AMTECH, ABYC discuss partnership

ORLANDO, Fla. – The National Marine Service Expo (NMSE) 2004 was the setting for initial talks between the Association of Marine Technicians (AMTECH) and the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) to work closer in several areas to include partnering in education, training and professional development programs, AMTECH reported in a statement yesterday.

Skip Burdon, president of ABYC, and Joe De Marco, president of AMTECH, discussed their ideas with AMTECH’s annual Advisory Council and Board of Directors during a meeting on January 15. The council was represented by 32 members, including 11 educational institutions with marine programs, four engine manufacturers and seven aftermarket manufacturers.

Education and membership options covered

AMTECH and ABYC both sponsor education and training programs for marine technicians that both complement and supplement each other’s offerings. If presented together, these programs have the potential of maximizing the limited time marine technicians can afford to be away from the workplace, according to AMTECG.

The two associations are also exploring dual membership options for members who recognize the added value of belonging to both organizations, along with other added-value programs that can be offered to members of both organizations.

“I am really impressed with the energy and dedication that AMTECH has devoted toward providing quality professional development opportunities for its membership, as well as to its commitment to customer service,” said Burdon. “There appears to be real opportunities for both organizations to work together for the benefit of marine technicians – those who arguably have the greatest impact on long-term customer satisfaction within our industry.”

Burdon also worked the ABYC booth at the NMSE trade show and met with AMTECH members in attendance. During the Advisory Council meeting, Burdon invited members to attend the National Education Summit to be held later this year, at a location to be announced shortly. An overwhelming majority in the audience said they would like to attend.

“This is terrific momentum for the marine service industry,” said De Marco. “Skip was well received by all of our members this weekend and we are excited about continuing this path of cooperation, which will ultimately mean better service for the boating customer.”

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