UMMA holds “most important” Partnership Conference

swadminOctober 18, 2005

ST. LOUIS – The United Marine Manufacturers Association (UMMA) and United Marine Suppliers Association (UMSA) joined forces for their 10th annual Partnership Conference, Oct. 6-9 at the Hilton Pavillion Hotel and Conference Center, the groups reported in a recent statement.

UMMA’s 88 boat builder Members and UMSA’s 116 suppliers were represented at a trade show and during scheduled meetings and events.

“Given the challenges facing independent builders and suppliers, due to industry consolidation and escalating raw material pricing, this may have been the most important conference ever,” noted Kent Wooldridge, UMMA president. “I was extremely pleased the both builders and suppliers committed to pull together even more tightly to pool their resources and address the issues, which impact both groups.”

“We had a great turnout and received incredible commitments from both the builders and suppliers,” stated Rudy DiPietro, UMMA sales manager. “When we pull together like this, we can move mountains.”

Boat builders receiving “Builder of the Year” awards included Smoker/Sylvan, Starcraft/Monark, Fineline Industries (Ski Centurian), and Key West Boats. Suppliers receiving “Supplier of the Year” awards, included BRP (Johnson/Evinrude outboards), Volvo, Valspar gelcoats and HK gelcoats.