Tis the Season…
August 25, 2026
The season to sign up new staff members for the future, that is. Or maybe, to promote a promising one and assist them in building a career in the industry with more education and a career path that they can follow. I think the best gift you can give a promising young person is to suggest a career path from your own experience and to guide them to the best resources.
Years ago, as a recent Journalism / Marketing grad building my career in the ad agency business, my first boss was kind enough to literally map out what steps (and courses and contacts) I needed to follow to build my career. And he was exactly right. I followed his advice and achieved my career goals ending up as a VP in the Television industry after working at three different Top 10 international ad agencies. I will always be grateful for his generous support.
Thinking of the young people in your orbit, there are several stories in Boating Industry Canada News Week Digest this week that offer valuable resources and directions. For example, Boating Ontario has their Marine WORX program of support for students. Their Annual Golf Tournament on Tuesday August 25th generates substantial resources for financial support to students.
They also have the Level Up! program where industry members are asked to give a little of their time to present boating industry opportunities at student sessions around the province this fall. By participating in the Level Up! sessions in your area, you might just discover a great new candidate.
For a big picture view of the marine industry and the sophisticated and challenging careers boating offers, join the free ABYC online session by Brian Goodwin on August 27. It’s just an hour and I’m confident it will be informative.
We have recently written about Ken Harrison and his appointment as the NMEA’s Canadian Ambassador promoting the exciting high-tech NMEA programs in marine electronics to our people. We will have more on those developments in coming issues.
For a special boost that you can give a keen young tech, send them to IBEX for a few days. This event in Tampa in October is a “Candy Store” of marine equipment and education. There is nothing else like it in North America. We have two IBEX stories in this week’s Boating Industry Canada News Week Digest.
Lastly, remember we also have the ongoing Career Opportunities section in Boating Industry Canada News Week Digest in every issue. Make good use of that!
There’s lots happening! Tis the season!
Andy Adams – Editor
