For Immediate Release

January 28, 2009 Canton, GA: 

Technicians came from twenty-eight different states, including Canada, Puerto Rico and the Bahamas, to attend the AMTECH National Marine Service Expo in Ormond Beach, FL January 15-19, 2009. The five-day educational event provided training for more than 200 technicians currently employed in the marine industry, as well as students embarking on a career in marine service. All-day technical training courses offered were Yamaha Product Update, Outboard 4-Stroke Technology, Outboard Systems Troubleshooting (Basic and Advanced), Outboard DFI for Mercury Optimax, Outboard DFI for Yamaha HPDI, Inboard Transmissions, PWC Maintenance and Repair, Electrical Systems Troubleshooting, AC Power Generators, Principles of Corrosion, Principles of Troubleshooting, CanBus Systems Simplified, Fuels and Fuel Additives, Lubricants and Lube Additives, Introduction to Computers, EFI Sensors and their Function, Engine Diagnostic Equipment with Lab Time, Starting Your Own Mobile Repair Business, Service Management, and Effective Management Skills.

This year AMTECH extended its technical training from two to four full-days and replaced the traditional NMSE service-oriented trade show with a panel discussion and technical seminars. The panel represented professionals from all over the industry’s service community to discuss how marine businesses can survive in a down economy. Members of the panel were AMTECH board members, Joe De Marco, president, David Eastwood, Vice President and Carteret Community College, James Mills, Secretary/Treasurer and Yamaha Motor Corporation, John Bernier, JB Marine Service, Robert Kachanis, New England Institute of Technology, Todd Larson, Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College,, Rick Pruitt, Volvo Penta, Darren Ragsdale,

Jasper Engines, Jim Self, Mallory Marine, and Jarrett Young, Yamaha Motor Corporation. The following guest panelists were also present, Les Barkley, AMTECH co-founder, Bill Grannis, Blue Water Boats, Dale Hadley, Wiseco Piston Company, Conrad Kreuter, Moriches Boat & Motor, Norman Luck, BRP Evinrude, Fred Ruhland, ValvTect Petroleum,  Dan Scudder, WyoTech-Daytona, and Valerie Ziebron, VRZ Consulting and Yamaha University. The panel discussed shop labor rates, budgeting, training funds, inventory control, sales & service and market trends.

The morning panel discussion was chaired by Darren Ragsdale of Jasper Engines and Rick Pruitt of Volvo Penta. Based on the popular response received from those in attendance; the AMTECH board has already placed another panel discussion/seminar program on the agenda for NMSE ’10. “The flow of information proved to be so positive that we are excited to add another panel discussion to next year’s program for 2010”, said Joe De Marco, AMTECH president. “I was amazed at the number of technicians that attended NMSE this year during such a difficult time. It just goes to prove that marine service is doing well and it’s a key component to our industry’s success, regardless of the economic conditions. We hope the economy will improve during 2009 so that more people can attend next year’s program. We hope to bring back the trade show for next January in addition to the new panel discussion” After the completion of the panel discussion, afternoon technical seminars offered were Marine Fuel Additives, Marine Corrosion, How should I computerize my business?, Clean Marina, and M.E.D.S. Diagnostic Software. For the second year NMSE was held on the WyoTech-Daytona campus in Ormond Beach, FL.

One of the attendees who made the trip from Belfair, Wash., Steve Love, said, “It’s been a few years since I have been able to return to the AMTECH NMSE program in Florida, but let me say it was well worth the cost. There was a wealth of new information provided this year, and the instructors were all first rate. The AMTECH board of directors did another outstanding job, and

WyoTech deserves kudos as well for providing such a fine facility. I came home with a very refreshing message from AMTECH and hope for the future of marine service. Just watching all the young students moving about the WyoTech campus is encouraging to know that there still is a lot of interest and enthusiasm for the work that we provide.

At the completion of the panel discussion and seminars, AMTECH held its annual members meeting. In addition to discussing association business, Jarrett Young AMTECH board member from Yamaha presented Joe De Marco with a plaque honoring him for all his hard work and his dedication to marine service. The award was given to Mr. De Marco on behalf of the AMTECH Board and the AMTECH membership. The non-profit association entered its 10^th year of service in 2009.

For a slide show of NMSE ’09 please visit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/34292412@N07/sets/72157612669538505/show/

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