RIMTA Sponsor Highlight:

"Reagan Marine Construction joined RIMTA 3 years ago and it has proven to be one of the best industry organizations our company is a part of. Jen Huber, VP of Operations for RIMTA was a tremendous help is assisting us with procuring a Pipeline Funding Grant, as well as referrals for new employees through the many resources RIMTA has available to them. More recently, Brian Dursi, RIMTA’s Executive Director, organized a group of RIMTA member organizations, including Reagan Marine Construction and facilitated discussions with State Agencies to address some of the common issues or concerns we were experiencing. Those discussions have already led to some positive results for our industry. We’ve also received a tremendous amount of information and industry contacts through the many networking events we’ve attended throughout RI. We look forward to continuing to be an active part of RIMTA and appreciate the tremendous work they do for our industry."

Reagan Marine Construction is a Newport based marine contractor performing residential, commercial and public marine projects throughout Narraganset Bay and the surrounding areas. We pride ourselves in being a part of the local community, and in our long history of safely and efficiently performing complex marine projects of all varieties. Our longstanding relationships with engineers, suppliers as well as stakeholders throughout the industry allow us to provide full project services, from early project planning through high quality finished products. Take advantage of our experience and high quality workmanship, and give us a call for your next Marine Construction Project.

Pictured above: Recently completed by Reagan Marine Construction, Bristol, RI Church Street Marina, consisting of a pre-cast concrete wave attenuator system as well as a full service 68 slip marina.

Learn more about Reagan Marine at: https://reaganmarine.com/

Be an Advocate for Our Industry's Future: Support the RIMTA PAC

At RIMTA, we are deeply committed to advancing Rhode Island’s marine trades, but the future of our industry depends on more than just our direct efforts, it requires active advocacy. Bill Yeargin, a prominent and respected voice in our sector and the President and CEO of Correct Craft, was recently highlighted in the Boating Industry blog, Yeargin: Want to help the industry? Here’s how, emphasizing the importance of staying engaged in public policy and legislation that directly impacts our industry. He begins by saying, "Often people tell me they would like to be more engaged with the boating industry and ask how to get started. If you have wondered that, I invite you to dive in by helping us tackle our highest priority."

Yeargin’s message resonates with what we’ve been emphasizing at RIMTA: we cannot afford to sit on the sidelines. Our industry faces regulatory challenges and policy decisions that can affect everything from environmental regulations to workforce development funding. By supporting the RIMTA PAC, you’re helping ensure that the voice of marine trades is heard at the highest levels of government.

The RIMTA PAC is not just about defending our interests—it’s about advancing them. Together, we can champion policies that promote job creation, support small businesses and protect our waterways. Whether it's advocating for sustainable practices or ensuring access to essential workforce training programs, your involvement makes a difference.

As Yeargin notes, "A small number of voices can have an outsized impact on shaping our future." Supporting the RIMTA PAC is one way to make sure those voices are ours. Get involved today, and help us continue to build a thriving marine industry for the future.

Legislative Spotlight:

Senator Louis DiPalma

"The marine trades have been integral to Rhode Island’s economy and identity for centuries – and now, through collaboration among various stakeholders and leaders at all levels of government, we are harnessing the transformative power of the Ocean State’s maritime resources for the 21st century.

After the success of the first-in-the-nation Block Island Wind Farm, Rhode Island has positioned itself as a leader in climate resiliency and offshore wind development. Significant investments are being made at Quonset and the Port of Davisville – including the construction of a new “Blue Economy” pier – to support the growth of the offshore wind industry and other cargo. And at the University of Rhode Island’s Narragansett Bay Campus, a transformative, multiyear facilities improvement initiative will ensure the URI Graduate School of Oceanography remains on the cutting-edge of ocean research and innovation.

