COMITT registration continues to be strong

EDGEWATER, Md., CHICAGO and BROOKLIN, Maine – Organizers of the Conference on Marine Industry Technical Training say space is filling fast, but are encouraging those who have not done so to make a New Year’s resolution to sign up for the February gathering.

In a joint press release issued today, the American Boat & Yacht Council, the National Marine Manufacturers Association and Professional BoatBuilder magazine, COMITT’s co-producers, said registration for the event has been strong.

“With only 4 weeks before COMITT, we have a large number of educational institutions and trade associations ready to hear the educational needs of industry and hungry to find out how they can help the efforts to attract, recruit and retain a highly proficient and effective workforce for the 21st century,” said Skip Burdon, ABYC president.

COMITT will provide a forum to discuss, present and demonstrate industry support of technical workforce education, training, certification and professional development. Its purpose is to become the internationally recognized leading summit to highlight the marine industry’s commitment to developing and maintaining a highly-skilled and technically proficient workforce.

“We are excited to see such an enthusiastic response from educational institutions from across the country. They are ready to develop and deliver the education and training industry has been calling for,” said NMMA president, Thom Dammrich. “If you haven’t registered for COMITT you are missing a real opportunity to participate in one of our industry’s defining moments for 2005. That is why I encourage all manufacturers and builders of all sizes to register today.”

Carl Cramer, publisher of PBB and co-director of IBEX, said many industry segments have registered early, but called on others to increase their levels of participation.

“Attending schools and marine trade associations are working hard to try to develop meaningful training programs for builders, yards, marinas and surveyors,” Cramer said. “Many industry segments have responded eagerly to COMITT by registering early. We would, however, like to see additional support from boat builders and engine system manufacturers. If you need a more well defined, well trained, and highly motivated workforce now and in the future, you need to attend COMITT.”

Registrations will be accepted through Jan. 19 for the conference, which will be held Feb. 3-5 in Ft. Lauderdale. Participants can receive more information and register online at www.abycinc.org, or have a conference brochure mailed to them by contacting Bonnie Barsa, ABYC education director at (410) 956-1050, ext. 31 or bbarsa@abycinc.org.

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