Unifying our Industry

They say all good stories should have a: theme, plot, structure (beginning, middle, and end), interesting characters plus a great setting and style. I hope you enjoy this short story.

Once upon a time, the marine industry created a trade association in the Pacific Northwest. The founding documents included something like 17 goals and objectives which one could summarize as “Growing Recreational Boating.”

Decades went by and eventually the industry started to fracture. Differences of opinions caused some to go in different directions. These differences became more acute over time and pretty soon, the boating industry in the Pacific Northwest was divided.

The old adage, “United we stand, divided we fall” was ignored.

As time went on and with lines drawn and tensions rising, some within the industry started to recognize the potential benefits of unification. Of course, some were happy with the status quo so there was a period when not much happened.

Then there was a sea change and a group of people started trying to put the industry back together. (That’s when I joined the story, back in 1999). Over the last 8 years, many people operating with the best of intentions looked for ways to unify the industry. Many, including me, thought a merger of the two associations was the best solution and worked hard to make that happen. After all, here is how the membership figures break down for our industry:

• 748 companies who are only members of the NMTA
• 99 companies who are only members of NYBA
• 96 companies who are members of both organizations
• 943 companies in our industry when you subtract the duplicate members

Late last year, one of the characters in this story (me) came to the conclusion that merging the NYBA and NMTA was not going to work. In fact, I came to the conclusion that my personal efforts were backfiring and potentially causing more harm than good. Yes, we had made tremendous progress marketing the January boat show as one and yes we had managed to combine our efforts when Shilshole started their renovations… but it felt like we hit the wall and could not go any further.

It was time for a new approach, one that respected the Yacht Brokers in the industry for what they have accomplished, addressed people’s fear of a “take-over” and looked for common ground that would unite the industry while preserving the two organizations.

Over the past six months, it feels like we have made tremendous progress. I don’t know where the story ends and I know a good story should have a strong ending. But at this point, I just want to acknowledge all the time and effort by the volunteer leadership and staff of both associations. All deserve thanks and recognition for focusing their efforts what is best for the industry. It seems to me that this kind of thinking will indeed get us to where we all want to be, growing boating. Stay tuned.

With warm regards,

Michael Campbell
President
michael@nmta.net

P.S. As tangible evidence of our progress, I am happy to say that the two boards have signed partnership agreements for the upcoming Lake Union Boats Afloat Show September 12-16 as well as the January 2008 Seattle Boat Show, now known by its tagline: The largest Boat Show on the West Coast, Indoors and Afloat.