Vigor Industrial CEO Frank Foti to Discuss "Resurgence of the Pacific Northwest Maritime Industry" During Pacific Marine Expo Keynote Address

    SEATTLE, WA, November 07, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Frank Foti, CEO & President, Vigor Industrial LLC, will deliver the Boatyard Day Keynote Address on the "Resurgence of the Pacific Northwest Maritime Industry" at 3 p.m. on Thursday, November 21 during the 2013 Pacific Marine Expo. During his remarks, Foti will cover training the next generation of maritime workers, reinvesting in marine infrastructure, and opportunities on the horizon, including the revitalization of the fishing fleet.

Pacific Marine Expo, the West Coast's premier commercial marine trade show, returns to CenturyLink Field Event Center in Seattle from Wednesday, November 20, through Friday, November 22, and there will be no better place for commercial mariners to get geared up for 2014.

Attendance is free to the keynote to all registered Expo visitors. To register and for further information, visit www.PacificMarineExpo.com.

"Over the past 18 years, Frank Foti has led the company's transformation from a single, struggling shipyard to a thriving, increasingly diversified industrial company with 2,000 employees, seven locations and more than $500 million in annual revenue," said Bruce Buls, Ttechnical Editor for WorkBoat magazine, which, along with National Fisherman magazine, sponsors the Expo.

Buls said Vigor Industrial is a leading provider of shipbuilding, ship repair and other commercial marine services in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. The company builds fishing vessels, barges, ferries and other vessels. Vigor Industrial also repairs U.S. Navy aircraft carriers and U.S. Coast Guard icebreakers, and modernizes fishing vessels, workboats and more.

Vigor Industrial has operations in Portland, Seattle (the former Todd Shipyards), Bremerton, Everett, Port Angeles, Tacoma and Ketchikan. Vigor Industrial companies offers 10 drydocks, more than 17,000 feet of dedicated pier space, and more than half a million square feet of covered shop area.

The Third Annual Boatyard Day will launch at 2:45 with a 2013 Year in Review for both workboats and fishing boats by Buls and National Fisherman editors Jessica Hathaway and Michael Crowley. Following the review, the 2013 National Fisherman Boats & Gear Award winners will be presented.

From keynote addresses to free Conference programs to the latest equipment and products, the 2013 Pacific Marine Expo promises to be the right place for commercial mariners to get geared up for the coming season.

"Last year, the Expo continued its strong growth," noted Bob Callahan, Pacific Marine Expo Director from Diversified Business Communications. "We filled the entire exhibit hall with nearly 450 exhibitors, and we attracted 7,975 visitors from 40 states and 24 countries." Callahan noted that 81% of visitors are involved in or influence purchasing decisions and 62% of visitors intend to make purchases during or after attending the Expo. The Expo is the largest and longest-running commercial marine tradeshow on the West Coast.

Register on or before November 19 and admission is free for qualified attendees. After November 19, registration is $30.00 per qualified attendee. The non-exhibiting suppliers registration fee is $50.00.

To register and for further information, visit www.PacificMarineExpo.com.

About Pacific Marine Expo
Pacific Marine Expo is the largest and longest running commercial marine tradeshow on the West Coast and is annually held in Seattle. The Expo serves all aspects of the market, including commercial vessels owners, commercial fishermen, boat builders, workboat operators and seafood processors.

The Expo gives exhibitors and attendees the opportunity to meet face-to-face to discuss the hottest products, innovative ideas and new services for a business. Annual special events include Fisherman of the Year Contest, a free Happy Hour in the Beer Garden sponsored by ZF Marine, entertainment by Fisher Poets, and an Author's Corner and Bookstore.

Pacific Marine Expo is produced by Diversified Business Communications.

For further information, visit www.PacificMarineExpo.com.

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