure.

•       On the practical side, trade show educator Robin Johnson offered tips on connecting with customers and building relationships at boat shows and in general sales, while diversity marketing specialist Milind Shirke laid out an action plan to sell boating among BC’s growing South Asian community.

•       Three BCMTA members – Aaron Fell of Breakwater Marine, Jim Hartt of Mustang Survival, and Harold Aune of Whitehall Rowing and Sail – outlined steps they had taken to achieve success in their own businesses.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of the association’s first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award to Dwight Davies, owner and longtime chief of Mustang Survival, at Wednesday’s dinner.
 
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