Sept 12, 2017

Boating Ontario CEO Rick Layzell sent along this brief End of the Summer Update. Wheels are well in motion as the association moves towards the celebration of their 50th Anniversary. On Sunday the 26th of November, marine industry personnel from across the province will descend on Blue Mountain and together, over the next two nights and two business days the group will talk shop, reflect on this year’s wins, work together to overcome challenges and most definitely, will celebrate 50 years of the Association. Details on the conference will be circulated to members by September 15th. Blue Mountain Resort was a great host last year and they’ve promised to take their game up a notch this year – mark your calendars for November 26 – 28th.

Students – over a dozen students are about to enter the market. These students have spent their last 35 weeks in the pre-apprenticeship program at Georgian College. With First Aid / CPR, health and safety, forklift, WHMIS and a host of other training already under their belts, these young people are sure to be a great asset to members as we move into the layup season. We look forward to hearing their success stories of their first experiences in our business.

Clean Marine – the world recognized Boating Ontario Clean Marine program now proudly has flags flying at over 200 marinas and boat dealerships across the province. With several marinas working towards the benefits of gold, diamond and platinum recognition, the Clean Marine Program continues to gain momentum and prove its financial benefits for Boating Ontario members of all sizes. The Georgia Strait Alliance in BC and the AMQ in Quebec have both partnered with Boating Ontario to adopt this incredible program. Over the winter months, we will be working diligently with select members and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change on the finishing touches of the Clean Boater program – destined to take Clean Marine to the next level. Watch for announcements at the Toronto International Boat Show.

The new Boating Ontario website continues to evolve and is becoming an important industry and consumer information source. Have you added the details for your company to the site? It only takes a minute! Please call Duane McKay if you need support to get this done – we are here to help.

Members continue to benefit from lower space rates at TIBS, fantastic commercial insurance discounts from our friends at HUB International and the new Dodge Ram discount program that has already proved financially beneficial to over 10 members. We are painstakingly delving into each and everyaffinity program as we look for ways to help you lower your overall costs of operation – suggestions and input are ALWAYS welcome. Call us anytime 1 888 547 6662

Rick Layzell closed by saying, “Thanks for being a member! We look forward to proudly serving Ontario’s marine community for the next 50 years.”