OEDA hosts industry VIPs

MEMBERS of Outboard Engine Distributors Association (OEDA) gained constructive insights into the global marine industry at the recent Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.

OEDA board members spent some valuable time hosting a working lunch with two of the most senior men in the global marine industry.

OEDA's guest was Thom Dammrich president of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) in the US and also president of ICOMIA (the International Council of Marine Industry Associations – of which OEDA is member).

The second invitee was Dusty McCoy chairman and CEO of Brunswick Corporation.

OEDA was represented by founding members Mercury Marine, Yamaha and Lakeside Marine (Tohatsu) which together manufacture and distribute 75 per cent of all outboard engines wholesaled in Australia.

“Thom has an unrivalled overview of the industry globally via ICOMIA and he also has immensely detailed knowledge of the world’s biggest market – the US,” said Lindsay Grenfell OEDA executive officer.

“In the US the NMMA is very influential and does a magnificent job promoting boating and benefiting the industry so to hear Thom talk about his strategies and activities was time very well spent.”

Grenfell said McCoy also provided valuable insights.

“The industry downturn suffered in Australia is nothing like they’ve experienced in the US so there are lessons we can learn from what has happened and the way businesses there have reacted,” Grenfell said.

“There’s no doubt the OEDA representatives walked away better informed,” he said.