Manager of the New Orleans Boat Show relocates

CHICAGO – Barbara Sclafani, manager of the New Orleans Boat Show, will temporarily relocate to the Mid-South regional office of the National Marine Manufacturers Association in St. Louis until conditions allow for her re-entry into New Orleans, NMMA reported in a recent release.

Sclafani will make the move to the St. Louis office later this week and work with NMMA to support exhibitors and dealers in their plans to rebuild. Sclafani and her family safely evacuated New Orleans and have been residing with friends and family.

“The support I’ve received throughout the boating industry has been overwhelming,” said Sclafani. “I am thankful that my family is safe and grateful to be able to get back to work.”

NMMA is working with exhibitors and marine dealers as well as local government officials throughout New Orleans to determine next steps surrounding the status of the 2006 New Orleans Boat Show.

“At this time, there is not enough information available to make a decision about the 2006 show,” said Ben Wold, executive vice president for NMMA. “We’re working closely with local authorities to better understand the impact Hurricane Katrina will have on the future of the show and we ask that our exhibitors stay tuned as we move forward.”

Sclafani said she would “do what is necessary to assist local exhibitors in rebuilding. There is a lot of information that needs to be gathered before we can make any decisions about the 2006 show and I’m confident in the strength of the local industry to help us rebuild.”

Exhibitors and attendees are encouraged to visit www.neworleansboatshow.com for the most current news and information. The site will be continuously updated by show staff as information becomes available.

Sclafani can be reached in St. Louis at (314) 567-0020 or bsclafani@nmma.org, until further notice. The mailing address for the St. Louis office is: 1144 Olivette Executive Parkway, Suite 120, St. Louis, MO, 63132.

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