Letter from the president - February 2013.

In a couple of weeks time we´ll celebrate the Annual General Meeting 2013 of our association. For us it is one of the most significant events of the year, uniting all the “members of the family” and giving us an opportunity to exchange ideas and network in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. We are making a huge effort and dedicating many hours to prepare the General Assembly this year, considering that this year we also have the elections of the new board. And having still a few months to go until the Palma Boat Show begins, we can already announce that all out associates can obtain a special reduction in price when booking exhibition space. 

The programme of the General Assembly, although not completely finalized, concentrates on the needs of our associates. Various experts deal with issues that range from VAT regulations, the new Law of Navigation and Matriculation Tax, to techiques on how to improve our business potential. Within short we´ll send you the programme of the Assembly with more detailed information. We are counting on the participation of many important personalities both from the business world and from the political institutions. But more than anything we are hoping to count on you! Because none of the achievements of the recent years would have been possible without your support and your vote of confidence. You, together with the other associates have given us the strength to fight for your and your company´s interests. Therefore we hope that you will come and get to know other people like you, so you can witness first hand the strength we have together. We also believe it can be a constructive experience to network with other entrepreneurs and to be able to have a debate over the problems we have and how to solve them. 

We need to stay united and join our forces for our mutual best. Although it sounds like a klisché it is doesn´t make it less true. This maxim is even more valid in these uncertain times we are living at the moment. As you know, this year we have elections of the new board. You all have a right to vote and for this your assistance at this year´s General Assembly is even more important - to show our strenght and unity in the face of the dangers that loom over our companies and the balearic nautical sector in general. From the big brokers to the small companies and self employed, we are all equally important when it comes to defending our livelihood. 

In May the Palma Boat Show will be celebrated. We have been talking for months about the deep involvement of the association in the project. With you help we have managed to plan the Show with the exhibitors in mind, but including also the visitors and professionals. As a fruit of all the work done and after numerous meetings with the representatives of the government, we have managed to negotiate a discount of 15% for our associates. The Public Administration is aware that many of you book exhibition space in the Show year after year, and with the discount they want to ackowledge your loyalty and encourage even more of you to exhibit in the renewed Show, which we believe will be the most important edition of the recent years.