PORTLAND – Jack Cashman, commissioner of Maine’s Department of Economic and Community Development, and leaders of Maine’s boat building industry officially launched the Maine Built Boats Organization at the Maine Boatbuilders Show.

MBBO is an alliance geared toward unifying Maine’s boat building industry and establishing it as a global leader. Industry representatives estimate that it could increase annual Maine boat sales from $650 million to more than $1 billion over the next 10 years.

MBBO plans to build a unified brand and market Maine built boats to national and international audiences. Initial funding for this effort has been raised by Maine boat builders with additional funding from the state.

Other initiatives include partnerships with the state and federal governments to leverage resources and develop a favorable business environment for Maine boat builders, support of industry training, and the development of technologies that enhance product performance.

MBBO is structured after New Zealand’s Marine Industry Association, which succeeded in growing the country’s marine exports from $82 million in 1994 to $389 million in 2003. Nearly 450 companies make up Maine’s boat building industry.

MBBO is a division of the Maine Marine Trade Association. For more information, phone (207) 773-8725 or e-mail [email protected].