Honda, MMTA donate to MITEC

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Responding immediately to the call for support from the Marine Industry Technical Education Council, Honda Marine – a division of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. – has made a $5,000 donation and the Massachusetts Marine Trades Educational Trust has donated another $1,000, as MITEC kicks off a year-end fundraising campaign designed to support the implementation of its goals and mission.

In a press release yesterday, MITEC, an all-volunteer organization created to address the marine industry’s technical workforce shortage, asked others “to rally to the cause.”

“Through this donation, we hope to show our support of MITEC,” said Paul Sabourin, manager of Field Service and Training for Honda Marine. “Honda is committed to customer service and growing our boating population – however, growing properly trained, qualified marine technicians is essential to ensuring boaters continue to have a positive boating experience from sales through service.”

Ed Lofgren, Trustee of the MMTA Educational Trust and a MITEC member feels that “demonstrated local industry buy-in and support of MITEC is essential in order to secure matching national funding, in-kind contributions, grants and gifts needed for the long-term success of MITEC. This is why we wanted to step up to the plate and show our support for MITEC. MITEC is trying to close the communication gap between industry, educators, technicians, students and supporting workforce development agencies. How can we not support this?”

Many other individuals and organizations have also made donations of time, money and support to help MITEC accomplish projects such as a Web site on careers in boating (www.boatingcareerinfo.org) and the development of a marine industry educational provider catalog. However, the two most important projects right now are securing personnel that can take MITEC to the next level, and the completion of a nationwide workforce needs analysis and skills analysis.

The mission of the MITEC is to facilitate the development and sustained availability of a technically skilled and proficient workforce for the marine industry through education, training and professional development. The supporting mission of the Council is to promote public awareness and appreciation of technical workforce career opportunities within the marine industry.

“The generosity of Honda and the MMTA Educational Trust, as well as all our previous donors helps MITEC continue its operation,” Steve Kitchin, MITEC chair said. “On behalf of MITEC, I would like to thank each and every person who has contributed a dollar or moment of their time as it has an immeasurable impact on our ability to keep projects going and expand to help the industry grow its workforce.”

Skip Burdon, MITEC’s secretary and director of its Economic Development Division said increasing the number of donors is critical as MITEC works to convince national organizations to make contributions of their own.

“A gift of $25 or more will add up quickly and demonstrate industry wide grassroots support by all sectors – from schools and small businesses up to corporations. We have to remember that MITEC’s mission is one that is relevant to everyone working in this industry, and that is why we need wide support.”

The ABYC Foundation supports not only ABYC, but other organizations that better the industry through education, standards and safety as well. A restricted use account has been set up by the ABYC Foundation in support of MITEC.

Tax-deductible year-end donations to support MITEC can be made directly to the ABYC Foundation and mailed to:
The ABYC Foundation
c/o MITEC
613 Third St., Ste. 10
Annapolis, MD 21403

All donors will be acknowledged in the Spring ‘08 issue of the Reference Point, ABYC’s member magazine. The ABYC Foundation will also acknowledge any contribution by letter for tax purposes.

To learn more about MITEC, its mission, projects and programs, visit www.boatingcareerinfo.org.

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