Senate and House leaders want the Department of Energy (DOE) to consider directing $250 million of stimulus funding to the emerging marine renewable energy industry. Several senators and congressional leaders signed House and Senate letters to the DOE, asking for marine renewable technology research and development support. “Power captured from waves, tides, ocean thermal differentials, [...]

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York and U.S. Treasury announced that the Term Asset-Backed Securities Lending Facility (TALF) will include marine floorplan financing loans. This will provide important new liquidity to this credit market and help relieve the mounting pressure on marine retailers and dealers. TALF is designed to reignite securitization markets by providing [...]

Seven marine products were honored at the 2009 Miami International Boat Show. Products are judged on innovative distinction, marine industry and consumer benefits, practicality, cost-effectiveness and consumer availability. Products honored include the Simrad Broadband Radar BR-24 in the Consumer Electronics and Hardware category; the CrossRate eLGPS 1110 in the Consumer Electronics Software category; the Aspen [...]

An online tutorial from the National Marine Bankers Association (NMBA) helps boating industry stakeholders find and develop loan sources. Marine dealers and manufacturers are able to watch the free 15-minute webinar and learn the basics of uncovering prospective lenders, locally and regionally. The webinar includes information on approaching and encouraging the extension of credit services [...]

Charlie Sotirkys retired in February 2009 from the U.S. Postal Service in Plymouth, Mass., to launch a new career selling self-supporting shade structures that fit trucks, boats and campers. Sotirkys had an idea, and when he discovered his neighbor, Kenn Medeiros, owned KM Canvas, a boat cover design business, a partnership formed. “We’re both aggressive,” [...]

The new Discover Boating Toolkit includes useful news, information and downloadable materials to develop and enhance marketing efforts within the marine industry. The materials are free, and industry stakeholders are able to personalize PR materials, affordability tools and the Spousal Conversion Kit. Industry statistics are included, as well as tips for business promotion, downloadable videos, [...]

New York’s finalized budget for 2009 does not include the five percent tax on boats over $200,000 included in the Governor’s original budget proposal. Aggressive opposition to the creation of the tax was expressed through letter-writing campaigns and hundreds of e-mails to Governor David Paterson from concerned boaters and marine businesses.

Foamex International, producer of polyurethane foam, launched a new web site. Improved graphics and navigation increase usability and efficiency. The home page features Stories of Innovations, Foamex’s foam product innovations for a variety of fields, including mattresses, medical items, transportation and printing. Foamex also produces foam for applications in home furnishings, electronics, industrial and personal [...]

Outdoor living environments in urban areas are becoming more popular, and furniture makers are responding to the need for smaller-scale pieces. High dining tables with narrow seating are popular, as are slimmer chairs and chaise lounges. Bistro sets for small spaces are also options. Even outdoor rugs are available to fit balconies. Furniture pieces that [...]

Paul B. Stelzner, 74, of Washington, Mo., passed away Monday, Feb. 9, 2009. Stelzner was president/CEO of John Boyle & Co. until his retirement in 2004. He is survived by his wife, Jan Schneeberger Stelzner, two daughters and four grandchildren.