Rhode Island Marine Trades Association

05/13/2026

Huge congratulations to RIMTA member Dockwa and its founder, Mike Milillo, for landing on the EY Entrepreneur of the Year New England list!

Honoring the ambitious entrepreneurs who are shaping the future.

05/01/2026

Join us at the Bristol Marine Open House!

04/29/2026

🌊 Join Us for RIMTA’s Spring Networking Night! ⚓

Celebrate the season and connect with fellow members of Rhode Island’s marine industry at our Spring Networking Night!

📍 Newport Shipyard
📅 Thursday, May 21
🕔 5:00 – 7:00 PM

Enjoy a relaxed evening on the waterfront with great conversation, new connections, and familiar faces. Whether you're looking to catch up with colleagues or expand your network, this is a perfect opportunity to kick off the season together.

Light refreshments will be provided.

We look forward to seeing you there!

04/15/2026

⚓️ Summer Boat Building Program for Teens (Ages 14–15) ⚓️
Looking for an unforgettable summer experience? Applications are now open for our hands-on Boat Building Programs at IYRS in Newport and Herreshoff in Bristol!

Over the course of 4 weeks, participants will work in teams to build a real boat from start to finish—then celebrate their hard work with a launch ceremony 🚤

Along the way, students will gain valuable workplace readiness skills for the marine industry, including:
🔹 Shop safety
🔹 Project planning
🔹 Leadership & teamwork
🔹 Basic hand tool operation
🔹 Resume writing
🔹 Professional habits like punctuality and accountability

💼 Even better—this is a PAID opportunity!
Participants earn $16/hour. This program is free for families.

📍 Locations: Newport & Bristol
👥 Only 10 spots available per program
📅 Application Deadline: May 15

This program is proudly supported by the Governor’s Workforce Board, Real Skills for Youth, and RIMTA.

👉 Give your teen the chance to build skills, confidence, and something they’ll never forget. Apply today!

IYRS: https://www.iyrs.edu/workshops/boatprogram
Bristol: https://www.jotform.com/build/260845337877168

04/14/2026

Sponsor shout out! RACE Coastal Engineering selected to reconstruct Apponaug Cove Municipal Pier.
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/racecoastal_rhodeiisland-coastalengineering-publicaccess-activity-7449820018365587457-wbTh?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAACKjwAB8PYRULZOq5n7zAo1rMEmdtEAesI

04/02/2026

🚨 Hiring Soon? Don’t Leave $5,000 on the Table! 🚨

If you're planning to bring on a new employee, Rhode Island RIMTA has limited Pipeline funding available for employers who hire unemployed or underemployed individuals.

Here’s how Ann at RIMTA can support you:
✔️ Post your job opening
✔️ Connect you with qualified candidates
✔️ Help you secure funding to train your new hire

Important: You must contact Ann before you hire. All paperwork must be completed and approved prior to the employee’s start date.

Funding is limited—don’t wait!

📩 Reach out today: [email protected]

03/25/2026

Join us on Thursday, 4/23 at Newport Yacht Club for our Spring Speaker Event featuring Adam Cove!

Join us on Thursday, April 23 from 5:00–7:00 PM at the Newport Yacht Club for an unforgettable evening with Adam Cove as he shares the story of his extraordinary 750-nautical-mile journey in the legendary Race to Alaska. Whether you’re a seasoned offshore sailor or simply love a great maritime a...

03/13/2026

https://marineindustrynews.co.uk/boating-and-fishing-are-main-drivers-of-1-3tn-us-outdoor-recreation-economy-new-data-shows/

New data from the US Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) indicate that recreational boating and fishing represent the largest

03/11/2026

Thank you to everyone who attended and supported yesterday’s PAC fundraiser! ⚓

More than 20 RIMTA members gathered at the Rhode Island State House for a behind-the-scenes tour and the opportunity to meet with Senator Louis DiPalma, Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. The afternoon continued with a reception at Public Kitchen, where we heard a legislative update from our chairman Andy Tyska and lobbyist Billy Walsh with remarks from former Newport Mayor and current Democratic nominee for Lieutenant Governor, Xay Khamsyvoravong.

We’re proud to share that we are almost at our goal of raising $10,000 to support our advocacy efforts on behalf of Rhode Island’s marine industry. Your engagement helps ensure our industry’s voice is heard at the State House.
It’s not too late to contribute and help us reach the finish line! ⛵

Donate here: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/pacc/

Bristol Marine Latitude Yacht Brokerage Harrington Marine Services Safe Harbor Marinas Full Keel Marine LLC Maritime Solutions AkzoNobel

03/04/2026

📣 RIMTA PAC Event – Join Us at the State House!

RIMTA members are encouraged to join us on Tuesday, 3/10 at 2:30 PM at the Rhode Island State House for our Political Action Committee event. This is a key opportunity to connect directly with legislators, strengthen relationships, and reinforce the collective voice of Rhode Island’s marine industry.

Over the past year, our advocacy efforts have made a real impact — including the successful defeat of House Bill 6256 – the Boat Tax. That victory was the result of strong engagement, clear communication, and a united industry presence. It proved that when we show up and speak with one voice, we make a difference.

With new legislative proposals always on the horizon, continued engagement is essential. No PAC donation is too small — your participation and support help protect and advance our industry.
Please consider attending and invite your teams and industry partners to join us.

Together, we can ensure Rhode Island’s marine industry remains strong, competitive, and well represented at the State House.

📩 RSVP directly to Ann [email protected] or donate directly to the following link https://secure.qgiv.com/for/pacc/