Inaugural WorkBoat Executive Summit Focuses on Meeting Financial Challenges in Today's Economy; Summit to Launch International WorkBoat Show in New Orleans

    NEW ORLEANS, LA, October 05, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- With credit markets still tight and an economy trying to rebound from a severe recession, how can commercial marine companies get access to financing that will allow their companies to grow and prosper?

"The 2009 WorkBoat Executive Summit - Marine Finance will help provide the solutions and financial information maritime industry executives need in today's tough economic climate," said David Krapf, editor in chief of WorkBoat magazine, sponsor of the Summit. The Executive Summit will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 1, at the Morial Convention Center in New Orleans.

Krapf said the Executive Summit will provide both a financial forum and networking opportunity for vessel owners, builders and commercial marine finance executives. "Marine executives will learn about current market metrics, capital expenditure needs, and the current state of accessing capital and credit lines," said Krapf. "Participants will leave with a better understanding of equity markets, captive financing, government loan guarantees, international financing, loans and leases."

The Summit kicks off the International WorkBoat Show, North America's largest maritime trade show. The WorkBoat Show will be held from Dec. 2-4 in New Orleans at the Morial Convention Center.

Registration is available at www.WorkBoatSummit.com.

Keynote Speakers

U.S. Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI) and Ralph Petta, interim president of the Equipment Leasing and Financial Association, will present the keynote addresses at the Executive Summit.

"Surfing the Zeitgeist: American Principles and Challenges in a Chaotic Age" will be the topic of Congressman McCotter's keynote address. McCotter, was elected by his colleagues in 2006 to serve as chairman of the Republican House Policy Committee, a leadership position once held by former President Gerald Ford and former Vice President Dick Cheney. McCotter is also a member of the House Financial Services Committee, where he serves on the Capital Markets, Insurance, and Government Sponsored Enterprises and the Housing and Community Opportunity subcommittees.

"Overview of the Commercial Equipment Finance Industry" will be the topic of a luncheon keynote address by Petta, the interim president of the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA). He has been with ELFA since April 1987. In addition to his role in serving as CEO and chief spokesperson for ELFA, he has responsibility for managing the development of the association's industry information resources and data-collection, including the annual Survey of Equipment Finance Activity, Monthly Leasing & Finance Index, and Industry Compensation Survey. He also oversees the development of various benchmarking and market research initiatives, and related industry reference publications sponsored by ELFA.

Panel Presentations and Roundtables

Finance Executive Panel Discussion - The morning panel of finance experts will provide executives with an overview of the state of the commercial marine finance marketplace, answer questions and help find solutions to industry challenges. The panel will explore new markets for acquiring capital for operations, expansion and mergers and acquisitions. Experts will offer insight into the role the government can, should and shouldn't play in helping to maintain the industry's health. How do market issues such as vessel replacement cost, population and utilization affect asset value? How can a company best prepare for a rebound in the commercial marine market?

Panelists include: Dennis Bolton , Managing Director, Wachovia Equipment Finance; Elliott K Etheredge, CFA , Managing Director and Head of Marine Transportation Investment Banking, Dahlman Rose; Tom Fitzpatrick, Senior Relationship Manager, Export/Import Bank Of the United States; Bill Luetzow , Managing Director, Caterpillar Financial Services; Debra Lessans; Title XI Ship Financing Guarantee Program Manager, MARAD; and, Richard Paine, Sr., CEO President, Marine-Finance.com.

Boatbuilder/Operator Executive Panel Discussion - The afternoon panel will build on the morning session's discussions. If you operate one tug or 50, two or 2,000 barges, understanding the financial implications of today's economy is critical. How has the industry been affected by the economic woes of the last two years? What will the market look like two years from now or a decade from now? What are the true signs of a recovery? What roll does government play?

Panelists include: Stephen Dick, Executive Vice President, Tidewater, Inc.; Brian D'Isernia, President, Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc; Peter Duclos, President, Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding; Harley Franco, Chairman & CEO, Harley Marine Services, Inc.; John Gellert, President, SEACOR Marine LLC; and, Charles A. Robertson, Chairman, Chesapeake Shipbuilding Corp.

The Executive Summit also includes a reception, continental breakfast and coffee break networking opportunities.

Registration

Registration includes the full schedule of WorkBoat Executive Summit events on Dec. 1 and admission to the International WorkBoat Show exhibit hall, Dec. 2-4, 2009.
• $600 Early Bird (Before October 23)
• $700 Regular (October 23 or later)

Registration is available at www.WorkBoatSummit.com.

About the International WorkBoat Show

The 30th International WorkBoat Show, North America's largest maritime trade show and conference, which will be held at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center, Dec. 2-4, 2009.

"With a record number of exhibitors and the addition of the new WorkBoat Executive Summit, the 2009 WorkBoat Show promises to be the biggest and best ever," said Mike Lodato, vice president, Diversified Business Communications, which produces the show. "The WorkBoat Show is the premier marketplace for businesses working on the coastal, inland and offshore waters."

More than 1,000 exhibitors and 10,000 visitors are expected to attend the 2009 WorkBoat Show. Lodato said that the 2008 show attracted visitors from 40 states and 17 countries. Tradeshow Week ranks the event as one of the Top 200 largest U.S. trade shows.

Highlighting the 2009 Show will be the new WorkBoat Executive Summit on Tuesday, Dec. 1, and the Annual Shipyard Day on Wednesday, Dec. 2, which will feature the presentation of the WorkBoat Environmental Awards and the 10 Significant Boats of 2009 Awards.

To attend the show, pre-register online at www.workboatshow.com or call 800-454-3007. Pre-registration for the exhibit hall is free, onsite price is $50. To exhibit call Chris Dimmerling at 207-842-5666.

The International WorkBoat show is produced by Diversified Business Communications.

The International WorkBoat Show is North America's largest maritime trade show and conference. For 30 years, the WorkBoat Show has proven to be the premier marketplace for businesses working on the coastal, inland and offshore waters. To attend the show, pre-register online at www.workboatshow.com or call 800-454-3007. Pre-registration for the exhibit hall is free, onsite price is $50. To exhibit call Chris Dimmerling at 207-842-5666. The International WorkBoat show is produced by Diversified Business Communications.

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