From the President

Welcome to the first edition of Esmta│News! In an effort to bring enhanced, more frequent communications from the State Association to individual members, we have moved from our traditional printed newsletter to an electronic format. We’re excited about this new offering and welcome your input.

This fall, ESMTA met in Albany for a productive day and a half of meetings. We began on October 14 with a thorough Government Affairs Review presented by Nick Barrella and Tim Sheridan of The Capitol Group, and Bruce Geiger of Bruce W. Geiger & Associates, Inc.

After the initial review, we moved into our Long Range Planning Committee meeting. We had a fruitful discussion and wrapped up with three clear Committee goals: 1) enhanced, more frequent communications; 2) increased membership involvement and development; and 3) identification of new revenue sources. Initiatives to meet these goals are underway and some progress has been made!

Day two in Albany was our Annual Meeting, and it was equally productive. Thanks go to all the region delegates and board members who attended this fall’s meetings!

As a result of elections that took place at the Annual Meeting, I’m honored to serve as President of the ESMTA for a second term. I look forward to continuing progress with the current initiatives, and to the discovery of new ideas.

I’m happy to announce and congratulate the following Association officers who were also elected at the Annual Meeting: Ginny DiForio, Vice President (Charles Point Marine), John Jablonski, Vice President (The SailBoat Shop), Chris McVicker, Vice President (The Flanders Group), Ron Knapik, Treasurer (Knapik Marine), and Chris Squeri, Secretary (New York Marine Trades Association). I’m pleased to be working with all of you!

Dianne Patterson, who has served ESMTA as Communications Director, is pursuing other career opportunities. Thank you, Dianne, for all you’ve done for our organization. We wish you nothing but the best!

Kim Tiberia of Association Development Group, Inc. has been working with ESMTA since October and will serve as our Communications Director. Kim has association management experience and specializes in working with groups comprised of small New York businesses. On behalf of the Board of Directors, welcome Kim, and we look forward to working with you.

We hope you enjoy the new ESMTA newsletter. Please don’t hesitate to share your ideas and comments on the e-news, or on any other aspect of your Association, with us.

Best wishes for a prosperous New Year!

Conrad Kreuter
ESMTA President
Moriches Boat & Motor