Fort Lauderdale, FL_ September 18, 2014 –The American Boat Builders & Repairers Association (ABBRA), is pleased to announce Peter Johnstone, CEO of Gunboat and Jim McManus, CEO of The Hinckley Company as the keynote speakers for its January 21st – 23rd, 2015 Boatyard Business Conference, taking place at the Hyatt Regency Pier 66 Resort in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The national marine industry trade group for boatyards, boat builders and marine products and service companies has invited Johnstone and McManus to share their perspectives on the Conference theme ‘Taking the Lead: Setting Service Standards & Achieving Business Stability’ from their unique perspectives as business leaders building a new and innovative company in Gunboat’s case, and leading a well-established company with a long and storied history in Hinckley’s case.
John Fitzgerald, ABBRA’s President and the President/CEO of Saunders Yachtworks in Gulf Shores Alabama said, “I am truly looking forward to hearing from these two industry icons at the Conference.” He added, “Coming from the J-Boats family, Peter Johnstone has proven himself as a visionary and there is much to learn from Gunboat’s success. Jim McManus has set high standards and achieved business stability leading Hinckley Yachts. Our industry benefits whenever we can directly from leaders who have contributed to the growth of the industry through good and bad economies.”
The Boatyard Business Conference returned in 2013 after a short break and has quickly earned its place on the marine industry’s must-do annual events calendar due to its offering of a strong blend of discussions on the business of boatyards and boatbuilding, along with high value networking and camaraderie through its Conference format and events. Early registration is now open on the ABBRA website abbra.org.
About American Boat Builders & Repairers Association (ABBRA)
Founded in 1943, ABBRA is a national marine trade organization that represents, is dedicated to, and seeks to strengthen and encourage professionalism in the boat building, marine service and boat repair industry.
