by Mark Evans, Membership Development/Marketing & PR co-Chair
 

Contrary to what the poem says, good fences don’t always make good neighbors, so barriers are coming down between two of the antique boating world’s most notable organizations. ACBS and the Antique Boat Museum have had board meeting discussions regarding improving the relationship and joint ventures between the two organizations. Both boards have endorsed sharing of benefits and collaboration during antique boating events and have an agreement to offer each other’s members an initial two full years of membership for the price of one year’s, which will then become a normal yearly membership upon renewal. Among the benefits that ACBS members would receive by becoming Museum members would be the use of the Museum’s free rowing skiffs to explore the waterfront. They would also receive the Museum’s publication Gazette. Other items that have been discussed include sharing articles in each other’s publications, joint advertising, an ACBS-loaned exhibit at the Museum, membership drives on the Museum property, and inserting of advertisements in each other’s mailing (note there has been no discussions about sharing of membership mailing lists). More information is available at www.abm.org. By demonstrating a desire to co-exist in the same small town with another organization that shares the same passion for antique boats, both organizations can benefit by attracting new members. Please take advantage of our membership discount. Consider becoming an Antique Boat Museum member to help grow and sustain the country’s best freshwater boating museum.