DEMA’s Board of Directors Meets to Review and Discuss Progress for the Association

On August 18th the DEMA Board of Directors participated in a conference call to follow up on the topics that were discussed during the June board meeting. The key issues that were reviewed included the new Retailer Resource Committee, DEMA’s online forum, a discussion of DEMA’s Mission and governance, a possible partnership which could help generate content for DEMA-Member use and Board Member candidate nominations.

“DEMA and the Board have made significant progress in our efforts to have more positive impact on the Industry,” commented Tom Ingram, Executive Director of DEMA. “We will continue to work on the action items that were discussed during our board meeting, as well as strategizing how DEMA can provide more ‘thick value’ for the Industry, increase opportunities for collaboration and help the Industry thrive.”

The board meeting began with the Board’s approval of reports covering past activities as part of the consent agenda. After the approval of the consent agenda, the key topics were discussed and the following actions were taken:

1.     Retailer Resource Committee: This committee was created as a result of the Strategic Learning Session held in April 2014. It focuses on how DEMA can provide appropriate resources and support to dive retailers, including access to education, pertinent and actionable data, and ultimately business growth. It was agreed that the committee should be comprised of approximately 10 Members, and the individuals who accept committee membership will be encouraged to remain on the committee starting in 2014 and continuing into 2015.

2.     DEMA’s Online Forum: The Board agreed to keep the forum in its current format, and DEMA will continue to encourage online discussions as well as monitor the forum as DEMA Show approaches.

3.     DEMA Governance Next Steps: Elections, Membership, Mission: The Board has indicated the need for an outside consultant to assist with a review and update of DEMA’s governance, membership format and mission statement.  DEMA is moving forward with an experienced consultant starting in September, with an anticipated completion of the project’s initial stages by the end of 2014.

4.     Developing Content for Member Use: The Board discussed several possibilities for inexpensively creating content which could be used by DEMA Members to promote recreational diving.  A number of possible partnerships through non-profit organizations were discussed. Proposals are currently under review by DEMA staff.

5.     Board Nominations: The DEMA staff has reached out to DEMA Members with an interest in being potential candidates for the 2015-2017 Board of Directors.  A call for write-ins has also been issued.

The DEMA Board will meet again during November’s DEMA Show.  More information on DEMA’s Board of Directors and Committees is available on the DEMA website. Complete minutes from past Board of Directors Meetings are available to current DEMA Members from the Member Dashboard of www.dema.org.