CHICAGO – Challenges of rising interest rates and a cooling economy, competition between boating and other leisure sectors, and current marine lending issues of concern will be in focus Sept. 11 – 13 in Nashville, Tenn., as the National Marine Bankers Association hosts its 26th annual Marine Lending Conference, according to a statement from the organization yesterday.
The conference allows the marine lending community to meet and interact with peers and others in the service industry who work with consumers to facilitate boat loans, and the trade, to manage inventory loans. It is also an opportunity for marine bankers to share ideas and opinions and network with colleagues.
“We expect high attendance in Nashville as the marine lending community comes together in support of the Grow Boating initiative and learns how we all can enhance the boating experience,” said conference chair Peggy Bodenreider, director of indirect marine for E*Trade Consumer Finance Corp. “Many challenges are facing our industry and everyone is interested in how they can be better prepared for success.”
A schedule of information sessions, addresses and panels has been planned.
”The state of the boating industry” with George Buckley, chairman and CEO of Brunswick Corporation. In addition to his views of the boating industry, trends and forecast, NMBA conference planners have asked Buckley to address such topics as the growing cost of new boating products, how he sees various market demographics playing out and where Brunswick will fit into the competitive landscape going forward.
”Grow Boating initiative” with Bruce VanWagoner, president of Marine Group at GE Commercial Distribution Finance, and Thom Dammrich, National Marine Manufacturers Association president. The two are key players in the industry-wide effort to enhance the boat buying experience and overall lifestyle and will provide a look at progress, plans and how the lending community and allies can piggyback on the promotional efforts underway.
“An industry and economic forecast” with Gina Martin, financial economist with Wachovia Bank. Martin returns to the NMBA Conference to provide insights to financial markets and the national economy, housing and inventories, and how these will affect the boating market.
”A look at the leisure industry” with Tim Conder, Industry Analyst with A.G. Edwards, will bring a wide view of “leisure” to the meeting. With views provided to readers of industry publications including Cruise-Community, Cruise Industry News, Golfweek and Powersports Business, Conder’s perspective will help people understand where boating fits, and where other lending and service opportunities may be.
”The importance of body language” with Lanny Fuettere, a professional speaker, will serve up his “I Said That?” a humorous and energizing take on the non-verbal communication side of life.
A “Nuts and Bolts” session dealing with a host of current marine lending industry issues will also be presented. Panelists include: Victor Koock, vice president of First American Transportation Title Insurance Company; and Mike Smith, co-founder and president of Global Marine Insurance Agency.
“An Update from the Capitol” with Cindy Squires, NMMA’s Regulatory Counsel, will focus on the major issues the association is working on, some of which include water access issues, the Recreational Marine Employment Act, anti-counterfeiting, and the Wallop-Breaux Aquatic Resources Trust Fund reauthorization.
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