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New Publication
Economic Activity Associated With the Inaugural "Virginia In-Water Boat Expo," September 9-11, 2005, VIMS Marine Resource Report No. 2006-1, April 2006

Local Governments and the Marine Industry
Virginia Sea Grant works with coastal localities to explore opportunities to strengthen the business climate for marine enterprises. Such enterprises serve approximately 230,000 boaters who enjoy the tidal waters of Virginia.

For example, Virginia localities and marine industries are attempting to negotiate a lesser and more uniform tax burden on their boating clientele. Such a move helps to stabilize local businesses while ensuring steady growth in the future, large boat market. In certain locations, the result can help local governments attract new, mega yachts that bring acknowledged economic impacts upon local businesses, while cutting impediments to competition.

Marine Trades
Marine trades economist Tom Murray has worked to build upon the regional strengths of the marine industry in Virginia and identify opportunities for collaboration between trade sectors and with government bodies. Emphasis is placed on grants and public finance regimes that provide for incentives to industrial development. Specifically, businesses with the potential to add value to the existing labor pool while taking advantage of existing facilities are targeted.

Key to the development of maritime trades in the 21^st century is state-of-the-art vocational education. A new program about to be launched at Rappahannock Community College will bring to fruition the desire by many industry leaders to educate and train quality craftsmen in marine trades.

For additional information and assistance, contact Tom Murray at tjm@vims.edu.