Strong 2020 Outlook for National Marine Propeller Association In the Wake of Successful 2019 NMPA Annual Convention
Association Announces Newly Elected Board Members and Progress On Agreement in Principle for Members Access to OEM Manufactured Propellers
Fort Lauderdale, FL, November 11, 2019 – In the wake of its successful 2019 NMPA Annual Convention, the National Marine Propeller Association (NMPA) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2019-2020 Board of Directors Elections and the names of the propeller pros who will lead the group in the coming year. Newly elected to the Board to fill the two open seats and joining the current Board Members who will be serving the second year of their terms are Gabe Capobianchi of Precision Propeller in Newburgh, New York and Brian G. Cann of Henry H. Smith Co. Inc., in Algonac, Michigan. Mike Jones of Coastal Propeller Service in Bridge City, Texas ran unopposed and was duly reelected to the position of Vice President. The full 2019 – 2020 Board of Directors are as follows:
- President Stew Foster Prop Masters, Alberta, Canada
- Vice President Mike Jones Coastal Propeller Service, Bridge City, TX
- Secretary/Treasurer: Darren Prouty Precision Propeller Co., Spokane, WA
- Director: Brian G. Cann Henry H. Smith, Algonac, MI
- Director: Gabe Capobianchi Precision Propeller, Newburgh, NY
- Director: Marcus Clements PowerTech! Propellers, Shreveport, LA
- Director: Dave DeWitt Mercury Marine Propeller, Fond Du Lac, WI
- Director: Gary Linden Linden Propeller, Dubuque, IA
- Director: Kevin Mitchell Michigan Wheel Propeller, Grand Rapids, MI
- Board Guest: Shantel Jones Tacoma Propeller, Tacoma, WA
NMPA President Stew Foster said, “It was great to see good attendance at Convention and such strong interest in the future of the Association with the nomination of three additional candidates from the floor for Board seats. It was a close election, and as we welcome our newest Board Members Gabe Capobianchi and Brian Cann, I want to thank Phil Stephanuik, Scott Knutson and Rick Licare for their diligence and their many years of service to the organization.” Foster added, “Because it was such a close race and she fell only one vote short of being elected, and there is so much interest in helping further the initiatives we are undertaking, the Board has agreed to invite Shantel Jones from Tacoma Propeller in Tacoma Washington join the Board as a Guest of the President to bring her new ideas, enthusiasm and financial management expertise to the management of the association.”
The Association also announced that an agreement has been reached in principle with the first major propeller manufacturer for NMPA Members to access OEM propeller products which had been previously restricted to shops meeting very strict qualification requirements. Managing Director Gordon Connell said, “The NMPA’s year-long efforts to consolidate its capacity as a buying group and coordinate its efforts to work with manufacturers is beginning to yield results.” He noted, “While some of our members are able to meet the order volume qualification and stocking requirements, others cannot on their own, however as a consolidated group we know we can operate at a scale that will meet manufacturer requirements and underpin a more united voice for our members.” If response to evolving market conditions, NMPA is creating our buying group, and the interest and willingness on the part of the manufacturers to partner with us will be beneficial to the manufacturers, the NMPA members and the consumers who our members will be able to better service.” In making the announcement at the Annual Convention Connell noted that logistical details are being finalized and they hope to be ready early in 2020 with details on how the new program will work.
About the National Marine Propeller Association
The National Marine Propeller Association was founded in 1992 to address the unique needs and interests of propeller repair shops in the recreational marine industry. Its goals are to foster links and create a sense of community among members in this unique segment of the recreational marine industry, help businesses learn about efficient operations and business management practices, and to improve the standards for the propeller repair industry through the establishment and provision of training and certification. From its inception NMPA has hosted the NMPA Annual Convention to serve as the primary forum for furthering the mission of the association. For more information visit https://nmpa.net or call 954-880-3588.