The peak body for the Australian marine export industry represents 78 leading Australian marine companies. Several Australian companies will be at PIMEX under the AIMEX banner.

A presence at PIMEX is considered by AIMEX to represent a significant marketing opportunity to reach South-East Asian markets. PIMEX was selected by AIMEX as its sole regional boatshow presence in 2006.

Other key marketing plans by AIMEX include:
• Attendance under an AIMEX banner at PIMEX 2007 and other key 2007 international boat shows in Dubai, China and trade events IBEX and METS Amsterdam;
• The launch of a new website reflecting a more professional image for the organisation;
• And the distribution of the 2007 AIMEX Yearbook, a 100-page glossy reference publication on Australia’s export industry with details on members. The Yearbook is circulated worldwide through Austrade and distributed at trade shows and to media.

Public relations company Kate D Enterprises has been appointed to raise the organisation’s profile. Principal Kate Duryea has more than 20 years’ experience in journalism, marketing and public relations with specialist experience in the boating industry.

The moves follow the appointment of AIMEX General Manager MaryAnne Edwards earlier in 2006.

“The Australian marine industry has more than 2700 companies with a turnover of around $A5.5 billion. AIMEX represents some of Australia’s most successful marine companies – boat manufacturers, equipment and service providers,” said Ms Edwards.

“As an organisation, we must be competitive in the international arena and these marketing plans should enforce our profile as a group representing the highest standards of marine quality in world markets,” she said.

“AIMEX members attending METS Amsterdam and IBEX late 2006 enjoyed success with two AIMEX members winning commendations at the prestigious Design Awards METS.”

Australian marine clothing brand Burke Marine attended METS Amsterdam as part of the AIMEX stand. The company’s patented design Seabrake has proven popular in international markets. Approved by the Australian Marine Safety Authority as a sea anchor, the product has 11 applications including use as a drogue, for emergency steering and a bosuns chair.

“After a very successful campaign at METS as part of the AIMEX stand we have been flooded with orders from across Europe and Asia,” said Martin Burke of Burke Marine. The company has begun negotiations to appoint an agent in Holland and the Caribbean.

In other news, the new AIMEX Board was elected on November 24. The Board represents leading names in the marine industry. Richard Chapman of Coursemaster Autopilots was re-elected President, Sean Griffin (GME) is Vice-President and Stephen Vincent (Austral Propellers) is Treasurer. Other Board members include Alan Steber (Stebercraft),Richard Ward (Seawind Catamarans), Alistair Murray (Ronstan International), Barry Jenkins (Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show), Steve Taylor (Nuplex Structural Resins), Brian Gagen (Polyflex Brisbane Australia), Alex Johnston (Muir Windlasses), Lindsay Grenfell (BIAV and AIMEX Chief Executive Officer) and Mary Anne Edwards (AIMEX General Manager). Two new Board members are Kirralee Hills (Offshore Marine) and Brett Maddern (Marina Protection Systems) while government representatives include Leigh Wilmott (Austrade) and Craig Lawler (DITR). The AIMEX website is www.aimex.asn.au.

FOR MEDIA INFORMATION:
MaryAnne Edwards
General Manager
AIMEX
Ph +61 3 8696 5600
medwards@aimex.asn.au

Kate Duryea
Media Consultant
Kate D Enterprises
Ph 0408 331 868
kated@iprimus.com.au