February 1, 2008, Annapolis, MD: The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) is pleased to announce that it will conduct its 2008 Annual Meeting & Awards Presentation on Wednesday evening, February 13, 2008 in Room A201/A202 of the Miami Beach Convention Center at 5:30 p.m. 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 to welcome in new Board Members, recognize departing ones, and present a series of awards. Awards to be presented include the ABYC Service Award, the ABYC Horizon Award, the ABYC Life Service Award and the ABYC Foundation Bunzl Boating Safety Award.

In addition to the above awards, the Westlawn Institute of Marine Technology, an educational affiliate of ABYC will also announce the 2008 North American Boat Designers (NABD) Hall of Fame inductees, and present the Westlawn Lifetime Achievement award.

Two long-time members, law firm Buist Moore Smythe McGee, P.A. and Ken Cook Co. will once again co-sponsor ABYC's Annual Meeting. Buist Moore Smythe McGee, P.A. is one of the largest full service business and litigation law firms in Charleston, SC, with an extensive list of services to include admiralty and aviation. They have been an ABYC member for 13 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 Skip Burdon, ABYC President. "We're looking forward to seeing old friends, and meeting new members at this venue, immediately following the Grow Boating update meeting!" 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 the ABYC Standards Powered by Rulefinder.net) and in printed form. Membership and general information can be requested by visiting the ABYC Web site at www.abycinc.org.