NEWS FOR MEMBERS

RBFF Report Details Social Media's Impact
The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation released new research that it says helps define the impact of anglers and boaters in social media. (complete story)

MRAA: Health care bill includes accounting requirement
The new health care bill will impose significant burdens on businesses by requiring them to issue a Form 1099 to all vendors from which the business does more than $600 per year in purchases, the Marine Retailers Association of America said in an advisory to its membership. (complete story here)

IFAI and Marine Fabricators members part of the gulf oil spill solution
Our association represents the manufacturers who provide the materials and the end products. Visit ifai.com for a complete list of IFAI member suppliers of oil containment produ ts and the components to make them.

Is your company making boom product or assisting in the Gulf of Mexico?
A recent article in the New York Times, highlights the opportunities the oil spill is creating including the marine fabricator industry. One CEO is quoted, "Anyone that's got the tools to be able to basically convert vinyl," such as makers of pond liners, awnings, truck bed and boat covers, could flood the market and even create a "mini-bubble," (complete story here). If you have news about your company, we would love to hear it. Please contact Beth Hungiville.

A Lucky Few Manage to Profit From the Gulf of Mexico Disaster
The Gulf of Mexico oil spill created economic losers and winners, walloping the fishing and tourism industry while fueling a boom for companies involved in cleanup. Read the complete New York TImes story

Update on IFAI Certification Program
Program revisions are nearing completion and IFAI is now accepting Intent to Apply applications. To qualify for MFC and IFM certifications, a candidate must have a minimum of three years of industry experience, will be required to demonstrate proficiency in specific areas of knowledge for each specialty, and will have at least 10 continuing education credits. If you are interested, please complete an Intent to Certify Form for the certification you seek along with the $50 fee. For details download the following document:
- Certification Program Update (.doc)
- Intent to Certify for Exterior Specialty (.doc)
- Intent to Certify for IFM (.doc)
- Intent to Certify for Interior Specialty(.doc)

IFAI Call for Candidates
IFAI is now accepting applications for fill three positions on the IFAI Board of Directors. For additional information, download PDF.

Xtreme Seal Contest Announced for 2011 MFA National Convention
Enter to win 2 roundtrip air tickets and market passes to the MFA National Convention in San Diego, CA in January 2011. Contest runs from April 1 through October 31, 2010. Click here for more details.

MFA sends its sympathy to MFA member Tiffany Yachts following the devastating fire at their facility. We wish them a speedy rebuilding process and much future success.

Tiffany Yachts Suffers Major Fire
Randy Cockrell and his father Tiffany talk about the recent fire that destroyed most of their historic boatyard. (videos by Mike Kucera)

GLEBE POINT—Tiffany Yachts, a boatyard near Wicomico Church that has been in operation for over 80 years, suffered a major fire Tuesday, February 2. More than 100 firefighters from Fairfields, Callao, Kilmarnock, White Stone, Upper Lancaster, Richmond County and Cople District volunteer fire departments were called. The fire started about 2:30 p.m., according to neighbors. A building complex used for boat construction and repair was fully involved when the first trucks arrived from Fairfields VFD shortly before 3 p.m. Thick black smoke from the fire could be seen from miles away. Complete story and video here.

IFAI State-of-the Industry 2009 – In April 2009, the IFAI released a digital version of its two-part State-of-the-Industry series, published in the February and March issues of Specialty Fabrics Review. Part I focuses on the U.S. Industry, covering market size, forces, key markets, market trends, global trade issues and the coming year’s outlook for the industry. Part II gives end-product manufacturers the outlook for four major market segments: awnings and canopies, tent rental, marine fabrication and lightweight structures. The digital report contains information not included in the published articles. Available at www.ifai.com; $39 for members, $79 for nonmembers.


YouTube Channel for Marine Fabricators - Last year at this time we launched our new MFA Web site geared towards the consumer. This year we will be using various forms of social media to drive traffic to our site. We are pleased to announce that we have set up a YouTube channel which will feature videos, by our members, focused on marine fabrication. Do you already have videos on YouTube featuring your work? If so simply e-mail us the link to the video, we will review the video, and consider posting on our channel. Supplier members are also welcome to submit videos. You can visit our YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/marinefabricators and watch it as it grows and becomes a valuable tool for the avid boater.. You can visit our YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/marinefabricators and watch it as it grows and becomes a valuable tool for the avid boater.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Industrial Fabrics Foundation Announces Innovation Award Imagination and inspiration are the driving forces behind innovation. "Innovation" means change. A great idea is the beginning, but until transformed into action, it's simply an idea. The drive for improvement, the willingness to challenge the norm, the passion and belief in what you are doing--these are the characteristics of influential innovators. For more information: www.indfabfnd.com

Call for Industry Partners
The MFA Membership Committee would like to partner current members with new members through an Industry Partner program. The purpose of this partnership is so new members will feel welcomed to the association and have a direct connection to an industry partner for questions. As an Industry Partner you would be responsible for making contact with the new member on a quarterly basis to assist them with any questions they may have as well as encouraging them to participate in division activities. As new members join they will be assigned an Industry Partner and that partner will make contact with the new member within the first week of them joining. MFA will contact anyone who signs up to be an Industry Partner as they are assigned a new member and provide you with their contact information. The new member will also be given the contact information of their partner. We need your help to make this program a success and help those new to the industry and the association – together we can make a difference. If you are interested in becoming an Industry Partner or have any questions regarding the program please contact the MFA office at +1 651 225 6952 or blhungiville@ifai.com.

Discussion Board moves to Linked In
Many members are looking for a forum to ask fellow fabricators for assistance and we have given you that invaluable tool via the discussion board – exclusive to members of the association. MFA has created a members-only Marine Fabricators Association Group on the professional networking site, Linked In. To access the group, you must create a profile on Linked In.
For more information or to join click here.