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The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) today announced a joint donation of $10,000 to the Marine Trades Association of New Jersey (MTA/NJ)’s Recovery & Relief Fund to provide aid to recreational marine businesses impacted by Hurricane Sandy. 

NMMA estimates that the recreational boating industry creates $1.6 billion in annual economic impact in New Jersey.  Making up part of the robust marine industry economic impact in New Jersey are approximately 1,140 marine businesses throughout the state that generate an estimated $224 million in labor income for employees.  What’s more, these businesses serve an estimated 160,000 registered boats in New Jersey.

"Our industry's businesses put their faith in trade associations, investing in us so that we can protect and serve them," says Matt Gruhn, president of the MRAA. "While there are numerous ways MTA/NJ, MRAA and NMMA work to deliver a return on investment for our members, the aftermath of events like Hurricane Sandy represent one of our most important opportunities to serve this great industry. By creating this Recovery & Relief Fund, MTA/NJ has given us a way to extend a hand to those recreational marine companies who have been hard hit by this natural disaster, and for that we are grateful."

“We hope our donation will help our colleagues in New Jersey receive the aid they need to get back on their feet post-Hurricane Sandy and revive the thriving New Jersey boating industry,” notes Thom Dammrich, president of NMMA. “Boating is a way of life for thousands of New Jersey residents—whether as an employee in the New Jersey marine industry or as a boater. Our industry is resilient and with momentum coming off of our recently wrapped Progressive Insurance New York Boat Show, we’re looking forward to the coming Progressive Insurance Atlantic City Boat Show creating a strong sales and marketing venue for the New Jersey boating community.”

About the Marine Trades Association of New Jersey Recovery & Relief Fund: The MTA/NJ Recovery & Relief Fun, a 501 (c) (3) corporation, was organized to provide relief and aid to recreational marine businesses in New Jersey that have been impacted by Hurricane Sandy and other national and local disasters.  The MTA/NJ Recovery & Relief Fund will accept donations and contributions to the fund as well as conduct fundraising activities.  All of the funds collected will be distributed directly to aid recreational marine businesses and individuals that have been adversely affected by Hurricane Sandy and other national and local disasters.
 

DONATE TODAY: Anyone wishing to make a donation can send a check payable to MTA/NJ Recovery & Relief Fund, located at 2516 Highway 35, Suite 201, Manasquan, NJ 08736.  For additional information, please contact the MTA/NJ offices at 732-292-1051; email: [email protected].
 

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About NMMA: National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is the leading association representing the recreational boating industry in North America. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters and anglers throughout the U.S. and Canada. The association is dedicated to industry growth through programs in public policy advocacy, market statistics and research, product quality assurance and promotion of the boating lifestyle. For more information, visit NMMA.org.

About MRAA: The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas is the only North American association dedicated to furthering the interests of boat and engine dealers and other marine-related retailers throughout North America. Under the umbrella of MRAA Rewards, the MRAA offers a host of cost-saving, revenue-generating, business-improvement, and professional-development benefits exclusively for its members. MRAA is the united voice of marine retailers. For more information, visit www.MRAA.com.