January 29, 2007, Annapolis, MD: The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) announced today that Rear Admiral Brian M. Salerno, Director of Inspection and Compliance, United States Coast Guard, will be addressing ABYC's membership as the Keynote Speaker at the 53rd Annual Meeting. The Rear Admiral has also enthusiastically agreed to participate in the event's awards ceremony.

"ABYC strives to secure speakers that can provide critical insight into important topics surrounding boating safety to our members and their organizations," said Skip Burdon, ABYC's President. "We are pleased to again have a USCG representative, such as the Rear Admiral speak at our Annual Meeting, and are looking forward to seeing all our members," Burdon concluded.

Rear Admiral Salerno assumed the duties as Director of Inspection & Compliance, U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters in May 2006. As Director of Inspection & Compliance, he oversees the offices of Boating Safety, Auxiliary, Vessels Activities, Port & Facility Activities, Investigation Analysis, Traveling Inspectors, the National Maritime Center and the National Vessel Documentation Center.

ABYC also announced that two long-time members, law firm Buist Moore Smythe McGee, P.A. and Ken Cook Co. will co-sponsor ABYC's 2007 Annual Meeting & Reception. Buist Moore Smythe McGee, P.A. is one of the largest full service business and litigation law firms in Charleston, South Carolina, with an extensive list of services to include admiralty and aviation. They have been an ABYC member for 12 years. Ken Cook Co., a provider of original marine product literature supporting power manufacturers and boat builders for over 60 years has been an ABYC member since 1990. "ABYC would like to thank this years co-sponsors for their support of this event, as well as their long-term commitments to boating safety through membership in ABYC," said Burdon.

Annual Meeting & Reception Details:
ABYC's membership, which includes boat builders, surveyors, boat yards, boat owners, insurance companies, law firms, trade associations, marinas, dealerships, government agencies and equipment and accessory manufacturers, will gather on Wednesday evening, February 14, 2007 at the Bass Museum of Art, only a few blocks from the Miami Beach Convention Center. ABYC members can visit ABYC's web site, www.abycinc.org for event details.

ABYC has been developing, writing and updating the safety standards for boat building and repair in the United States for over 50 years. ABYC is actively involved with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) as well as education and certification programs for marine technicians. These standards are available on CD-ROM, online (Web-STIR) and in printed form. Membership and general information can be requested by visiting the ABYC web site at www.abycinc.org.