MRA Educational Series kicks-off in October with Three FREE ZOOM Interactive Webinars

MRA Educational Series kicks-off in October with Three FREE ZOOM Interactive Webinars

With the cancellation of this year's 49th Annual MRA Educational Conference & Trade Show due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Marine Recreation Association has developed the new MRA Educational Series, a series of interactive ZOOM webinars focused on marine industry education and information to help our members meet the new and enhanced challenges and potential facing the industry today.

The first of these FREE online ZOOM webinars will kick-off on October 6th at 11 AM with a presentation by Robert Newsome, Senior Vice President of Operations for the National Marine Manufacturers Association, covering the Economic Impact of the Marine Industry and Boating in California. As one of the top boating states in the country, recreational boating creates more than 40,000 jobs in California and contributes over $2 Billion in GDP. This past summer has seen surprising and extraordinary strength and growth in the industry, and this interactive presentation will provide up-to-date statistics and other insight into trends in boating participation, new & used boat sales, and other impacts on the marine industry resulting from the growing passion today for boating and fishing activities.

On October 21st at 11 AM, Shelly Anghera, PhD and Principal Scientist at Moffat & Nichol will lead a discussion focused on Navigating NEW Copper Paint Regulations and Charting a Course of Survival for the Marina Owner / Operator in response to new Copper Antifouling Paint (AFP) controls being prioritized in the Nonpoint Source Implementation developed by the California State Water Resources Control Board. These Plans pose a very real threat to the survival of coastal and inland marinas and boatyards, and this presentation will discuss the range of compliance requirements and related costs that responsible operators and boaters may incur if the proposed controls are fully implemented. Dr. Anghera has more than 20 years of experience conducting studies related to eco-toxicology, and water and sediment quality testing and analysis. She has a unique understanding of the AFP issues, and has worked closely with the MRA and members this past year to present formal comments and arguments to the State Board, and in the development of unique water quality compliance strategies . . . all MRA members should be concerned about this critical regulatory issue.

On November 10th at 11 AM, Beau Biller, MRA Lobbyist with Platinum Advisors, will give all participants an update on pending and recent California Legislation, and Nicole Vasilaros, Senior Vice President, Government & Legal Affairs for the NMMA, will provide a National Legislative Update. Above all, in this environment it is critical that we all be aware of new and pending regulations and laws and what we can do to impact those actions.

These first three sessions of the MRA Educational Series will be FREE of charge for all participants. With more than 18 education and training topics planned for presentation through June 2021, the complete MRA Educational Series will provide timely and important insight into key marine industry management, operations, and marketing concerns in a fun, informative, and interactive online format covering a broad range of strategies for enhancing guest services, improving operations, meeting regulatory compliance, maximizing marketing impact, and optimizing fiscal results within the evolving COVID-19 environment.

To help cover expenses and provide continuing services for all members of the MRA, subsequent sessions of the MRA Educational Series will carry a nominal charge depending on the number of seminars to be registered for, as follows:
*Full Package (includes ALL sessions)
Member Price $299
Non-Member Price $399

*3 Sessions
Member Price $74
Non-Member Price $104

*1 Session
Member Price $34
Non-Member Price $54

Pre-registration is required and easy through the MRA website to receive your ZOOM Meeting Code, and of course, as many staff as desired can participate in each internet session. Registration and other information on all of the MRA Educational Series topics and schedules is being posted on the MRA website at www.marina.org and will be updated regularly.
 

The Marine Recreation Association is a professional organization that represents marina owners, operators, and other marine industry professionals located throughout the western United States, with additional members in Canada, Mexico, and Australia. Created more than 49 years ago, the MRA actively promotes and represents recreational boating interests while providing educational management and operations seminars and information for marine industry owners, operators, and staff. 

For additional information about the MRA, and all of its activities and interests, please contact Mariann Timms by phone at (209) 334-0661, email at mra@marina.org or go online at www.marina.org.