Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/601416
TOP 100 www.BoatingIndustry.com 42 | Boating Industry | December 2015 BEST INDUSTRY ADVOCATE THE SAIL & SKI CENTER AUSTIN, TEXAS The Sail & Ski Center has been a leader in the marine industry for years, and nowhere is that more self-evident than in its efforts to improve boating across the country and at home. The Sail & Ski Center is a member of several local boating trades associations, and the Sail & Ski team has held multiple leader- ship positions in those communities. Outside of the industry, The Sail & Ski Center works closely with the Lake Travis Chamber of Commerce, with vice president Buzz Watkins currently serving on the Board of Directors. Recently, the dealership has taken a lead- ership position in the Friends of the Central Texas Water Coalition, the fundraising arm of the Central Texas Water Coalition (CTWC). The CTWC is a water con- servation and water re- sources management advocacy group made up of stakeholders from mu- nicipalities, homeowners and businesses from the central Texas area. "As early as 2010 we realized that continuation of the persistent Texas drought and the softness in demand from the aspirational boater would change what our new boat portfolio structure should be in the future," said Sail & Ski presi- dent Rod Malone. "The continuing drought was affecting the aesthetic atmosphere for boating to the point that cruising and over- nighting activities were being curtailed. … As a result most ramps would continue to be closed making access to the water by trailer boaters at best very difficult." Watkins was elected as vice president of the FCTWC. Recent fundraisers for the CTWC include owner's club parties, a demo center and an event at the Cranes Mill Marina. The dealership's involvement in the CTWC positions the company as a strong leader and advocate for not only boating,