MTANJ elects new 2019-2020 officers and directors, presents sponsor awards

On April 4th, 2019, the Marine Trades Association of New Jersey (MTA/NJ) held its annual dinner and elections at Doolan’s Shore Club in Spring Lake and elected its 2019-2020 officers and directors.

Ed McCarthy of McCarthy’s Marine Sales will assume the role of president of the association. Greg Wright of John B. Wright Insurance in Manasquan will serve as first vice president, and George Fuller of George Fuller’s Marine & Machine in Bayville was elected second vice president.

“Having been in the marine business for over 60 years, I have seen just about every challenge the industry could offer,” stated Ed McCarthy, the newly elected president. “The Marine Trades Association of N.J. has helped us through many challenges and has provided avenues to get them resolved, through our legislative and regulatory efforts, workforce development, member events and boat shows. I am very proud to have served on the board, thankful for this nomination, and I look forward to serving to the best of my ability as president.”

Ed Harrison, III of Baywood Marina in Brick remains the treasurer and Raymond Bogan of Sinn, Fitzsimmons, Cantoli, Bogan, West & Steuerman in Point Pleasant Beach continues as secretary.

Jim Cerruti of Fair Haven Yacht Works in Fair Haven remains on the board as immediate past president. Colleen Blake of All Points Marine Services in Point Pleasant Beach was appointed to the board as a new director.

The following directors were re-elected to serve another three-year term: Mark Cassidy of Cassidy’s Breton Woods Marina in Brick, Karen Gruppuso of Coastal Environmental Consulting, LLC in Toms River, Debbie Mooers of Grassy Sound Marina in Grassy Sound, and Pat Salinas of Morgan Marina in Parlin. Rick Castellini of Marine Max Island Marine Center in Ocean View, Ray Fernandez of Bridge Marina,

Inc. in Lake Hopatcong, Eric Traber of Pier 47 Marina in Wildwood, Aaron Held of Octopus Yachts: Marine Electrical Systems in Wall, and Brian Houf of MESCO in Thorofare will all continue their terms as directors.

The MTA/NJ held its Sponsor of the Year Awards at the Annual Dinner. The MTA/NJ established this award fifteen years ago to show its appreciation and to recognize the leading sponsors and supporters of the association. This year, the MTA/NJ was pleased to be able to award three very deserving and supportive companies its 2019 sponsorship recognition.

The Top Sponsor of the Year awards went to: Interlux Yacht Finishes of Union, Travelers Ocean Marine Insurance of Edison, and Win-Tron Electronics of Manasquan.

“We are incredibly thankful for the support of our members through sponsorships of our programs and events,” stated Executive Director Melissa Danko. “We simply could not accomplish all that we do for the industry without the continued support of our members. It is our honor to present these awards to our top sponsors to say thank you and congratulations!”

The evening also included the presentation of the MTA/NJ Hall of Fame award to the late Jack Henriques of Henriques Yachts. The MTA/NJ Hall of Fame was established to honor an individual, group or organization who, over the years, has proven to be outstanding in furthering MTA/NJ’s objectives of promoting and protecting the marine industry. Jack’s family was present to accept the award on his behalf. A separate Hall of Fame Release was issued.