Congressman Rudy Yakym visits Smoker Craft dealer meeting

Smoker Craft

Aug 21, 2023

Multi-line boat builder Smoker Craft Inc. welcomed Indiana’s Second District Congressman Rudy Yakym (R) as a guest of honor at its annual dealer meeting, which kicked off on Sunday at the company’s New Paris, Indiana manufacturing facility.

Yakym, a boating enthusiast and boating industry supporter, joined business leaders and senior representatives from more than 230 Smoker Craft dealer partners who traveled from across the US, Canada, and as far away as Columbia to attend the company’s annual dealer meeting. The event, which runs through August 10, features a packed agenda of business engagements, presentations, and more than 120 different 2024 Smoker Craft, Starcraft, Sylvan, SunChaser and Starweld models on display, with a further 20 available nearby for on-water sea trials.

Smoker Craft President Doug Smoker, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Development Peter Barrett, and Vice President of Sales Phil Smoker thanked Congressman Yakym for taking the time to tour the company’s facilities, and learn first-hand about the opportunities and challenges facing American manufacturers today.

Smoker CraftAs a special thank you, the company presented Yakym with a custom made Smoker Craft display sign for his Washington office.

Born and raised in nearby South Bend, Yakym received his bachelor’s degree in business finance and administration from Indiana University South Bend before earning an Executive MBA from the University of Notre Dame. Prior to his election to Congress, Yakym served as Director of Growth Initiatives at Elkhart-based logistics and supply chain management firm Kem Krest. He currently lives in Granger, in the heart of Indiana’s lake country, with wife Sallyann and children Elle, Rudy IV, and Eliza.

 

-30-

Media Contact:
Steve Huber
steve.huber@smokercraftinc.com
Direct: (574) 831-7718
Mobile: (574) 536-0069

Related Posts




Recreational Marine Industry Applauds Removal of the Luxury Tax on Boats in Budget 2025

NMMA Canada

OTTAWA (November 4, 2025)—Canada’s boating industry applauds Budget 2025’s commitment to remove the devastating luxury tax on boats, a failed tax policy that unfairly punished Canadian manufacturers and workers. When the luxury tax was first implemented in September 2022, Canada’s marine industry leaders were quick to point out the impending losses of middle-class jobs, government tax revenues and sales declines.

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.



Introducing the All-New Axopar 38 

Axopar pioneers once again to set new standards, with the Axopar 38 range marking a new era in adventure boating. The first model of the range debuted at Boot Düsseldorf 2026 with the world premiere of the Axopar 38 XC Cross Cabin, to be followed by the Axopar 38 Sun Top and Cross Top launching later this year.

Read More



Simrad Marine Electronics Debuts New NSO® 4

As Simrad Marine Electronics marks its 80th anniversary, the brand celebrates eight decades of innovation with the launch of NSO® 4 – the next chapter in marine navigation. Built on the revolutionary NEON™ operating system (OS) and designed to be the world’s most intuitive chartplotter, NSO 4 is the latest premium chartplotter and fishfinder in the Simrad® portfolio, delivering an unmatched combination of effortless control, lightning-fast performance, and sleek design, setting a new standard for offshore navigation.

Read More