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The Portuguese Association of Recreational Harbours (APPR) has joined the ICOMIA Marinas Group. Established in 1992, APPR is a not-for-profit organisation representing 20 recreational marina and port facilities.

The ICOMIA Marinas Group’s (IMG) mission is to be recognised globally as the peak Marina Industry body with respect to planning, development and best practice management for marinas, boat harbours, boat storage and service facilities, waterways access and associated infrastructure for recreational boating throughout the world.

3M has just introduced its new 3M™ Reinforced Polyurethane Foam, a lightweight and rot-resistant alternative to plywood for use in structural and semi-structural applications. These polyurethane foam boards with fiberglass reinforcement provide high strength in applications including marine, transportation and general construction, with a weight savings ranging from 30 to 60 percent versus plywood.

Available in five densities ranging from 15 pounds to 26 pounds per cubic foot, Reinforced Polyurethane Foam complements 3M’s existing line of lighter density foam boards and rounds out the company’s innovative offerings in the field.

Mermaid Marine Products now distributes the Blackfin™ Skeg and Blackfin™ Blade Saver manufactured by Regarding The Outdoors.

Established in 1973, Mermaid Marine is headquartered in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island and supplies marine products to boat builders, boat yards and dealers throughout eastern Canada.

Designed to protect lower units from damage and enhance the performance of most marine engines, the Blackfin™ Skeg gets a boat on plane faster and holds it on plane longer at lower speeds.

DRSA of Riviera Beach, Florida, has once again been selected by the American Boatbuilders Association (ABA) as a Preferred ABA Supplier of Choice for marine interior lighting and Vimar electrical devices. The agreement extends the partnership between DRSA and ABA through June 30, 2015.

The American Boatbuilders Association is America’s leading buying group for independent boat builders.

The Financial Post on July 18th, wrote that TCF Inventory Finance, Inc. (“TCFIF”), a subsidiary of TCF National Bank and an indirect subsidiary of TCF Financial Corporation (“TCF”) (NYSE: TCB), had announced that it has entered into a multi-year agreement with Independent Boat Builders, Inc. (“IBBI”). TCFIF will provide wholesale floorplan financing solutions to the 22 boat manufacturers that are members of IBBI in the United States and Canada.

“We are very excited to begin this relationship with IBBI,” said Ross Perrelli, President and Chief Executive Officer of TCFIF. “I am highly confident that our dedication to our customers and strong commitment to the marine industry make TCFIF the best choice for IBBI and its members.”

For the first time in nearly three decades, American drivers can now choose a new fueling option at the pump.  The nation’s first E15 (15 percent ethanol/85 percent gasoline) gallons are being sold at the Zarco 66 “Oasis” station at 1500 E. 23rd Street in Lawrence, KS.  Plans to offer E15 at the nation’s second retail station, the Zarco 66 at 2518 E. Logan (intersection of I-35 & HWY 68) in Ottawa, KS, are nearly complete with an announcement coming soon.

On June 8, 2012, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) gave final approval for the sale and use of E15 ethanol blends in light duty vehicles made since 2001.

As the 2012 boating season goes into full swing, it’s your opportunity to have your own local boating safety advocate or hero recognized for their outstanding or life saving efforts in the field of boating safety and environmental stewardship.  They may have pulled someone to safety from a capsized boat, taught school children about the importance of always wearing a lifejacket or helped to keep the waterways clean and free of pollutants and debris.  Whatever they have contributed to the boating community, we want you to nominate them!

Why not encourage your customers to enter the Toronto International Boat Show Photo Contest? They just might win one of three $1,000 Shopping Sprees!  

In their latest newsletter, the show organizers say, "It's a proven fact that boating goes a long way towards improving your quality of life!"

There are so many ways to reconnect with family and friends on the water — from fishing, to waterskiing, wakeboarding, sailing and cruising, or simply relaxing and enjoying the warm glow of an evening sunset.

Mercury Marine announced the company has started the production of a second-generation 8.2L engine this past week. The engine – an improved version of the 8.2L released by MerCruiser in early 2010 – has been redesigned to enhance user experience on several fronts. The engine is scheduled to reach dealerships and to be available for consumer purchase by mid-August.

It starts with the second-generation 8.2L engine block that is MerCruiser-crafted to be available in sterndrive and inboard configurations.

Campion Marine Inc. will be hosting its 39th Annual Dealer Conference on August 26th and 27th in Kelowna, British Columbia to introduce the 2013 model year.

Campion Marine, a family owned business, has a strong diversified product line up, consisting of Chase high performance boats, Explorer sport utility boats, Allante runabouts and cruisers, Svfara wake and surf tow boats and Infinyte alternate energy boats. With more than 20 boats on the water, the Dealer Celebration provides an excellent opportunity for all current and prospective dealers to get together and try out Campion's high quality product line, first hand on beautiful Lake Okanagan.

The Barracuda, Beneteau’s newest powerboat range will launch in North America next month with the arrival of the Barracuda 9. The new 29-foot outboard, which features a modular design, was built to satisfy the needs of fishermen, divers and recreational boaters who value versatility and durability.

“The inspiration for the Barracuda was to build a fishing/cruising crossover which could easily be customized based on its intended use while providing more protection than ever; we believe that is the real appeal of the range.

Kevin Milne president Mars Metal Group, is proud to announce the addition of Willem Vraets to their Custom Keel Division as European Sales agent with their European Sales Division. With an extensive background in marine and offshore applications Willem brings a broad base of experience to the MarsKeel team.  

Willem Vraets has a bachelor degree in mechanical engineering and business administration.

With his family, his CC Marine Distributors family and a large group of friends and business associates, Charlie Bulmer celebrated his 80th birthday on Friday, July 13.

Charlie continues to work on the business every day and puts in the same kind of effort he always has in support of his customers and the many suppliers to CC Marine Distributors. The turnout at the 80th birthday party was tremendous and predictable.

The NMEA 2012 Conference Exhibitors and Attendees brochure packs packs were recently mailed to all NMEA members and past members. There is a lot of information in these packs and the organizers wanted to highlight some great benefits available this year. 

DID YOU KNOW THAT: Registered members at the conference can attend one MEI, AMEI or NMEA2000 full day class AT NO EXTRA CHARGE? Manufacturer product discounts exclusively available at the conference, can more than cover the cost of dealers attending?

The International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference (IBEX) and Marine Marketers of America (MMA) today announced the creation of the Exhibitor Video Awards (EVAs) to honor the best product and company videos produced by IBEX exhibitors in 2012.

The EVAs winners will be selected by a panel of judges from MMA, and the awards will be presented at the IBEX Industry Breakfast at 7:30 a.m., Oct. 2, at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville.

According to a July 14, 2012 release by The Canadian Press, the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan is acquiring roughly 75 per cent of Helly Hansen from Altor Fund II, which is keeping a quarter stake in the company. Financial terms weren’t disclosed in Friday’s announcement.

“Helly Hansen is an iconic brand with a long heritage and a strong commitment to innovation and design,” said Teachers Private Capital vice-president Jo Taylor, who heads the pension plan’s London office.