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PFDMA Hosts Another Successful Annual Conference
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The PFD industry had another good turnout for their annual conference this year. PFMDA hosted their event at the Don CeSar Hotel in St. Pete Beach, FL June 15-18, 2002.
The PFDMA Conference Committee has, over the past couple of years, been working hard to ensure an even balance of both technical and marketing/consumer focused issues. As the world consolidates, so too does our industry, and it is now more important than ever to reach out and form strategic partnerships with related industries. The PFDMA has been, and continues to be, successful in this area. This year's line up of speakers was truly excellent: Sam Wehr, US Coast Guard, one of our most popular presenters, provided us with status reports on SOLAS issues, CEN/ISO, and Wave Tank Experimentation - always a winner. Captain Fred Rosa, from the USCG St. Pete Beach Search and Rescue Group, welcomed our attendees to the area, and told us about the changes within the USCG since 9/11. Bruce Matthews, Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, presented results from the extremely successful Water Works Wonders advertising campaign, now in its third year. Dr. Bilal Ayyub, University of Maryland, was back with us again to provide updates on the Risk Based Compliance programs that he has carried out for the US Coast Guard, regarding alternative approval paths and changes in the UL FUS Quality Control Requirements. Dr. Bill Courtney hosted a pre-breakfast session on Hypothermia: Simulation, Signaling and Management, which featured a short review of current and proposed corrective turning test methodologies. Dan Ryan, from UL, updated us on current STP issues, in addition to outlining some organizational changes happening within UL as a result of a new CEO at the helm. All done in an effort to provide our industry with a better and more competitive service. Commander Kim Pickens, US Coast Guard, gave us all an update on the timely Operation Boat Smart initiative, and Steve Hall, NASBLA President, delivered his annual update from the law enforcement perspective. Dr. Tim Rhoades, Applied Safety & Ergonomics, was with us again to tell us about the next phase of the NASBLA PFD Label Grant and Re-Classification program, which is being funded by a USCG grant. Derrick Crandall, American Recreation Coalition, engaged us with results from ARC's research regarding trends in recreation, and forces influencing its future - a very interesting presentation. Matt Menashes, Professional Paddlesports Association (PPA), introduced us to the world of thePPA, and discussed ways for our organizations to work together to prevent drownings and promote lifejacket use. Chris Edmonston, Boat US Foundation, once again joined us to present the work that Boat US has done for boating safety for anglers and hunters, which gave us food for thought regarding future designs for PFDs. And Chuck Hawley, West Marine, who participated in our conference for the first time in 2001, returned this year to present how West Marine creatively overhauled its PFD selection process in order to make it more "consumer friendly." Chuck also brought our attendees up-to-date on a potentially libelous California Law called Proposition 65. Proposition 65 is the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986. It was passed by the people of California as a voter initiative, and 63% of the voters approved! And finally, we were honored to have Marion Blakey, Chairman of the National Transportation and Safety Board, with us. Ms. Blakey gave us an overview of the vital work of the NTSB, and talked to us about the importance of water safety from a national perspective. Our annual gathering of colleagues is one of the most powerful forums for the industry, and helps set the stage for the year ahead. Each year the group leaves the event energized and with an ongoing commitment to quality, education, best practices and advancing the industry. Three new Board of Directors members were also welcomed at the conference --- Bob Askew, Mustang Survival; Steve Bigger, Extrasport; and Steve Hundgen, Glen Raven. The board has many challenges and priorities ahead, and with the new board of directors, are charged and ready to go! And last but certainly not least… congratulations to the Blue Team who won the race with their unbeatable Leaky Tiki. The red team, paddled by Matt Menashes, came close to beating them, but it took Ralph Steger's backward stroke to save the day and win the race! Another great team effort, and lots of fun too along the way! The 2003 PFDMA Conference will take place June 15-17, 2003 at the Don CeSar Hotel, Florida
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