March 17, 2004, Fort Lauderdale, FL: The Center for Environmental Education and Research, Inc. (CEERI), known for its boating safety educational initiative, Boater101, is adopting a name that better describes the organization. The new name will act as an umbrella, allowing CEERI to develop additional programs servicing a variety of marine industry needs, as well as tailor its programs to meet specific target demographics instead of utilizing the “one-size fits all” approach. CEERI will now be doing business as Marine University.

Peggy Nordeen and the creative team from Starmark International developed MarineU as a branding strategy to promote CEERI’s marine educational programs. CEERI’s Advisory Board members approved the adoption of the new moniker during a meeting recently held at the Miami Boat Show. The advisory board is made up of Adrian Sakowicz of Brunswick, Bill Slansky and Clint Moore of Volvo Penta, Frank Herhold of MIASF, George Sullivan of Genmar, Gordon Houser of Wellcraft Saltwater Fishing School, Ken Landon of KeyBank USA, Kim Bors of OMC Foundation, Larry Innis of NSBC, Michael Verdon, past-President of BWI, Peggy Nordeen of Starmark, Peter Granata of MDRA, Phil Keeter of MRAA, Ray Stahl of INAMAR, Scott Porter of Formula, Susan Engle, Center for Environmental Education and Research, Inc., and Thom Dammrich of the NMMA.

Susan Engle, President of CEERI said, “We think that the name Marine University better reflects CEERI’s mission.” She continued, “It was our goal to create a name that reflects our dedication to education and the synergy between our mission and those of other educational institutions. It has always been our foremost purpose to educate boaters and non-boaters alike and now we have a name that reflects that priority,” Engle concluded.

“MarineU is a brand that appeals to both seasoned boaters and newcomers to the boating market. The efforts of this organization will support educated, safe boaters in our community. Starmark is proud to support the awareness and branding program,” said Peggy Nordeen.

Questions or comments regarding Marine University, the Center for Environmental Education and Research Inc., or CEERI’s use of the Marine University brand should be directed to Christa Jewett at 954-730-6889 or christa@ceeri.org.