With an introduction by Howard Shiebler, the new president and CEO of GE Commercial Distribution Finance (CDF), David Spader’s 2-hour session called  “Building Bench Strength - How Strong Is Yours?” was hosted by Boating Industry Canada magazine in partnership with GE CDF.

The seminar was held at the Toronto International Boat Show on Tuesday, January 17th. While the session dealt with succession planning broadly, it started by asking the question; what happens when you don’t have a strong bench?

Parkbridge Lifestyle Communities with Eastern Canadian offices in Wasaga Beach, Ontario has announced the acquisition of Wye Heritage Marina located in Midland Ontario. Jay Forrest the General Manager at Wye Heritage assures customers that the new ownership means stability, a renewed commitment to service and an ability to deliver new and improved facilities.

Parkbridge Lifestyle Communities is also the owner of many other Marina and RV resorts and communities including five of Ontario's finest marina facilities; Bay Moorings Marina and Beacon Bay Marina located in Penetanguishene, Bay Port Yachting Center in Midland, Bay Port Marina in Orillia and Goreski’s Landing in Port Perry.

The Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons (CPS) has announced the launch of its online self study version of the Boating Basics course. This comprehensive CPS Boating Safety online study guide is approved by Transport Canada for candidates to the online version of the Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) Boating Safety exam.  

Upon successful completion of the online course, candidates are invited to proceed to the Transport Canada online Boating Safety Exam. Boating Basics will continue to be offered by CPS through its Squadrons and Recognized Providers across Canada as a stand alone classroom course or as part of the CPS Boating Course, both leading to obtaining a PCOC.

Lori Mason, president of The Store, Mason's Chandlery, and Morten Fogh, president of Fogh Marine, have announced an agreement in principle for Morten to purchase The Store, Mason's Chandlery. The expected deal should be done by the end of February.  It will be business as usual at both locations before and afterwards.

After almost 34 years (in April) the Mason’s are finally retiring to Picton. “It has been the best career I could ever think of” stated Lori Mason, “I am so happy that my parents choose to open The Store back in 1978 and gave me an opportunity to work here 34 years while buying the store from them.

On January 16th 2012 at the Toronto International Boat Show, the National Marine Manufacturer’s Association, NMMA Canada announced  the first annual Canadian Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract for 2010 and 2011.

The data from Transport Canada and Stats Canada, reveals statistics on Canada’s recreational boating retail sales, participation and boater demographics, the overall retail market, imports/exports and economic factors which impact the industry.

Saturday, January 14 was opening day for the 2012 Toronto International Boat Show and the crowds poured in and stayed till closing with busy aisles and painfully long line ups to go aboard many of the more “aspirational” boats.

The weather was cooperative and that continued through Sunday with lower crowd levels but not by much. More importantly, several dealers told us that they were writing sales contracts. When we asked one exhibitor how his first weekend was, he answered, “Smokin! We have deals on five of our new express cruisers!”

The Canadian Wildlife Federation and the Canadian Yachting Association have signed a Memorandum of Understanding recognizing their shared interest in the health of lakes and oceans and the special connection sailors have to habitats and wildlife.

“This is a watershed moment for aquatic stewardship and I’m honoured to sit at the helm with the Canadian Yachting Association,” said. “By participating in sailing events, conducting public lectures, creating an online community of sailors, and supporting water education ambassadors, CWF and its partners inspire experiential learning about responsible boating and racing, marine and fresh water wildlife in distress, environmental hazards, aquatic wildlife and best practices.”