Now and Forever

Like all of you on this anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack, we at Marinas International are saddened thinking again about the horrors that unfolded before our eyes on that day; but we are also proud.  We are proud of our nation, of  our citizens.  Our actions, just after this tragedy, solidified us as a great nation.  We saw our country come together with a willingness to protect one another, to serve our neighbors and we saw heroes emerge.  A new surge of patriotism overtook this country and we were all better for it.  Neighbors and strangers united for one cause-our peace, safety and enduring freedom.  National security became the most important discussion at dinner tables, office water coolers and meeting places throughout the United States.  Hearing the terror threat level became as normal as the traffic or weather updates.  The intense pride that comes from banding together for a common cause was never so evident.  The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in American classrooms and we celebrated those inspiring words –“with liberty and justice for all.”  Our hope is that we will never again have to endure such a tragic event, but we hold fast to the resilience of our nation and our people in the face of evil.

We are in awe when we hear the stories of the first responders, the fire and rescue personnel, the citizens who ran to Ground Zero and not away.  Many will visit Ground Zero and celebrate their memories and the legacy of their sacrifice.  Often, we forget about the flight crews forced suddenly into the eye of the storm.  Today,  we were fortunate enough to visit the 9/11 Flight Crew Memorial in Grapevine, Texas, erected in honor of those brave souls who perished on those fateful flights.   We learned of their selfless actions-of the passengers and the flight crews – those ordinary people in their last moments. How they faced extraordinary odds and made the hard choices to defend their country.  Despite the sadness the anniversary of this historic date always brings, we celebrate these heroes-now and forever.

Click HERE for information about the 9/11 Flight Crew Memorial.

Standard vs. Custom-What Boaters Want

If you have ever watched a car commercial, you know that we as consumers are all about more-more legroom, more safety features, more storage, more cup holders.  This same mindset carries throughout the marketplace and marinas are not exempt.  In Marina Dock Age, Shannon Funk’s “Boaters Demand More…Everything but the Kitchen Sink”, we’ll explore those options and take a closer look at what motivates slip holders.  Find the full story here.

 

Link to article:  http://www.readoz.com/publication/read?i=1062865&letter=M#page48

 

Shannon Funk is a contributing writer for Marina Dock Age Magazine and Vice President of Marketing for Marinas International in Dallas, Texas.

 

It’s About Time- the Rise of Dry Stack

The marina industry has evolved over the past several decades and great changes loom on the horizon.  One segment of the boating community, the dry storage customer, has felt the immediate and possibly the most profound impact of these changes.  Shannon Funk, contributing writer for Marina Dock Age Magazine, highlights this in her recent article.  Find the full story here.

 

Link to article:  http://www.readoz.com/publication/read?i=1062040&letter=M#page42

 

Shannon Funk is a contributing writer for Marina Dock Age Magazine and Vice President of Marketing for Marinas International in Dallas, Texas.