4
American Boat & Yacht Council •
the
Reference Point
• Summer 2013
Raising the Next Generation
M
y initial thoughts regarding “raising the next
generation” are seeing the students board the
“yellow limousines” in the morning on my way to
work. Even though this adds 15 minutes to my commute, it
is still exciting to see so many young people ready to learn.
So what does this have to do with our industry and serving
our customers? The answer is a lot. Face it, our industry is
getting older. We need younger, qualified people to step in
and start learning from our current workforce. This can only
happen if those of us who are currently in the industry take
the time and get the next generation excited about a career
working with and around boats. Locally, along with other
small marine businesses, we work with our technical high
school’s marine program, attend monthly meetings and even
participate in mock interviews. This gives us the opportunity
to talk to high school students and get them excited about the
possibilities in the marine industry. Some are really excited
and can’t wait for their summer jobs at a boatyard or marine
supply store, some are even enjoying telling their dad’s that
they have been doing it “all wrong” over the past years.
This is why ABYC invests so much time in the Marine
League program and preparing a ready-made curriculum
for trade schools all over the country. The next wave of
leadership and innovation in our industry is in high school
NOW, what do we have for them? We need to support
exciting and engaging programs that depict our industry as
it is; a fulfilling place to work and a career, not just a job.
Take a moment and look into your public school system
and see if they have a program that could use your help.
We try to hire an intern every year to show them what the
industry has to offer. I always learn something from these
folks (mostly in the technology/social media areas!), we
hope they learn from us. What we get in the end is a bright
young person who may stick with the marine industry and
become one of the next great leaders.
Bottom line is, take a chance on a high school student and
get involved in a local program. Whether you need bottoms
painted, the shop cleaned up or someone at the gas dock, you
may just be planting the seed for a lifelong passion and career!
John Adey,
ABYC President
CONGRATULATIONS
to John Adey for being invited as
The Landing School Commencement Keynote Speaker!
“We are tremendously pleased that John has accepted our invitation
to speak at The Landing School’s commencement,” said Landing
School President Bob DeColfmacker. “John can speak to these
students in a language that they understand, with a focus on the
skills, dedication and passion that is needed to be successful both
in life and as professionals in the marine industry.”
More information on the June 15 graduation
can be read at
/
P R E S I D E N T O F T H E A M E R I C A N B O A T & Y A C H T C O U N C I L
Message
from
the
President
