05/31/2026
Great Annual Meeting yesterday in Taunton. Thank you to everyone who attended. We are pleased to share the 2026–2027 Executive Board:
Jared Valanzola - Chair
Amanda Peterson - Vice Chair
Kaitlin Barnett - Secretary
Joe Paru - Treasurer
Alex Aiken - National Committeeman
Ally Webster - National Committeewoman
Justin Robertson - Plymouth County Club Chair
Congratulations to the newly elected board, and thank you to all who stepped forward to serve. We look forward to a successful and productive year ahead.
05/20/2026
Sen. Patrick O'Connor getting it done!
In Massachusetts, the recreational boating industry supports more than 1,000 businesses, 20,000 employees, and $4.4 billion in annual economic activity. As the industry continues to grow, workforce development and technical training are critical to ensuring the next generation is prepared to fill these important careers.
I was proud to sponsor Amendment #108 to the FY27 budget, which provides $150,000 to the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association to expand workforce development training opportunities and technical education programs in secondary and post-secondary schools for careers in the marine trades. This funding will help strengthen partnerships with vocational schools and workforce organizations to create new pathways into the marine industry.
Thank you to the MMTA for your continued work supporting Massachusetts’ marine economy, and to my colleagues for supporting this amendment. Learn more about the MMTA at their website:
05/20/2026
Another incredible Happy Hour last night! Thank you to State Senator Bruce Tarr, State Senator Ryan Fattman, State Senator Peter J. Durant, and Senator Kelly Dooner for stopping by during your break in the budget debate. Good luck holding the line on spending this week!
Also a big thank you to the many Senate staffers who joined us, and to Massachusetts Republican Party Executive Director Haley Jones and Political Director Aidan Carey for stopping by as well.
Join us at Carrie Nation next month for our next Happy Hour! Date to be announced soon.
Interested in learning more or joining? You can do so at www.massyrs.org
05/20/2026
05/20/2026