MEDIA RELEASE
Boating Industry Association of Vic. LTD, Marine House, 24 York Street, South Melbourne VIC 3205
BIA President Gordon Howlett (left) presents Rod
Smith with a BIA Victoria Life Membership.
27 November 2009
BIA 0912
BIA Victoria honors Rod Smith with life membership
BIA Victoria is pleased to announce Rod Smith as its
newest life member after a unanimous decision by the
BIA board of directors.
Rod joins a select list of eight industry stalwarts who
have been made life members in recognition of the
time, experience and knowledge they have contributed
to BIA Victoria since its inception in 1973.
As a fourth generation Managing Director of the
family business, C H Smith Marine, Rod joined BIA as
a member in 1983.
In February 2000, Rod was appointed Director of the Chandlery Division and went on serve
as president of BIA Victoria for an unbeaten five years, from 2001 to 2005.
From 2003 to 2008 Rod served on the Australian Marine Industries Federation (AMIF)
Board, contributing to many projects including the 2002 Marine Training Package, 2004
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Compensation Claim and the 2005/2006 ‘All
Hands on Deck’ education program.
Rod is a graduate of RMIT, an associate member of the Australian Society of Certified
Practicing Accountants, a foundation fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors
and a consultant in IT systems, systems management and website development.
Outgoing BIA President Gordon Howlett presented Rod with his award at the BIA AGM at
Marine House last week.
Mr Howlett said Rod has been a great asset to BIA Victoria over his years of involvement,
giving tirelessly to the association and always keeping informed on all matters.
“He has given his support to many during his time on the board and it is the time and effort
that he has put in over this period that has a lot to do with where BIA is today,” he said.
“Personally, having his support and access to his knowledge has made my job a lot easier.”
AMIF former CEO Sherry Donaldson, although not able to be present, submitted a warm
appreciation of Rod’s contribution at a national level.
“He is truly a man of substance, who came to every meeting thoroughly prepared and ready
to debate the issues, no matter how difficult or sensitive,” she said.
“He never shied away from giving his opinion and his ability to concede a point with grace
and good humour made him all the more effective.
“While being fervently ‘Victorian’, he was also able to take a ‘national approach’ when it
came to decision making and was always conscious that he was acting on behalf of the nation
in all matters AMIF.”
…ends
More information:
Robert Coco
0414 492 984 or (03) 8696 5600
Media inquiries & images:
Greg Shoemark
0412 316 928 or (03) 9898 5570
g_shoemark@optusnet.com.au
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