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GE Capital Solutions and Sail America will present the inaugural “Growth Through Innovation” Sailing Industry Conference on June 12, 20008, in Newport, RI, at the International Yacht Restoration School (IYRS). Sail America members are invited to join leaders from business and the sailing industry for a compelling conference designed to help companies that provide sailing-related products and services achieve business success in today’s tough market environment.

The “Growth Through Innovation” conference will bring together over 100 business owners, sales and marketing managers, and other sailing-industry professionals for a full day of educational seminars, workshops, social networking, and a keynote presentation by best-selling business author, Dan Coughlin. Proven leaders from the worlds of business, economics, technology, marketing and sailing will mix with conference participants to discuss future trends and best industry practices.

The conference kicks off on Wednesday, June 11th with an evening Welcome Reception co-sponsored by SAIL Magazine and the Newport Exhibition Group at The Sunset Terrace, located at the Newport Yachting Center. Ken Read, Skipper PUMA Ocean Racing will give provide a fascinating insight into the VOLVO OCEAN RACE. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served.

The GE Capital Solutions sponsored conference on Thursday, June 12th will feature keynote speaker Dan Coughlin who will deliver a lively opening session on developing strategies to create more customer value while improving profitability and revenue growth. Dan will also run workshops on how to “Accelerate Your Impact as a Business Leader." Mark Vitner, Senior Analyst at Wachovia Bank will discuss economic trends and Dean Brenner, US Sailing Olympic Chair will talk about Professional Lessons from the World of Olympic Sailing.

Workshops will be held throughout the day on various topics, including Product Innovation, How to Generate Sales in a Soft Market, Successful Export Strategies, The Latest in E-Marketing, The Importance of Market Segmentation, and Successful PR Strategies. The conference will wrap up with a thought provoking panel discussion on the trends and opportunities in sailing.

On Thursday evening, conference attendees will enjoy networking and socializing at a Gala Dinner sponsored by the Sailing Company. There will be live music, a raffle, and an auction.

“The time is right for the entire membership of Sail America to come together as an industry and reach for the next level of expertise,” said GE Capital Solutions Vice President-Marine Manufacturing Relations Jerry Clark.

“The Growth Through Innovation” conference will focus on business-building strategies for achieving greater success through creative and innovative business practices,” said Sail America Executive Director Jonathan Banks. “We believe our conference attendees will go home, renewed, re-energized and equipped with an array of ideas they can implement to advance their businesses.”