Memberships & Affiliations

Boston Port & Seamen’s Aid Society (Mariners House), Boston, MA

www.marinershouse.org

The Boston Port and Seamen's Aid Society (BPSAS) was founded in 1829 under the guidance of Father Edward Thompson Taylor, known as the "Sailor Preacher" in Boston's historic North Square. Its mission from the beginning has been to "improve the moral, religious and general condition of seamen and their families; to offer aid and encouragement to the poor and industrious seamen; and to promote the education of seamen's children." While some of the wording may have changed to stay in step with the times, the mission of the BPSAS remains the same. Mariners House was founded in 1847 by the managers of the BPSAS, and for more than 150 years, it has provided hospitality and guidance to the professional mariner.

Tom Skinner serves on the Board of Managers of the BPSAS.

Environmental Business Council of New England (EBC), Boston, MA

www.ebcne.org

The EBC was conceived in 1990 by environmental and energy company executives who began meeting on a regular basis to exchange ideas and share experiences. The EBC was the first organization in the United States established to support and foster the development of the environmental industry. Our goal is to enhance business and job growth of both established and emerging environmental and energy businesses.

Durand & Anastas is a member of EBC, and Bob Durand is on its Board of Directors.

Gulf of Maine Ocean Observing System (GoMOOS), Portland, ME

www.gomoos.org

GoMOOS is a national pilot program designed to bring hourly oceanographic data from the Gulf of Maine to c ommercial mariners, coastal resource managers, scientists, educators, search and rescue teams, emergency response teams, public health officials, and recreational boaters – anyone, in fact, interested in coastal and ocean observations. GoMOOS in a national model in responding to user needs because users direct the nonprofit membership-based organization. Since 2001, GoMOOS has made information from 10 buoys, satellites, CODAR (Coastal Ocean Dynamics Application Radar), and other sources available to the public through its website, and has developed predictive models and other products for end users.

Tom Skinner is currently Vice President for Massachusetts on the GoMOOS Executive Board.

Hydrographic Services Review Panel (HSRP)

National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Silver Spring, MD

http://chartmaker.ncd.noaa.gov/ocs/hsrp/hsrp.htm

In October 2003, Secretary of Commerce Don Evans established the Hydrographic Services Review Panel as directed by the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 2002, Public Law 107-372. The Panel is composed of a diverse field of experts in hydrographic surveying, vessel pilotage, port administration, tides and currents, coastal zone management, geodesy, recreational boating, marine transportation, and academia. Advice from this panel provides assistance in addressing NOAA’s strategic plan to improve the nation's marine transportation system and NOAA’s plans to support commerce with world-class products and services that will help ensure safe, efficient and environmentally sound marine transportation. The HSRP’s recommendations are at http://chartmaker.ncd.noaa.gov/ocs/hsrp/archive/general/HSRPspecrpt2007.pdf.

Tom Skinner has been a member of the HSRP since 2003 and is currently Vice Chair.

Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce, Marlborough, MA

http://www.marlboroughchamber.org/index.php

The Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit, private organization that provides a forum and resources for business people to experience individual and collective growth; education through seminars, breakfasts, and the Small Business Development Center from Clark University; and legislative advocacy and economic development that will ultimately result in cohesive regional success through the 495/MetroWest Corridor Partnership. This Chamber has been serving the community since 1924. We work side by side with public officials, business people and citizens to make the region a better place to live, work and play.

Durand & Anastas is a member of the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce.

New England Council, Boston, MA

www.newenglandcouncil.com

The New England Council was formed in 1925 by the region's business and government leaders who recognized the importance of working together to find solutions to common economic challenges. Today, the New England Council remains a leading voice on the issues that shape the region's economy and quality of life. The Council focuses on key industries that drive regional economic growth including education, technology, health care and financial services. With a diverse membership drawn from a wide spectrum of industries throughout the region, the Council brings the voice of New England to Capitol Hill. The Council has successfully shaped federal policies to both enhance the region's quality of life as well as stimulate long-term economic growth.

Durand & Anastas is a member of the New England Council.

Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies (PCCS), Provincetown, MA

www.coastalstudies.org

The Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies (PCCS) is a nonprofit institution dedicated to research and protection of marine mammals and coastal ecosystems. Since 1984, PCCS has freed more than seventy large whales from life threatening entanglements, using techniques developed by PCCS staff. PCCS is the only organization on the east coast of the United States federally authorized, by National Marine Fisheries Service, to disentangle large, free swimming whales, such as the humpback and the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale. Over the years PCCS has also disentangled other marine animals, like dolphins and porpoises, seals and sea turtles.

Tom Skinner serves on the Board of Directors of PCCS.

The Nature Conservancy (TNC), Boston, MA

www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/massachusetts/

Since 1962, with the protection of Black Pond Bog in Norwell, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has played an active role in land conservation here in Massachusetts. With the opening of the Massachusetts Chapter Office approximately ten years ago, TNC’s efforts have led to the protection of more than 22,000 acres of threatened habitat. The Chapter currently owns and manages more than twenty nature preserves across the state.

Bob Durand serves on the Board of Trustees of the Massachusetts Chapter of TNC.