NEWS RELEASE
GREAT LAKES BOAT BUILDING SCHOOL
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HARBOR SPRINGS, MICH. – Walstrom Marine is kicking off summer in Harbor Springs on June 29 in their beautiful showroom overlooking Little Traverse Bay following the 11th annual Blessing of the Fleet.
Walstrom Marine has a rich history in Harbor Springs dating back to 1947, when Ward Walstrom and Paul Griffeth purchased Melching Garage & Boat Works located on the Harbor Springs waterfront.
Today, Walstrom Marine has expanded into a titan of the marine industry in Michigan, with nine locations offering varying services across the state.
The Blessing of the Fleet has become an iconic Harbor Springs tradition, during which boats parade through Little Traverse Bay to receive a blessing for a safe season of boating.
Walstrom Marine has joined the town in celebration by offering events in their showroom following the fleet blessing to cap off this unique evening.
This year, the Walstrom Summer Kickoff Party will not just provide guests with a memorable experience, but will help support students of the Great Lakes Boat Building School as they prepare for rewarding careers in the marine industry
The Great Lakes Boat Building School (GLBBS) located in Cedarville, Mich., is the only accredited boat building school in the state of Michigan and offers two 12-month certification courses in Comprehensive Career Boat Building and Marine Service Technology.
GLBBS is beginning construction on a new addition to their campus this summer. When completed it will house a third certification course in Marine Electronics, the first course of its kind in the country.
With a shortage of skilled employees entering this vital industry, GLBBS has worked to expand their educational offerings and create partnerships with marine businesses that not only support the school but provide career opportunities for students following graduation.
Earlier this year, students from GLBBS visited Walstrom Marine and toured their facilities to experience what working for Walstrom Marine would be like. Walstrom currently employs four GLBBS graduates, and hopes to add more to their team in the future.
The Walstrom Marine Summer Kickoff Party begins at 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 29 directly following the fleet blessing.
The event will take place at the Walstrom Showroom in downtown Harbor Springs, where guests will enjoy live music from the Broom Closet Boys, hor d'oeuvres by The Crow’s Nest, and a silent auction featuring luxurious items and experiences.
All proceeds will benefit the Great Lakes Boat Building School’s Student Enrichment Fund. Tickets are $100 per person and limited to 200 guests.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.glbbs.edu/walstrom.
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