// INDUSTRY NEWS
marine industry has to offer . NMMA has a long track record of producing quality boat shows throughout the country , from Chicago and Atlanta , to New York and Miami , and we felt they were just the organization needed to elevate the show to new heights ,” said Les Gray , Southeast Productions ’ President . “ We have full confidence the Mid-Atlantic Boat Show will continue to be the Carolinas ’ most desirable boating sales event for years to come .”
The Mid-Atlantic Boat Show will proceed as scheduled Feb . 6-9 , 2025 at the Charlotte Convention Center and will be led by NMMA ’ s Darren Envall , vice president of Midwest / Mid-South Shows . NMMA ’ s Nate Gaw will be sales manager .
With its most recent acquisition , NMMA owns and produces 10 consumer boat shows annually in major markets throughout the U . S . Visit DiscoverBoating . com / boatshows for a comprehensive schedule .
Yamaha helps place 500 marine techs in dealerships
Yamaha Marine , through its Yamaha Marine Technical School Partnership program ( TSP ) and workforce development efforts , recently reached an important milestone , helping to place more than 500 graduate technicians into Yamaha marine dealerships . The achievement is the joint effort of Yamaha ’ s service and government relations teams , demonstrating Yamaha ’ s commitment boosting the number of qualified technicians in the field and delivering premium service experiences to retail customers .
“ During the last 10 + years , the marine industry faced a shortage of skilled technicians due to the challenges of recruiting and retaining qualified service personnel . Yamaha developed the TSP program and worked closely with state regulators to meet that challenge ,” said Kenyon Ward , Senior Workforce Development Specialist . “ The fact that our government relations efforts and TSP program helped facilitate the placement of 500 qualified technicians with Yamaha dealerships proves we are making a difference . We will continue working with state legislators and investing resources into technical schools to make the workforce stronger .”
Developed in 2015 , Yamaha ’ s TSP program aims to develop a stronger marine technician workforce through a certified curriculum , Yamaha systems access and product donations used in the classroom for hands-on training . The facilitation
and growth of Yamaha Marine ’ s technical school relationships led to the development of Yamahasponsored curriculum available to technical schools for use in the classroom . The first curriculum , titled “ Introduction to Outboard Systems ,” ( ITOS ) includes textbook materials and hands-on learning experiences for students who wish to start a career as a marine industry technician . Students who successfully complete the course receive Yamaha Marine ’ s Introduction to Outboard Systems Certification .
“ Yamaha has been instrumental to our program ’ s success since I began at Manatee Technical College ,” said Ron Tomlin , Marine Service Technology Instructor , Manatee Technical College . “ Their comprehensive training not only equips students with invaluable knowledge , but also ensures they are well-prepared for success in their careers by making it seamless for schools to integrate their curriculum . Yamaha excels in every area , providing state-of-the-art equipment , expert staff training and robust curriculum development .”
A significant number of these technicians enter the dealer network as Maintenance Certified Technicians , due to the Maintenance Certification Program ( MCP ) implemented by leading technical schools . In 2021 , Yamaha ’ s service and government relations teams helped Yamaha become the first marine outboard manufacturer to place Maintenance Certifications on Florida ’ s CAPE funding list . Florida ’ s CAPE program incentivizes schools to offer industry-recognized certifications that students can earn to secure high-wage , highdemand careers by providing performance awards for workforce development . In 2024 , Florida students earned 528 Yamaha Marine Certifications through CAPE , contributing to over $ 250,000 in funding for schools since 2022 . This initiative has helped approximately 141 certified technicians join Yamaha marine dealerships .
In 2023 , Yamaha partnered with the Alaska Maritime Education Consortium ( AMEC ) to establish an infrastructure for Yamaha Marine products training across the state , specifically in remote regions . The agreement expands the reach of the Yamaha Tech School Partner ( TSP ) program . To date , there are eight Alaska school members and more than 40 students who have completed Yamaha ’ s Introduction to Outboard Systems course .
Freedom Boat Club celebrates 35 years
Freedom Boat Club announced its 35th anniversary , marking a journey of growth , innovation , and community building . From its beginnings in 1989 , Freedom Boat Club has expanded to over 400 locations across the United States and internationally , creating a boating community of more than 100,000 members .
“ As we celebrate this incredible 35-year milestone , we are reminded of the power of community and the shared passion for boating that has brought us here ,” said Will Sangster , President of Brunswick Corporation ’ s Business Acceleration Division which is home to Freedom Boat Club . “ This achievement is not only a reflection of our dedication to providing unmatched access to boating but also a testament to the loyalty and enthusiasm of our members around the world . As we continue to grow and innovate , we are committed to making boating more accessible and seamless for future generations .”
With an unparalleled commitment to safety , quality , and service , Freedom Boat Club continues to set an example , offering its members a wide array of benefits including training , reciprocal access across its 400 + locations , and a growing network of like-minded boating enthusiasts . As part of the 35th anniversary celebration , the Club will continue its expansion across top boating destinations , adding to its growing portfolio in international locations , such as Australia , Denmark , France , the United Kingdom – and most recently announced , New Zealand .
Freedom Boat Club said its aspiration for the future is focused on expanding its footprint , maintaining the highest standards of excellence , and simplifying the boating experience with enhanced and seamless technology .
“ This 35-year milestone is a true testament to
8 december 2024 / january 2025 www . boatingindustry . com