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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a Network?

What is MOTN?

What does MOTN do?

Who operates MOTN?

How is MOTN financed?

Who can join MOTN?

Why should I join MOTN?

Who are your current network members?

How much does it cost to become a member?

How do I join MOTN?

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Marine & Oceanographic
Technology Network

37 Teneycke Hill Rd.
P.O. Box 1950
N. Falmouth, MA 02556
Tel. 508
.548.3246
Email: info@motn.org

About MOTN...
We're pleased you'd like to learn more about MOTN.  Let's start with the basics.  MOTN is a network, so the first obvious question is...

What is a Network?

A network is a group of firms in a single industry or in complementary industries that join together to share information, leverage resources, and accomplish tasks that they could not handle on their own. By joining with other firms, smaller organizations can gain a competitive advantage. Networks allow small firms to compete with larger ones that may be more organized and better capitalized. In some cases, networks offer a mechanism for a group of small companies to act like a larger company.

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What is MOTN?

A Brief History - The Marine and Oceanographic Technology Network (MOTN) originated as the Massachusetts Ocean Technology Network.  MOTN was formed in 1994 as a non-profit corporation with the express purpose of promoting, supporting, and expanding the marine technology manufacturing and service businesses within the state of Massachusetts.  The state recognized that Massachusetts had become a hotbed of oceanographic technology, and provided seed money to form a network that would foster cooperation and synergy within this industry to encourage the development and expansion of local business opportunities.

As MOTN grew in size and popularity, it became obvious that the the entire New England region, with its dense population of marine technology design and production firms, could also benefit from membership within the organization.  Thus, recently, the Massachusetts Ocean Technology Network gave way to the larger, more diverse Marine and Oceanographic Technology Network.

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What does MOTN do?

Essentially, MOTN fosters cooperation between, and opportunities for, its member companies.  Member companies include industry suppliers, consultants, representatives, research institutes and manufacturers - all working together to increase business opportunities both within and outside of the organization.

Current and Future Projects Include:

  • Homeland Defense - iMOTN plans to become a clearinghouse for Homeland Security technology and market information for its members. Through participation in several planned Homeland Security events, MOTN aims to become a catalyst in bringing Federal, State and Local agency attention to MOTN member products, technologies and expertise.  A MOTN Port & Harbor Security Steering Committee is currently being organized.
  • Health Care Collaborative - MOTN is currently investigating the possibility of forming a collaborative the reduce our members high cost of health care.  More information to follow soon.
  • MOTN Newsletter - MOTN is also investigating the possibility of creating and distributing an MOTN newsletter.  This would include member news, announcements, product highlights, etc. and would be distributed via e-mail, and posted to www.motn.org.

  • Trade Show Collaborative - MOTN member companies are leveraging funds to attend industry trade shows. They have attended tradeshows (either in their own booth or under the MOTN banner) in California, Florida, Maryland, Rhode Island, Canada, England, and Singapore.  
  • Joint Promotion - A Network Directory is produced in printed and on-line format promoting and linking the products, services, and capabilities of member companies and organizations.  This directory is made available to our members' potential customers and anyone interested in the network.
  • Advertising Discounts – MOTN has negotiated advertising discount for MOTN members for the Marine Technology Reporter, Intl. Ocean Systems Design, and other trade publications.
  • Networking Meetings - MOTN hosts quarterly meetings at a variety of facilities.  These meetings are organized not only to inform members of recent and upcoming events, but also to provide networking opportunities for our member companies.
  • Biennial Ocean Technology Training Workshop - This successful workshop is located in Massachusetts and its purpose is to train customers on new or updated MOTN company equipment and services. Seminars and sea trials on specific equipment are offered.   Our next event is scheduled for the Fall of 2007 (click here for full details).

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Who operates MOTN?

The Network is governed by a Board of Directors, Executive Committee, Working Committees, and voting members.

Officers:

President:   Cheryl Zimmerman (FarSounder, Inc.)

Vice President:    Eric Takakjian (Quest Marine Services)

Treasurer:   Steve Withrow (Trinity International Consultants)

Secretary:    Bob Hamilton (Woods Hole Group)

Past President: Hugh Murphy (Purvis, Inc.)

Web Site Administrator: Paul Whelan (Yankee Ingenuity)

Directors:

  • Chris Casagrande (Sea Sciences, Inc.)

  • John Irza (Blue Fin Robotics, Inc.)

  • Ken Cirillo (C-Map)

  • Michael Mathewson (McLane Research Laboratories, Inc.)

  • Maggie Merrill (Marine Marketing Services)

  • Janice Norton (Hydroid, Inc.)

  • Robert Lobecker (Technical and Marketing Services LLC)

  • Chip Ryther (CR Environmental, Inc.)

Board Members:

All MOTN members become voting members of the Board.

MOTN is also comprised of various committees, on which   members are encouraged to serve.  These include, but are not limited to:

  • Strategic Planning
  • Trade Shows and Promotion
  • Equipment Training and Workshops
  • Legislative Affairs
  • Membership
  • Business Development

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How is MOTN financed?

MOTN is financed with membership fees, specific project contributions, and matching funds (on a year to year basis) from the Massachusetts Office of Business Development Manufacturing Networks Program.

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Who can join MOTN?

Any organization, located within New England, that is affiliated with the marine and offshore industry is eligible for membership in MOTN.  Examples includes,

  • Marine technology manufacturers, suppliers, consulting, and service firms.
  • Marine-related government or educational institutions.

New members must be sponsored by an existing member.

If you are uncertain as to your ability to qualify, please contact us directly.   We'll be happy to assist you. 

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Why should I join MOTN?

Simply put - MOTN can provide your company with a competitive advantage.  The network provides you with opportunities to share information, leverage resources, market your products and services, and accomplish tasks that you could not, cost effectively, perform on your own.

By joining with other firms, both large and small organizations can leverage resources within their region to collectively improve their business practices, discover collaborative research and development opportunities, and increase their marketing exposure throughout the industry.

Check out a listing of our member benefits

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Who are your current network members?

Click here for a complete listing of our current members.


How much does it cost to become a member?

In the interest of fairness, MOTN's annual membership fees are based on a sliding scale.  The  fee schedule is as follows:

  • Student - $50.00
  • Organizations with < 5 employees - $100.00
  • Organizations with 5 - 10 employees - $350.00
  • Organizations with 10 - 25 employees - $500.00
  • Organizations with 26+ employees - $750.00

Upon payment of membership fees, members are added to the database and MOTN web site, will receive all general Network correspondence, and are entered into the  membership directory, which is updated annually. Additional funds may be required from members depending on their level of participation in special projects.

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How do I join MOTN?

Click here to download our 2007 Membership Form.  Fill out the form, and mail, fax or e-mail it to:

MOTN C/O Eric Takakjian
502 Sconticut Neck Road
Fairhaven, MA 02719
Email:
info@motn.org

To ensure Network effectiveness, members are encouraged to attend general events, participate on the working committees, and contribute to Network initiatives. A spirit of cooperation, collaboration, and professionalism is essential for the Network to operate effectively.

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