This year's recipients of the Association of Marina Industries' Neil Ross Scholarship award are Boating British Columbia (Boating BC) and the Marine Association of Texas (MAT). The annual award recognizes the educational and advocacy contributions of two state trade associations. The associations each receive $1500 to be used to further the marine education of one of their members.

Boating BC is a leader in marine training offering job search assistance, promoting apprenticeship programs for marine technicians and touting the benefits and value of working in the marine industry.

"It's an honour to receive the Neil Ross Scholarship and to be recognized for our contribution to the industry." said Don Prittie, President of Boating BC. "We are extremely pleased with our relationship with AMI and the progress we've made to create training opportunities for the marina sector in British Columbia. We look forward to awarding this scholarship to one of our members."

In addition to training, Boating BC, since 1957, has been working with all levels of government and stakeholders to grow and enhance boating in British Columbia.  The organization is a nonprofit governed by a volunteer board of directors who not only tout training, and advocate for the industry, but also are the driving force behind the Vancouver International Boat Show.

The second recipient, MAT, spent much time and effort this year in lobbying their state leaders on the importance of keeping water levels stable to support the marine industry which brings so much to the state of Texas. With record low waters and tough competition for where the limited water is diverted the group faces a difficult challenge, but has been making great progress.

"MAT is very pleased and honoUred to receive the Neil Ross Scholarship award. MAT has worked diligently to support the Central Texas Water Coalition, and I am proud to say through their efforts, the State has passed a law requiring increased investigation and oversight before agreeing to the use of the State's water resources. We appreciate the recognition by AMI and applaud its continuing efforts to promote and serve our industry. MAT looks forward to continuing to provide support for the marina industry both in Texas and nationally," said Jay Teitelbaum, MAT President.

In addition to their advocacy, MAT is at the forefront of training with their annual conference that provides several days of educational sessions for MAT members and others in the industry. The group also has been awarding an annual scholarship for 23 years that provides tuition and books to the son or daughter of a marina owner or manager.

About The Scholarship

The Neil Ross scholarship was formed in recognition of the numerous contributions that Neil Ross has made to the Association of Marina Industries and to the marina industry overall. Ross was a founder of the International Marina Institute, helping to set the standard in education in the worldwide marina industry. He facilitated the creation of the Certified Marina Manager (CMM) designation and worked to advance professional marina management. He remains an active consultant to the industry.