For Immediate Release November 29, 2009 November's Marina Recreation Association Conference the Place for Learning, Politics and Friendship South Lake Tahoe, NV. Western States marina owners and operators were joined earlier this month by a strong showing of trade exhibitors for the MRA's 38th Annual Educational Conference and Trade Show at Harrah's on Lake Tahoe. More than 200 marina industry leaders attended presentations and renewed acquaintances with colleagues. "The highlight of the conference was the educational presentations," said Jordan Rodger of Clipper Yacht Company. "It's always valuable to attend a presentation by the leaders of our industry. We hear from technical experts on everything from hydrodynamics of harbors to how to improve employee morale. The topics were on point and brilliantly presented." High on the conference agenda were briefings from Randy Short, Josh Burnam and Bill Krauss on the proposed coastal marina permit regulation being developed by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). The conference provided an important opportunity for marina owners and operators to become fully informed about the technical, economic, environmental and political aspects of the proposed regulation. The briefings evoked a strong reaction from the members and galvanized their efforts to protect the industry and the boating community of California. "If this goes into law as presently written," said Short, "it will do enormous economic damage to the marina industry, and the cost will ultimately be paid by boaters who use our marinas." Mariann Timms was the principal organizer of the event for the MRA. "Our attendance exceeded our expectations," said Timms, "especially among the trade exhibitors. We had a full exhibit hall and plenty of interest and activity for all concerned." Baseball legend Dave Stewart gave the keynote address. Stewart and his family are avid boaters in the San Diego area. Stewart's personal story was inspiring, but his "inside baseball" stories about players and coaches he knew in the sport were down to earth and thoroughly entertaining. The MRA's new president, Jim Hayes, made the awards presentation in recognition of the marina and the trade organization that were most outstanding and represented the best of the industry. The marina award went to Shaun McMahon of Shelter Cove Marina for her endeavors in developing the Clean Marinas Program. In addition, McMahon certified many of the participating marinas and has participated for many years on the MRA board of directors. The trade award went to Anchor QEA for the generous time and effort they donated in the effort to update the Marina and Boatyard Regulatory Matrix as well as the firm's invaluable analysis and report on the proposed coastal marina permit regulation being developed by the SWRCB. Accepting the award for Anchor QEA was Josh Burnam. "We are grateful to Josh and Anchor QEA for his contributions to the conference," said Hayes, "including his environmental expertise during our discussion on the new marina permit regulations. His company put in a lot of hours to help make this conference a success. We are grateful to them for their contributions to the MRA and the industry." Robert Wilkes, the association's marketing communications consultant, was attending his first MRA conference. "Attendees had a full slate of excellent presentations to choose from," said Wilkes. "But I also noticed and admired the camaraderie so evident in this group. Their marinas and businesses are often hundreds of miles apart, but they get together here as old friends. I think that is a testament to the MRA and their ability to put together a great conference year after year. The members clearly look forward to attending and being a part of it." Photo below: Jim Hayes, MRA President, congratulates Josh Burnam of Anchor QEA on winning the MRA Trade Award at the 2009 conference in South Lake Tahoe. For additional information, contact Mariann Timms at or email questions to timms@marina.org.