Aug 1, 2017

As we reported in the July 18 edition of News Week, Rick Layzell has been appointed CEO of the Boating Ontario association and we reached him at the Boating Ontario offices in Penetanguishene on July 24th – his sixth day in the position, to learn more about the association’s future plans.

The first and most important information is that Boating Ontario members and other industry executives should save the date; the 2017 Boating Ontario Conference will be a celebration of our 50th Anniversary and will be held at the Blue Mountain Resort, Collingwood, Ontario on November 26, 27 and 28, 2017. The new Conference Committee will be set up in the next few weeks and members will see more detailed information shortly thereafter.

Another important step is the association’s partnership with Georgian College where 15 students are about to graduate this September 2nd. They will be available to go out for their 12-week paid placements just when the industry needs an influx of trained young people to replace summer staff for fall winterizing and repairs. To make this even better employer can earn up to $162.50 per week in payroll subsidy as an incentive.

In terms of his background, Rick Layzell has been a senior sales executive with Yamaha for many years then most recently heading up sales at MD Marine Insurance before taking the helm at Boating Ontario. He also served on the NMMA Canada Board for 12 years, six as Chairman, and he was also the first Chairman of Discover Boating.

We asked about the association’s long-term plan and future directions and Layzell acknowledged that a new planning process was to take place in the coming months, to refocus the efforts and activities of the organization. There is a lot to do to wind up 2017 first before any long-term initiatives can be undertaken. Major website efforts will also get underway soon.

Mainly though, Layzell emphasized that the association membership numbers were holding steady and he sees a major opportunity in communicating the many member benefits that deliver significant value, particularly the HUB Marina Insurance program, the exhibitor discounts at the Toronto International Boat Show the Dodge trucks incentive program, the benefits of Clean Marine and more.

This is also a time when it would be great to see some younger industry members step up and help guide the association’s future. As his parting comment, Layzell emphasized that he will always welcome the input from all Boating Ontario members – marinas, dealers and trades particularly at this time of fresh opportunity. You can call the association at 705-549-1667 or email him directly at: rlayzell@boatingontario.ca

Click here https://vimeo.com/227162746 for a brief video with Boating Ontario CEO, Rick Layzell