Additionally, Rhode Island has reaped great benefits from historic action at the federal level, including the CHIPS and Science Act and the Inflation Reduction Act. That legislation provided the resources needed to create the Ocean Tech Hub of Southeastern New England, which will help leverage our coastal resources in the creation of new maritime technologies.

Looking ahead, my colleagues in government and I will continue working with industry leaders and all stakeholders to ensure Rhode Island truly embraces our identity as the Ocean State. Together, we can – and we will – build a more prosperous, resilient future."

Now Available for Hire: Recent graduates from our Intro to Outboards Program held at the New England Institute of Technology

Our Intro to Outboard Training graduates are ready for hire!

If you are interested in hiring one of the skilled graduates, or to review their resumes, please reach out to Jen Huber: jen@rimta.org

The US Department of Transportation has recognized CCRI's commitment to workforce development in the maritime industry with a designation as a Center of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education.

Working with partners such as the RIMTA, CCRI has been able to develop programs and trainings that are demand driven to meet the needs of businesses.

A recent PBN article focused on the "Marine trades offer jobs, training for all ages."

Several RIMTA members are highlighted in the article.

PBN recently published an insightful article detailing the vital pathway from RIMTA's Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs to careers within the marine industry. These programs are not just educational frameworks; they serve as a bridge that connects professionals with exciting job opportunities, ultimately shaping the future of the marine sector. This connection between education and employability is essential for fostering a thriving industry, read the full article HERE

Beacon Mutual Safety Seminars & Webinars

Beacon Mutual is pleased to offer in-person Open Seminars at our Warwick office for the convenience of our policyholders.

Seminars and webinars are free for policyholders. Available seminars, and possibly webinars, are listed HERE.

Micro/Small Business Roundtable with Governor McKee

Take advantage of our continued partnership with Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses, at no cost to you.

With a curriculum designed by Babson College, the nation’s top-ranked school for entrepreneurship, 10,000 Small Businesses helps small business owners to identify growth opportunities, increase revenues, and create jobs within our communities.

Nationwide, their graduates generate $25.7B+ in revenue and have created 281,000+ jobs. Not only that, but approximately 85% of their alumni do business together!*

This is a great opportunity to build on your foundation for the future with a five-year actionable growth plan tailored to your business.

Apply by October 30th for their Spring 2025 Cohort at ccri.edu/10ksb!

Classes take place one day per week at the Community College of Rhode Island.

Several RIMTA member businesses have graduated from this program!

Funding for Marine Pump-Out Facilities & Pump-Out Boats

Marinas and boating facilities can now apply directly with RIMTA for faster and easier access to funding for the maintenance of their pump-out stations.

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), in partnership with RIMTA, has simplified the process for marinas to apply for Clean Vessel Act (CVA) grants.

The RIMTA/CVA Maintenance Program offers grants to private businesses and municipalities that own and/or operate boating facilities accessible to the public. The grants, funded by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) CVA grant program, support the maintenance of marine and land-based pump-out facilities to assist boaters with properly disposing of sewage.

With nearly 40,000 registered boats in Rhode Island, the CVA grant program empowers Rhode Island’s recreational boaters to do their part to keep our local waters clean. Narragansett Bay is central to the Ocean State’s environment, way of life, and economy. By streamlining the grant process, we can ensure that marine facilities have the resources they need to maintain pump-out stations and keep our waters safe.

Contact brian@rimta.org for more info or for an application.

In October, RIMTA welcomed the following new members:

Wichard Group USA

Langerman Design LLC

RIMTA Membership Renewal

Thank you to all RIMTA members who have already paid their

2024-2025 membership dues!

A friendly reminder to those who have not yet paid, your RIMTA membership renewal became due on September 1st.

If you haven't yet made your payment, you can review or update your company's account settings, you can log in here.

We greatly appreciate your continued support of RIMTA and all that we accomplish together. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Please reach out to Ann Hof with any questions.

Additionally, we are always open to helping your company customize a level to ensure added value for your contribution. Reach out to Ann for more information. v