I would like to first thank the Membership for your confidence and trust in nominating and electing me as your new President. It is an honor that I will not take lightly. I follow in the footsteps of my predecessors knowing I have some pretty large shoes to fill. Thanks to all the past Presidents who have guided this organization to the success it is today.
 

Just returning from the Annual Meeting / Boat Show in Ottawa, it is a pleasure to report a very successful event. Although the number of boats was down from last year, the variety and quality was spectacular.
 

I feel it is important for our membership to understand the importance of the Annual Boat Show to our organization. We have a venue that gives us reason to attend the Annual General Meeting. We are, obviously, a boating organization. With a credible boat show we are able to collect a gate, which provides us with a new revenue source for ACBS. No one enjoys dues increases; the more we can add to our bottom line the better we are financially. In addition, we can combine our advertising packages and offer sponsorships. This sponsorship alone, along with the tremendous help of Wil Vidal, Advertising Captain, has allowed ACBS to increase advertising revenue by 72 per cent in one year alone.
 

Our judging team is comprised of individuals from all over the U S and Canada – not just one region – providing impartial fair assessments without prejudice to regional builders. Support by our membership through boat registration and participation is the lifeblood of this endeavor. Please consider joining the show next year at Lake Lanier, Georgia.
Fall and the onset of winter have many different meanings to our membership depending on your location. However one topic we all have in common is membership renewal. Please don’t forget to complete your renewal form and mail it in early.
This is a great organization with wonderful people. I feel the opportunities to meet different people from around North America with a common interest is the greatest benefit to us all, not to mention the Directory, Rudder, member discounts and countless opportunities to participate and meet new people while visiting new areas, our dues are a pretty good bargain.
 

Happy Boating,
Your Pal, Jeff

A Word from Our Outgoing Chief
 

The last twelve months have gone by unbelievably fast and with them, my term as president of ACBS. In retrospect, a year is probably not long enough to be very effective in office, but on the other hand, their are several well-qualified, hardworking people on the ACBS Board of Directors who deserve the opportunity to take on leadership roles sooner rather than later.
 

To all who served on the Board or as Committee Chairs during the past year, I extend my sincerest thanks and appreciation for all your efforts to make the last year a successful one for ACBS. You’re a great group of people doing a great job of carrying out the many varied tasks of the organization. You’ve made my tenure a very easy and enjoyable one.Thanks again and best wishes for continued success.


Dick Sherwood