CEERI Involvement in Miami Boat Show
In order to continue promoting its dedication to educational programming, CEERI is again heavily involved with the Miami Boat Show. Cathy Johnston of the NMMA is working with CEERI to expose the Boater101 Program at the show.

• New Boat Buyer Seminar At Miami Boat Show
  Due to the success of CEERI’s New Boat Buyer Seminar at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show in October 2003, the seminar will be replicated at the Miami Boat Show on February 14, 2004 from 3 PM to 6 PM at the Miami Beach Conference Center in Room B113. Returning speakers include Steve Tadd from the NMMA, Bill Thompson of KeyBank USA, Bruce Wixson of INAMAR and Joy McPeters of Marinalife. These marine experts will discuss topics including Choosing the Right Boat & Accessories, How to Finance & Protect Your Boat, and Getting Away & Enjoying Your Boat.

• CEERI Advisory Board Meeting To Be Held At Miami Boat Show
  The first of this year’s Advisory Board meetings will be held on February 12, 2004 at the Miami Boat Show. Record attendance is expected as the majority of Advisors, invited Sponsors and Partners have confirmed their inclusion. We look forward to seeing you there.

• Partnership with Ft. Lauderdale West Marine Store Continues
  In a continuation of its partnership with CEERI, West Marine has offered CEERI the opportunity to display the Boater101 Program at the West Marine booth (Concourse C, # 2600) during the Miami Boat Show. CEERI Sponsors will be recognized at this display, in newsletters that the NMMA is distributing to Boat Show Customers and on the Miami Boat Show web site.

Professional Trainers Agree to Assist CEERI in Training Dealers for Dealer Outreach
In the continued development of the Dealer Pilot Program, CEERI is in the process of negotiating with two well-known professional trainers to conduct the Dealer Training sessions. The two veteran trainers, who will be formally introduced to the Advisory Board at the February 12th meeting and publicly announced thereafter, have a combined experience of 75+ years in the marine industry. With their assistance, CEERI will continue to provide quality educational programming, expanding its outreach to include Dealers, Marinas and Boatyards.

Boater101 Around the World Feature Under Development
Through the assistance of Jennifer Saia of the Sacks Group, CEERI has obtained commitments from four, possibly six, mega yacht owners to be involved with the latest Boater101 Web Site feature Around the World. With these commitments, CEERI has initiated the development of the feature, to be completed by the beginning of March. The Around the World feature is CEERI’s next step in the continued development of its educational programming, allowing participants to follow a mega yacht as it travels around the world. The crewmembers of the yacht will submit journal entries to CEERI detailing their travels and educating participants in the topics of geography, oceanography, environment, sociology, marine careers, economics, math, writing, technology, navigation and recreation. This feature will be an added resource available to teachers allowing increased exposure in school curriculum.

OMC Foundation Grant Award Announcement
In continuing its support of CEERI, the OMC Foundation has awarded CEERI with a $250,000 grant. A formal press release is being reviewed by the OMC Foundation Board Members and will be distributed as soon as possible.

CEERI Presents Boater101 at Marina & Boatyard Seminar
Susan Engle will be discussing the integration of the Boater101 Program into marinas and boatyards in her presentation on “Marinas as Centers for Education and Outreach.” This presentation will be given at the 2004 Marina & Boatyard Conference & Exposition.