MAY 2011 - Association of Marina Industries

9Marina Trade Association NewsTexas marina associationThis month’s featured marine trade association isthe Marina Association of Texas.The Marina Association of Texas (MAT) is a nonprofit,volunteer organization founded in 1973.Initiated by the Sea Grant Program of Texas A&MUniversity, MAT was the first association of its kindin the nation. Members include inland and coastalmarinas, and product and service providers to marinas.The mission of MAT is to bring members togetherto share their ideas, knowledge and experiences forthe mutual benefit of all within the industry. MATis not only the voice for the marina industry in thestate, but also partners to manage the Clean TexasMarina Program, an annual scholarship competitionfor members and their families, and they holda highly successful annual conference.MAT is directed by a member elected Board of Directors,and day to day operations of the associationfall to a staff of five part-timers, lead by BetsyOliver. Oliver has been director for seventeen years.She came to the position when then President JackGarner asked her to consider the opportunity. Shewas originally reluctant as she had no experiencewith marinas, but since she had run trade organizationsshe decided to take the chance and served asdirector alongside Rene Adams who she says, “…was truly the glue for many years until he passedaway.”Under the direction of Oliver membership hasranged between 200 and 225 depending on theeconomy. “This current economy has hurt us some,but we continue to operate and serve our membersand I am confident we will regain those we lose duringhard times,” stated Oliver.Other than the economy, marinas in Texas are facedwith issues of EPA requirements and other governmentregulations, and the constant obstacles to remainingprofitable. In fact if she could change justone thing in our industry, Oliver says it would begovernment regulations. “(I wish) that governmentregulations would take into consideration the costbenefit analysis when they are implementing orchanging the rules and regulations that affect ourindustry.”Managing the association is also not without itschallenges. Oliver comments, “ In the past it hasbeen difficult to get volunteers to take on a lot ofresponsibility in running and managing the Association.Lately that has changed and I have beendelighted. It gives them more awareness of what actuallytakes place in managing the Association andit’s members.”Oliver would not have stuck with the job for somany years if there were not positives. When askedwhat the best part of her job she responded, “I lovethe people! They have always been so grateful forthe work I can do for them and they have becomelifetime friends. It just makes me want to give themthe very best that I can provide to keep the Associationalive and well.”For more information on the Marina Associationof Texas visit http://www.marinaassociationoftexas.com/If you would like your association featured, pleasecontact wlarimer@marinaassociation.org