// INDUSTRY NEWS
The digital cover technology acquired enables Sunstream ’ s dealers to take 3D scans of a boat using an iPhone . The scans are then uploaded to create a 3D model , digitally design a boat cover , precisely cut it , and store the data for easy future replacement .
California Boating Congress set for Sacramento
California ’ s marine and boating industries are set to meet in Sacramento on March 12-13 , 2024 to impact state legislators and regulators on issues facing marinas , boating , waterways , and recreation .
The 8th annual event brings together industry groups to hear from statewide leaders , policymakers , legislators , and more to gain a keen understanding on legislation and regulatory issues facing California ’ s growing marine , boating , and water recreation industries .
“ The California Boating Congress is the must attend event to meet government officials who impact our industry every day ,” said Kate Pearson , chair of the annual event and immediate past president of the Marine Recreation Association . “ Telling our story to policy makers in Sacramento is crucial to protecting our marinas and waterways .”
State Treasurer Fiona Ma will kick-off the conference so participants can learn more about the various programs the State of California offers that can be useful to their respective businesses . Then participants will hear from state legislators and leaders from the California Department of Parks and the Division of Boating and Waterways who will address critical issues facing marine , boating and recreation industries across the state .
Each year , the Marine Recreation Association partners with the California Yacht Brokers Association , California Association of Harbor Masters and Port Captains , Boat US , Personal Watercraft Association , National Marine Manufacturers Association , and Recreational Boaters of California to sponsor the event . In past years more than 75 attendees have traveled to the state ’ s capitol to share the marine , boating , and recreation story to leaders .
Chris Postanowicz
Yamaha Marine names senior manager , financial planning and analysis
Yamaha U . S . Marine Business Unit announced today the appointment of Chris Postanowicz to senior manager of marine financial planning and analysis . In his new role , Postanowicz leads the financial and operational analysis supporting all Yamaha Marine Business Unit subsidiaries including budgeting , forecasting , long range planning and ad hoc analysis .
“ Chris has an impressive track record and a great deal of success driving financial results through partnership , collaboration and analytics ,” said Bill Boehman , Vice President , Yamaha U . S . Marine Business Unit . “ He has more than 17 years of experience in financial planning and analysis , process development and improvement , as well as the creation of innovative revenue growth and cost reduction strategies . Chris is a great asset to our team , and we look forward to his contributions as he takes on this role .”
Prior to joining Yamaha , Postanowicz served as Director of Financial Planning and Analysis for Pep Boys where he led the financial planning and analysis function for Pep Boys Real Estate , representing nearly 1,000 operating locations with annual occupancy cost of $ 221 million and $ 63 million in annual subtenant income from 300 Pep Boys former supercenter stores .
Postanowicz reports directly to Bill Boehman , Vice President , Yamaha U . S . Marine Business Unit .
NMLA elects board of directors
The NMLA conducted its 43rd Annual Meeting on Dec . 13 , 2023 , where Michael Harbaugh , president at Vantage Recreational Finance , John Haymond , SVP at Medallion Bank , and Don Parkhurst , SVP at M & T Bank were elected to a three-year term on the Board of Directors through 2026 . Noelle Norvell , president at Luxury Financial Group was also elected the association ’ s new president .
Harbaugh is a seasoned entrepreneur with a remarkable 20-plus year track record of success across various consumer finance market verticals . His expertise extends to developing innovative companies that harness technology and create fresh opportunities in mature markets . In 2012 , Mike co-founded Vantage Recreational Finance ( VRF ) and over the past 12 years , VRF has shown consistent growth , most recently being acknowledged by INC Magazine , who recognized VRF as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the US for both 2022 and 2023 .
Haymond has worked in banking for 30 years . His experience in consumer finance encompasses over two decades of business development , marketing , underwriting and collections work . More than 20 of those years have been devoted to Marine Lending and promoting the marine industry . John currently works for Medallion Bank as senior vice president of business development . John is involved with all of the NMLA committees , served as president for the past four years , and as a board member for the past 12 years .
Parkhurst has 42 years of banking and marine lending experience and is currently senior vice president and marine credit manager at M & T Bank in Keswick , Va . Previously he was head of SunTrust Bank ’ s Marine & RV Finance Division from 1998 – 2019 , and he managed the marine division for SunTrust Bank ’ s predecessor , Crestar Bank , from 1993 to 1998 . Prior to that , Don ran the consumer lending division of Continental Federal Savings Bank . Don is the assistant treasurer of the NMLA , a past president , has served as a director since 1999 , and is the chairman of the association ’ s legislative committee . The NMLA Board of Directors for 2024 are : Officers : Noelle Norvell- President ( Luxury Financial Group ), Michael Stodolak – Vice President ( Independent Bank ), Lauren Key – Secretary ( Shore Premier Finance ), Bill Otto – Treasurer ( Emeritus ), Don Parkhurst – Assistant Treasurer ( M & T Bank ).
Directors : Jeff Backus ( First Approval Source ), Jim Coburn ( The Coburn Consulting Company ), Michael Harbaugh ( Vantage Recreational Finance ), John Haymond ( Medallion Bank ), Caroline Mantel – Associate Director ( Boat History Report ), and Jackie Forese ( Emeritus ).
www . boatingindustry . com january 2024
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