Informs Delegates, Members of Congress about Recreational Boating's Economic Impact!
Following our successful event during the Republication National Convention in Tampa, NMMA brought together more than 125 delegates, Members of Congress, media and industry stakeholders on September 4 on Lake Norman, just outside of Charlotte, NC, during the Democratic National Convention. The educational event was held at the Peninsula Yacht Club and offered on-water demos and informative discussion on the social and economic importance of recreational boating in the U.S.

Attendees included various delegates from the states of Georgia, North Carolina, Ohio and Tennessee as well as Rep. Mike McIntyre of North Carolina and Rep. Carolyn Maloney of New York. A number of reporters from local media as well as boating industry trade media outlets covered the event, noting the economic impact the recreational boating has on the U.S. economy. In this election year, the recreational boating industry is taking its place on the national stage as not only a fun, family activity but as a key economic driver for the United States. NMMA seized the opportunity to bring together state delegates, policy makers, Members of Congress and the voters they serve.

Manufacturers were on hand with boats of all varieties as well as PWCs. More than half of all attendees were able to take boat rides or PWC rides, some for the very first time. The Charlotte Ski Team also participated in the event, entertaining the crowds with a ski show.

Similarly to the Tampa event, key issues included E15 and the recent court ruling that will place the dangerous fuel at pumps. Gevo, Inc. which produces an alternative biofuel, isobutanol, was on hand to discuss its research conducted in conjunction with NMMA and help attendees understand the benefits of alternative biofuels.

Sea Tow also attended the DNC event, speaking to safety measures and providing information about what to do in case of engine failure or if your vessel becomes stranded. NMMA advocates for mandatory boater education and provided examples of different PFD styles, emergency signals, GPS and positioning equipment as well as tips for a safe day on the water.
However, it was the economy that took the day's spotlight. NMMA staff impressed upon delegates and Members of Congress how important it is to implement policy that enables small businesses to provide jobs to the local communities that need them. Marine manufacturing contributes 72 billion dollars annually to the U.S. economy, a number which astounded many who had never been faced with the data. NMMA members were on site, sharing the stories of their businesses and why they made the important to decision to continue manufacturing in America.

One such story shared at the event was the success of SureShade. Dana Rusikoff was on hand to tell of the self-supported retractable sunshade that the company launched at IBEX in 2007. As a small business and an exporter, SureShade was the recipient of an SBA loan, part of a government initiative to ensure that small businesses are able to grow their operations. SureShade has continued to aggressively grow ever since, driving home the importance of policy that makes it easier for U.S. manufacturers to excel.

Sponsors for the September 4th event included Yamaha, Gevo, BRP, Sea Tow, SureShade, Kawasaki, Bonnier, Bennington, Premier Pontoons, Charlotte Ski Boats, Peninsula Yacht Club and Visit Lake Norman. To read the Charlotte Business Journal's take on our event, visit this link. Questions? Contact Lauren Dunn at ldunn@nmma.org.

Last Updated ( Thursday, 13 September 2012 )