for the industry. We provide training to the
dealer network and professional develop-
ment so that the trade can maintain and
upgrade their skill set innewtechnologies.
BUSINESS WORLD:
A lot of
associations will have what they consider
their signature strength. Some of them are
an educational organization, some are
legislatively active and that’s the main
service that they provide, others say
networking between members is their
wheelhouse – what do you feel your
organization’s most significant role to its
members is?Howdo you guys bill yourself ?
SPITZER:
We excel in two key areas –
education and standards development.
Naturally, there is a networking facet of our
association aswell.
BUSINESS WORLD:
In terms of the
membership, do you have a most frequent
size? What is the most common entity that
is part of your group?
SPITZER:
Mostly marine electronic
dealers and manufacturers make up the
bulk of the membership. However, we do
have memberships for boat builders and
trademembers.
BUSINESS WORLD:
The organ-
izations that are members, what are they
typically looking for from you? What role
do you serve for them?
SPITZER:
We serve a few roles. One, the
National Marine Electronics Association
ma inta ins and produces inter f ace
standards, so that disparate electronic
products can communicate with each other
on a vessel and off the vessel. That’s really a
manufacturer-driven side of our business.
But, of course, it benefits the dealers and the
boat owner, because without a standardway
for devices to talk to each other on a boat,
boaters and vessel owners would not enjoy
the enjoy the key benefit of safety. NMEA
also provides for professional development
NMEA
| BusinessWorld-
Magazine
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