Maine boat builders and state government form marketing alliance
By IBI Magazine/Michael Verdon
A new organisation consisting of an alliance between Maine's boatbuilders and state government was announced at the Maine Boatbuilders Show in Portland today. The Maine Built Boats Organization (MBBO) is aimed at "unifying" Maine's boat building industry. Marine industry representatives said the organisation could help raise Maine's annual boat sales from the current US$650 million to US$1 billion over the next ten years. "This industry has tremendous potential for growth," said Jack Cashman, Commissioner of Maine's Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD). "We've got all the makings of a world-class boat building community - a long tradition of boat manufacturing, skilled craftspeople, and premium equipment and facilities." At the press conference, Cashman said that MBBO plans to build a unified brand and market Maine-built boats to national and international audiences. Initial funding for this effort has been raised by Maine boat builders with additional funding from the state. The organisation also plans to form partnerships with the state and US federal governments to "develop a favorable business environment for Maine boat builders," as well as enhance industry training, and develop new materials and technologies. In February 2004, Cashman brought together 20 of the state's largest boat builders to discuss the concept. All members of Maine's boat building community were invited to join the alliance at today's launch. Organisers said that MBBO is structured after New Zealand's Marine Industry Association, which succeeded in growing the country's marine exports from US$82 million in 1994 to US$389 million in 2003. There are about 450 companies in Maine's boatbuilding industry. Boat types range from luxury yachts to workboats and canoes, and many specialize in the construction of custom-made boats. Businesses handling support functions such as sail making, interior design, and navigational software are also part of the industry. "This partnership between the state and industry represents a concerted effort to increase our market share," said Cashman.
(18 March 2005)
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