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The Future of Jobs in Rhode Island’s Marine Industry: Why Boats Work for RI

01/26/2009

January 2009, Warwick, RI… Since Roger Williams crossed the Seekonk River in a canoe to found his new Providence, boating has been part of the very fabric of the Ocean State.  Now, as part of the Providence Boat Show at the Rhode Island Convention Center, the RI Marine Trades Association will be presenting a Roundtable Discussion on opening day, January 29.   The discussion will be on the Future of Jobs in the Marine Industry here in Rhode Island and what the industry means to the Rhode Island economic community.

Under the aegis of the Governors Workforce Board, the State has recognized the Marine Industry as one targeted for growth and critical to the States economy…along with Construction, Health Care, Information Technology and Tourism.  As a result, there is a growing effort to more fully develop the skilled workers needed to keep one of the States oldest manufacturing industries alive and well. 

The Marine Industry is one of the few sectors of the Rhode Island economy that is growing.  In a recent study, it was estimated that there are over 6,600 total jobs, paying nearly $260 Million in wages with an average salary of $39,400…higher than the average for all industries in the State!  Over 2,000 businesses -- nearly 10% of all private employers in Rhode Island -- are involved in the boating industry.

Moderated by Mark Murphy, Publisher of Providence Business News, the Roundtable will be held in the Rotunda at the Providence Convention Center starting with coffee at 10:30 A.M. (just before the opening of the Providence Boat Show at Noon).  Participates in the discussion will be Paul Harden, Manager/Business & Workforce Development, RI Economic Development Corp., Steven Kitchin, V.P./Corp. Education & Training, New England  Institute of Technology, John Torgan, Narragansett Baykeeper, Save The Bay; Andy Tyska, President, Bristol Marine; and Peter Van Lancker, President, Hunt Yachts.  The audience is expected to be representatives of business, schools, State officials and legislators, the community and the media.  For more information call Lisa DiRaimo, Executive Director, Rhode Island Marine Trades Association at 401-615-5419.