// INDUSTRY NEWS rectors for NMMA . She was also the first woman on the ABYC technical board of directors , serving two consecutive five-year terms .
Goldsmith , a former competitive athlete , has an inner drive to always be the best which fuels her motivation to seek personal excellence and a sense of purpose . Last April , she accomplished a nineday trek through the Himalayas to reach Mount Everest Base Camp . “ While I continue to strive for excellence in achieving corporate milestones and fostering robust growth , what truly ignites my enthusiasm is pioneering uncharted territory and presenting the industry with groundbreaking initiatives ,” she added . “ A prime example is an upcoming 2024 research study , the first of its kind , focusing on women working in the marine industry ― dedicated to attracting , retaining and developing female talent .”
“ This award is so important to our family because it continues the legacy of my grandma , Darlene Briggs ,” Taylor said . “ She was truly an inspiring woman who would be so proud of the hard work that Michele has done to mentor and support other women in the marine industry .”
Sea Tow Foundation launches online Life Jacket Loaner Conference
The Sea Tow Foundation announced the launch of its inaugural online conference for the current and prospective hosts of their 1300-plus Life Jacket Loaner stations located nationwide . The conference , scheduled for March 5-7 , 2024 , will include a series of education , networking and community building sessions geared specifically for groups involved in life jacket loaner programs .
The Sea Tow Foundation ’ s Life Jacket Loaner Program , established in 2008 , has grown to become the world ’ s largest initiative of its kind . The program allows boaters to borrow and return life jackets free of charge from loaner stations located in all 50 states , as well as Washington , DC , American Samoa and the Virgin Islands . With over 100,000 grant-funded life jackets distributed to date , the program operates through a network of dedicated volunteers representing a diverse group that includes families impacted by drowning , park rangers , law enforcement officers , marine industry professionals , educational institutions , community groups and more .
“ While our Life Jacket Loaner program has expanded exponentially , the opportunity to engage , educate and empower our loaner station hosts has been limited . This conference presents a milestone moment to unite hosts , share best practices and strengthen the success of these lifesaving stations ,” said Gail R . Kulp , Executive Director of the Sea Tow Foundation .
The upcoming three-day online conference , funded by a grant from the U . S . Coast Guard ’ s Sport Fish Restoration & Boating Trust Fund , aims to provide crucial education , resources and tools to these invaluable hosts who maintain and operate the loaner stations . Attendees will engage in live interactive sessions , featuring esteemed speakers like the U . S . Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety and the U . S . National Water Safety Action Plan Steering Committee . Topics span station maintenance , awareness campaigns , life jacket fitting , safety protocols , partnerships and volunteer support . Participants will also have the opportunity to network at virtual tables and booths .
Registration is open now . There is an early bird registration rate of $ 20 until January 17 and a special gift will be mailed to the first 100 registrants . The conference will also be recorded , allowing registered participants to access content up to three months post-event .
To register and learn more about the conference , visit www . boatingsafety . com / page / lifejacketloanerconference .
MarineMax launches marine tech apprenticeship program across Florida
MarineMax recently established a groundbreaking Marine Service Technician Apprenticeship Program for the State of Florida .
The program consists of hands-on mentor-led and online self-led training at an assigned Florida location . The program spans three years , can be shortened to 1.5 years with approved experience , and consists of hands-on mentor-led and online self-led training at an assigned location . The Marine Service Technician Apprenticeship Program is registered through the Florida Department of Education ( FDOE ) and is recognized by the Florida Department of Veteran ’ s Affairs ( FDVA ).
“ We are honored to introduce the Marine Service Technician Apprenticeship Program to the State of Florida ,” said Andy Rishovd , MarineMax ’ s National Service & Parts Manager . “ We designed this initiative to help elevate marine industry skill development and provide aspiring technicians with valuable opportunities . This program is a testament to our commitment to fostering talented individuals and ensuring a skilled workforce in the ever-growing maritime community .”
In addition to gaining approval from FDOE and FDVA for the Marine Service Technician Apprenticeship Program , MarineMax has received $ 382,000 from The Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant ( PCOG / Pathways Grant ) Program administered by FDOE to support running the program . This grant program is an annual appropriation from the Florida Legislature in the General Appropriations Act that seeks applicants from High Schools , Charter Centers , Charter , Technical Career Centers , Florida College System institutions , and other entities authorized to sponsor an apprenticeship or preapprenticeship program .
NMMA names new VP of North American public affairs
The National Marine Manufacturers Association ( NMMA ) has hired Molly Drenkard as vice president of North American Public Affairs . Drenkard oversees the Association ’ s strategic communications related to policy and government engagement on behalf of the $ 230 billion U . S . recreational boating industry . In addition , Drenkard will oversee NMMA ’ s public affairs efforts in Canada . She is based in NMMA ’ s Washington , D . C . headquarters and reports to Ellen Bradley , NMMA ’ s senior vice president of marketing and communications .
Drenkard comes to NMMA from Anheuser- Busch , the world ’ s largest brewer . As director of corporate communications on the U . S . commu-
www . boatingindustry . com january 2024
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