Press Releases

September 27, 2005, Edgewater, MD; Chicago, IL; and Brooklin, ME:   Online registration is now open for the second annual Conference on Marine Industry Technical Training (COMITT), to be held January 23 - 24, 2006 at the Safety Harbor Resort and Spa, just outside of Tampa, FL. To register simply go to the ABYC web site, www.abycinc.org and click on the COMITT logo.

Skip Burdon, ABYC President said, "Last year, we built the foundation for an industry approach to providing quality marine technical education, training and professional development by assembling a diversified mix of industry and education representatives who reached consensus regarding the approach and implementation of a nationally coordinated program. COMITT '06 now turns its attention to uncovering "Resources for Success," the theme of this years conference. For educators that means locating funding through Federal, State and private grants, gifts and scholarships, as well as materials and marine products required for instruction, demonstration and direct hands-on student interaction. For manufacturers and other industry sectors that means discovering opportunities available to receive financial support and reimbursement for workforce professional development programs, administrative support in managing education and professional development programs, and personnel support through establishing sound relationship with educational institutions graduating the technical workforce of today and tomorrow."

Attendees will hear from experts within the Federal Departments of Education and Labor, state and local government officials, workforce development professionals, leaders within the marine industry and educators who can help locate education, training and financial assistance resources. Topics will include:

• Obtaining Funding to Train Employees;
• Establishing an Apprenticeship Program; and
• Industry Support: Finding and Asking for Resources.

Detailed information on the upcoming agenda and speakers will be posted on the COMITT web site. Check regularly for updates.

"We are excited and committed to continue using this conference as a forum to bring together the marine industry and its partners in education," stated Carl Cramer, publisher of Professional BoatBuilder magazine and co-Director of IBEX. "Valuable information, thoughts and ideas on the education, training and professional development were gathered and assessed at last year's conference, which is why we developed an agenda around "Resources for Success" for COMITT '06," stated Cramer.

Thom Dammrich, NMMA's President and a spearhead behind the industry's "Grow Boating" initiative recently stated, "Providing the right training at the right time is a large component of increasing customer satisfaction." As the Grow Boating initiative achieves its stated goals, more highly trained and motivated technicians will be needed in all industry sectors. COMITT is an ideal way to stay connected to and 'ahead of the power curve' concerning education and professional development initiatives, as well as resources for success in attracting and retaining an effective and efficient workforce."

New at COMITT '06, organizations will also have the opportunity to display materials for a fee of $150. Kiosk space will be first come, first serve and can be reserved when filling out the registration form.

Both event and high school sponsorship opportunities are also available. Further information regarding sponsorships can be obtained by contacting Carl Cramer at (207) 359-4651 or by email at carl@proboat.com.

Registration Information:
Participants can register online at www.abycinc.org or by contacting the ABYC Education Department at (410) 956-1050. The cost to attend will be $250 for Business/Industry and Association leadership, $200 for post secondary institutions, $150 for high schools. The three co-producers are also encouraging business planners attending COMITT to consider sponsoring the participation of a local or state high school; especially those having or contemplating establishing a marine trades, program

Co-produced by ABYC, NMMA and PBB, COMITT will provide a forum to discuss, present and demonstrate industry support of technical workforce education, training, certification and professional development. COMITT's purpose is to become the internationally recognized leading summit to highlight the marine industry's commitment to developing and maintaining a highly-skilled and technically proficient workforce.