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2023 Board and Staff
President – Dustin Hartley, Hinckley Yacht Services
Treasurer – Robert Hale, Hale Marine Services
Secretary – Lucy Bowie, Dunbar Yachts
Vice President – Ernie D'Alto, Thunderbolt Marine, Inc.
Vice President – Jim Lynes, MarineMax Savannah
Immediate Past President – Bubba Strickland, Hogans' Marina
ICW/Dredging Coordinator – Rory Jose, Savannah Marina
Executive Director – Amy Thurman, Southern Tides Magazine
About Us
Our Mission
The Georgia Marine Business Association represents the collective efforts of recreational marine-related businesses by working to promote and protect the interests of those conducting business in and around the waters of Coastal Georgia. It is our goal to create harmony between businesses and within the industry through advocacy, networking, and communication.
Current Projects
· Working with Savannah Tech and Chatham County Public School System to create/implement marine trades training programs at both high school and technical school levels.
· Establishing the Tom Wright Marine Trades scholarship fund for students, to assist in marine trades training.
· Meeting with state legislators to request sponsorship of amendment to cap sales tax on boat and motor purchases (neighboring states all have such caps).
· In beginning stages of addressing antiquated legislation and policies concerning boats abandoned in marinas and boatyards.
· Serves on the Clean Marina Program committee, along with UGA Marine Extenstion and Georgia Sea Grant, and the GADNR. The committee is responsible for working with coastal Georgia marinas to achieve Clean Marina certification through a rigorous assessment process. The first round of Georgia Clean Marinas will be certified in the summer of 2023.
· Researching methods to improve relations with tourism industry
· Monitoring proposed state legislation for impact to the coastal region
Past Accomplishments
· Worked to prevent marina zoning changes in Chatham County
· Worked with the DNR to resolve the abandoned/derelict vessel issue and improve anchorage problems
· Successfully worked to amend Georgia liveaboard laws
· Successfully lobbied at state and federal levels for funding for ICW dredging
· Successfully lobbied to overturn ad valorem tax for Georgia boat, motor and trailer sales
· Negotiated marina bottom lease rates with the GADNR
Member Benefits
· Advocacy at local, state and federal levels on issues of importance to our members (strength in numbers)
· Local news, knowledge, resources and experience
· Networking events throughout the year
· Member referrals
· Information shared through GAMBA membership in other organizations, such as ABYC, AIWA, SMA, and more.
· Being part of an organization that makes our industry, and our Georgia coast, stronger!
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