AMERICAN BOATING CONGRESS CONNECTS BOATING INDUSTRY LEADERS WITH CONGRESS IN D.C.

ABC Washington

 

Recreational boating business leaders from across the country share economic impact stories with key Congressional decision makers 

More than 250 business leaders from across all sectors of the U.S. recreational boating industry are gathering on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. today to kick off the annual American Boating Congress (ABC), a three day advocacy event.

With the unofficial start to boating season just under a month away on Memorial Day weekend, ABC gives members of the U.S. recreational boating industry a timely platform to  meet with legislators and other decision makers on Capitol Hill, hear from prominent economic and political speakers all while meeting with colleagues from around the country.

Segments of the industry attending ABC include boat, engine and marine accessory manufacturers, boat dealers, distributors and retailers, marine lenders and banks, members of the fishing industry, marinas, trade organizations, government groups, publishers from marine industry media, and boat owners.

Recreational boating is no small contributor to the U.S. economy. During the three-day event industry stakeholders will communicate on Capitol Hill the significance of our industry’s $121 billion annual direct, indirect and induced economic impact in addition to the priority issues facing recreational boating. Recreational boating supports more than 650,000 direct and indirect jobs and nearly 35,000 businesses nationwide. In fact, with summer upon us,  an estimated 87 million Americans are expected to take to the water in the U.S.. What’s more,  72% of boat owners earn a household income of less than $100,000, making recreational boating a decidedly middle class activity.

“Whether it’s that boating is a uniquely American manufacturing industry with 95 percent of boats sold in the U.S., made in the U.S. or the sheer number of jobs and small busineses supported by boating, we have an important story to tell,” notes Thom Dammrich, president of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). “Sharing our story on Capitol Hill during ABC is a critical element of our industry’s advocacy efforts and will go a long way toward an accurate understanding of the middle-class Americans creating a positive impact across the country.”

While meeting with policy makers, ABC attendees will also address some of the more pressing issues facing boaters and the U.S. boating industry including the Renewable Fuel Standard and E15, corporate tax reform and its affect on small businesses, aquatic invasive species and how the industry is responding, as well as many other legislative and regulatory concerns. A total of twelve concurrent issues workshops will be held during this year’s conference, each covering a different priority area affecting a specific industry segment.

Prominent speakers addressing areas of interest for the U.S. recreational boating industry include a keynote address from David Gregory, former NBC Meet the Press moderator as well as: Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1), Congressman Curt Clawson (FL-19), Mayor Tomas Regalado, City of Miami, Rear Admiral Paul Thomas, U. S. Coast Guard and Eileen Sobek, Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

www.nmma.org/abc  

Related Articles





Canada’s Marine Retailers Band Together to Form New Canadian Marine Retailers Association

CMRA

The provincial marine associations from across the country, collectively representing over 80,000 jobs and $9.2B in national annual economic impact, announced the formation of a new national association whose mandate will be to represent the interests of recreational boating including recreational boat retailing and brokering, boat and engine & trailer sales, accessories, slip rentals, service, storage, fuel sales and more. Headquartered in Penetanguishene, Ontario, the newly formed Canadian Marine Retailers Association (CMRA) will focus on national issues facing the sector.

“The formation of a national voice to address the many aspects of our sector that affect the jobs and lives of Canadians from coast to coast is something many of our provincial associations have been calling for, for years,” says Brett Ramsey, President of Boating Ontario. “This is a positive step to ensuring issues facing our sector are represented to decisionmakers in the federal government.” READ MORE




Need to Catch up on News This Week?

Every Tuesday we publish a fresh Digest with informative articles pertaining to the Canadian boating and marine industry. Stay up to date with the latest products, research and industry developments.

Missed an Issue of Boating Industry Canada News Week? If you’re looking for a specific issue, or simply want to catch up on previous issues, check out our Boating Industry Canada News Week Archives.

Not signed up for News Week? Subscribe here.



Just Launched

No posts


Five Impressive Features of the New Marex 440 Cruiser

The Marex 440 Cruiser is a beacon of innovation, representing the newest generation of cruisers embellished with modern design lines and groundbreaking innovations. Spanning a length of 13.70 metres and flaunting a maximum beam of 4.27 metres, this elegant vessel is destined to become the jewel of the Marex brand. Here, we explore five key aspects of the Marex 440 that redefine the cruising experience.

1. Diverse Modifications: The Marex 440 is available in two distinctive modifications: the 440 Gourmet Cruiser, boasting a vast U-shaped kitchen layout, and the 440 Scandinavia Version, featuring an additional enclosed salon for dining. These modifications are meticulously designed to offer a versatile cruising experience, whether you prefer an expansive kitchen or an additional dining space, catering to diverse preferences and lifestyle needs. READ MORE


Stainless steel outlet covers built for harsh weather

Hubbell-Marine Stainless steel outlet covers
Hubbell-Marine Stainless steel outlet covers

Stainless steel combines long-lasting corrosion resistance with an attractive, classic appearance to enhance any deck. That’s why Hubbell Marine uses it in its premium Stainless Steel Flip Covers to protect electrical terminals from impacts, weather, even curious children and pets.

Both styles of Hubbell Marine Stainless Steel Flip Covers, and associated hinge pins, springs and mounting hardware, are built from heavy-duty polished 316 stainless steel. The easy-to-clean covers are enhanced by durable elastomer base gaskets and EVA back gaskets for weatherproof reliability. READ MORE